International intrigue in London, involving an American university professor, an Arab prime minister, a ruthless businessman, a beautiful spy, and hieroglyphics.International intrigue in London, involving an American university professor, an Arab prime minister, a ruthless businessman, a beautiful spy, and hieroglyphics.International intrigue in London, involving an American university professor, an Arab prime minister, a ruthless businessman, a beautiful spy, and hieroglyphics.
- Won 1 BAFTA Award
- 2 wins & 4 nominations total
Lewis Alexander
- Racegoer
- (uncredited)
Jack Armstrong
- Ascot Racegoer
- (uncredited)
Peter Avella
- Henchman
- (uncredited)
Roy Beck
- Reporter at Press Conference
- (uncredited)
Paul Beradi
- Ascot Racegoer
- (uncredited)
Michael Bilton
- Camera Shop Owner
- (uncredited)
Ernest Blyth
- Man at Gatwick Airport
- (uncredited)
George Curtis
- Man in Crowd
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGregory Peck found the stunts particularly difficult because of an old leg injury due to horseback riding. During the escape in the corn field, Peck had to keep telling Sophia Loren to slow down because it looked as if she was rescuing him and not the other way around.
- GoofsAfter the man has been drowned in the fish tank, there are several shots of the actors with the tank in the background. In all but one of the shots, the drowned man is seen floating on the surface. In the goofed shot, the drowned man can be seen swimming toward the side of the tank.
- Quotes
David Pollock: Follow that car!
Taxi Driver: All my life I have waited for somebody to say that!
- Alternate versionsFor the UK theatrical release, the BBFC removed a few seconds of the drowning in the aquarium and the sight of a man being bloodily shot in the face in order to obtain an 'A' rating (the equivalent of today's 'PG'). All later releases have been uncut and rated '12.'
- ConnectionsFeatured in Biography: Sophia Loren: Actress Italian Style (1997)
- SoundtracksWe've Loved Before (Yasmin's Theme)
Written by Henry Mancini, Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Conducted by Henry Mancini
Featured review
"If I were standing stark naked in front of Mr. Pollack, he'd probably yawn!"
As has been duly noted before, "Arabesque" is essentially an update of Stanley Donen's own "Charade." This time, however, the plot twists are more convoluted, the camerwork is decidedly more "mod" (shooting through chandeliers, reflections in sunglass lenses, etc.) and there is an even greater emphasis on the female star's wardrobe. If the story is more confusing and less compelling than "Charade," it certainly isn't at the expense of entertainment. Its derivative nature (it not only incorporates parts of "Charade," but also the drunk and cropdusting scenes from "North by Northwest") prevents "Arabesque" from entering the elevated realm of its predecessor, but it's a delight, nevertheless. Its strongest selling point, really, is the utterly delectable Sophia Loren as Yasmin, the side-switching enigma. It is a strong statement to declare that the glorious Miss Loren has never appeared more beautiful, before or since, than in this film--but I'm willing to take the risk. Her huge, almond, almost Egyptian eyes; tawny, caramel-colored skin; lustrous hair; and world-famous curves have never been seen to better advantage. (Her stunning Christian Dior costumes certainly add to her already formidable allure.) She also displays a very nice light comedic touch; it wouldn't be difficult to dislike someone so supernaturally gorgeous, but instead, Loren's natural warmth and humor shine through. Gregory Peck, on the other hand, looks more than a little ragged around the edges; Cary Grant obviously didn't lend Peck any of his age-defying secrets. His performance isn't nearly as bad or hammy as some other reviews have indicated, but where Loren's charisma and beauty aid her in creating a completely different character than Audrey Hepburn's in "Charade," Peck comes off as an unfortunately blurred carbon coby of Grant in that earlier film. Having said that, "Arabesque" still stands on its own merits as a cracking good comedy-thriller; the final few scenes are terrifically suspenseful. Alan Badel makes a wonderfully oily villain (love the shades!), and Kieron Moore adds a healthy shot of dated humor as a jive-talking Arabian (!). Although the twists and turns might be confusing for some, just sit back and bask in the glory that is Sophia Loren. You know the good guys will win in the end, anyway.
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- TJBNYC
- Aug 3, 2001
- How long is Arabesque?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $4,800,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 45 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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