The Barbarian (1933)
A pre-Code Hollywood adventure romance set in Cairo, starring Ramon Novarro and Myrna Loy under the direction of Sam Wood.
The Barbarian - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Barbarian
- Release Year: 1933
- Directed by: Sam Wood
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 12, 1933 (United States - NR), October 20, 1933 (France)
- Alternative Titles: A Night in Cairo (UK), En Nat i Kairo (DK), Una notte al Cairo (IT), El árabe (ES), Le chant du Nil (FR), Eine Nacht in Kairo (AT), A Night in Cairo (US), A Canção do Nilo (PT)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Barbarian - Plot
An Arab prince masquerades as a tour guide for rich women in order to enrich himself.
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The Barbarian - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sam Wood
Main Cast
- Ramon Novarro
- Myrna Loy
- Reginald Denny
- Louise Closser Hale
- C. Aubrey Smith
- Edward Arnold
- Blanche Friderici
- Marcelle Corday
- Hedda Hopper
- Leni Stengel
Writers
- Elmer Harris
- Anita Loos
Producers
- Sam Wood
The Barbarian - FAQs
What is The Barbarian (1933) about?
The Barbarian follows Jamil El Shehab, an Arab prince who disguises himself as a charming tour guide to swindle wealthy Western tourists in Cairo. When he meets the spirited Diana Standing, his scheme takes an unexpected turn as attraction and obsession blur the line between deception and desire.
Why is The Barbarian considered a pre-Code film?
The Barbarian was released in 1933, before Hollywood's strict Production Code enforcement began in 1934. This allowed the film to include bold content — including a suggestive bathing scene, themes of abduction, and interracial romance — that would have been censored just a year or two later.
Where can you watch The Barbarian (1933)?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The Barbarian on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. As a 1933 classic, availability may vary, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently streaming or available for rental.
Is there a kidnapping scene in The Barbarian?
Yes — one of the film's most controversial moments involves Jamil abducting Diana and taking her into the desert. It's a dramatically charged sequence that reflects the orientalist fantasy tropes common in early Hollywood, and it remains one of the most discussed aspects of the film among classic cinema scholars.
Who are the main actors in The Barbarian?
The film stars Ramon Novarro as the charismatic Jamil El Shehab and Myrna Loy as the independent-minded Diana Standing. The supporting cast includes Reginald Denny, C. Aubrey Smith, Edward Arnold, and a young Hedda Hopper, who would later become one of Hollywood's most famous gossip columnists.
Did Ramon Novarro sing in The Barbarian?
He did! The film's tagline — “Hear Novarro sing love songs of the Nile!” — was a genuine selling point. Ramon Novarro was not only a major silent-era star but also a trained singer, and his musical performances in the film added a romantic, exotic atmosphere that audiences of the era found irresistible.
What are some films similar to The Barbarian?
If you enjoy The Barbarian's blend of exotic adventure and romance, you might also like The Sheik (1921) with Rudolph Valentino, Road to Morocco (1942), The Thief of Bagdad (1924 or 1940), Death Takes a Holiday (1934), and The Pirate (1948) — all films that share its spirit of escapist, faraway fantasy.
Who directed The Barbarian and who wrote the screenplay?
Sam Wood directed the film, with the screenplay written by Elmer Harris and the legendary Anita Loos — best known for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Loos brought her sharp wit to the adaptation, and cinematographer Harold Rosson gave the film its lush, sun-drenched visual style.
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