Harum Scarum (1965)
Elvis Presley trades Hollywood for the Middle East in this breezy musical comedy full of songs, shenanigans, and spy-spoof charm.
Harum Scarum - Movie Information
- Original Title: Harum Scarum
- Release Year: 1965
- Directed by: Gene Nelson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Crime, Music, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 15, 1965 (United States - NR), December 26, 1965 (United Kingdom - U), July 8, 1966 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Harem Holiday (UK)
- Production Companies: Four-Leaf Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Harum Scarum - Plot
Johnny Tyronne, action movie star and ladies man, is traveling through the Middle East on a goodwill tour to promote his latest movie, "Sands of the Desert". Once he arrives, however, he is kidnapped by a gang of assassins who were so impressed with his on-screen adventures that they want to hire him to carry out an assassination for them.
Harum Scarum - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Elvis bring the big beat to Baghdad:
1001 Swingin' nights as ELVIS brings the Big Beat to Bagdad in a riotous, rockin' rollin' adventure spoof!!!
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Harum Scarum - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gene Nelson
Main Cast
- Elvis Presley
- Mary Ann Mobley
- Fran Jeffries
- Michael Ansara
- Jay Novello
- Phillip Reed
- Theo Marcuse
- Billy Barty
- Dirk Harvey
- Jack Costanzo
Writers
- Gerald Drayson Adams
Producers
- Sam Katzman
Harum Scarum - FAQs
What is Harum Scarum about?
Harum Scarum follows Johnny Tyronne, an action movie star played by Elvis Presley, who gets kidnapped during a Middle East goodwill tour. A gang of assassins, impressed by his on-screen heroics, want him to carry out a real assassination. It's a lighthearted musical comedy mixing spy-spoof antics with Elvis's signature songs.
Does Harum Scarum have any good Elvis songs?
The soundtrack features eight Elvis numbers, including "Harem Holiday," "My Desert Serenade," and "Shake That Tambourine." While the songs are fun and breezy, even Elvis himself reportedly wasn't thrilled with the material. Still, fans of his 1960s film era will find plenty to enjoy in the upbeat, exotic-flavored tunes.
Where can you stream or watch Harum Scarum?
You can rent or buy Harum Scarum on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you'd rather not spend anything, it's also available to watch for free with ads on YouTube Free — a great option for casual Elvis fans.
Is Harum Scarum based on a true story?
No, Harum Scarum is entirely fictional. Screenwriter Gerald Drayson Adams crafted an original story designed to showcase Elvis in an exotic, adventure-comedy setting. The Middle Eastern backdrop was largely inspired by Hollywood's long tradition of Arabian Nights fantasy films rather than any real events or people.
Who are the main cast members in Harum Scarum?
Elvis Presley leads the cast as Johnny Tyronne, with Mary Ann Mobley playing Princess Shalimar and Fran Jeffries as the alluring Aishah. Michael Ansara brings menace as the villain Prince Dragna, while character actors Jay Novello, Phillip Reed, Theo Marcuse, and Billy Barty round out the colorful supporting ensemble.
Was Harum Scarum a box office success?
Yes, modestly so. Made on a budget of around $2.4 million, Harum Scarum earned approximately $3.1 million at the box office, turning a profit for producer Sam Katzman. It was a typical result for Elvis's mid-1960s films — not a blockbuster, but reliably profitable thanks to his devoted fanbase.
How was Harum Scarum received by critics?
Critics were largely unkind to Harum Scarum upon release, dismissing it as formulaic and hastily produced. Even Elvis reportedly called it one of his worst films. Over the decades, however, it has gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its campy charm, outlandish premise, and the sheer fun of watching Elvis in a fez.
What is the UK title of Harum Scarum?
In the United Kingdom, the film was released under the title Harem Holiday — a name considered more marketable for British audiences at the time. The story and content are identical; only the title differs. Both titles capture the film's playful, tongue-in-cheek tone perfectly.
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