Houseboat No. 70 (1982)
A gripping Egyptian mystery-crime film where a documentary filmmaker risks everything to expose a deadly industrial conspiracy.
Houseboat No. 70 - Movie Information
Houseboat No. 70 - Plot
Documentary filmmaker Ahmed El Shazly is working on a new film about a cotton gin. When a worker who reveals to him what's happening in the gin is killed, Ahmed and his sweetheart are determined to uncover the truth.
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Houseboat No. 70 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Khairy Beshara
Main Cast
- Kamal Al-Shenawy
- Ahmed Zaki
- Magda El Khatib
- Ahmad Bedir
- Mohamed Khan
- Tayseir Fahmy
- Hamdy El Wazeer
- Ahmed Shawqi
- Ibrahim El Sharqawy
- Salama Elias
Writers
- Khairy Beshara
- Fayez Ghali
Houseboat No. 70 - FAQs
What is Houseboat No. 70 about?
Houseboat No. 70 follows Ahmed El Shazly, a documentary filmmaker investigating a cotton gin operation. When a worker who confides in him is murdered, Ahmed and his sweetheart refuse to let the truth stay buried. The film blends conspiracy, danger, and determination into a gripping Egyptian mystery-crime story.
Is Houseboat No. 70 considered a classic of Egyptian cinema?
Yes, Houseboat No. 70 is widely regarded as one of the standout films of early 1980s Egyptian cinema. Director Khairy Beshara brought a fresh, socially aware lens to the mystery genre, and Ahmed Zaki's performance helped cement the film's reputation as a landmark of the era.
Does Houseboat No. 70 carry a social or political message?
Absolutely. Beneath its crime-thriller surface, the film critiques corruption and exploitation in Egyptian industry. The cotton gin setting is no accident — it frames a story about workers silenced by powerful interests, and a filmmaker who refuses to look away. It's a mystery with real moral weight.
Who are the main actors in Houseboat No. 70?
The film stars Kamal Al-Shenawy as Hussein and Ahmed Zaki as the lead, Ahmed Al-Shazly. Magda El Khatib plays Souad, his sweetheart, while Ahmad Bedir, Mohamed Khan, and Tayseir Fahmy round out a strong ensemble cast that brings the story's tension and intrigue to life.
Who directed Houseboat No. 70?
Houseboat No. 70 was directed by Khairy Beshara, one of Egypt's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for his humanist storytelling and sharp social commentary, Beshara crafted a film that stands out for its atmosphere and narrative intelligence within the Egyptian mystery-crime genre.
When was Houseboat No. 70 released?
The film premiered in Egypt on April 22, 1982. It arrived during a vibrant period for Egyptian cinema and quickly drew attention for its bold subject matter and strong performances, particularly from Ahmed Zaki, who was becoming one of Egypt's most compelling screen presences.
What are some films similar to Houseboat No. 70?
If you enjoy Houseboat No. 70, you might like The Blue Gardenia (1953), Fallen Angel (1945), or The Public Eye (1992) — all atmospheric crime mysteries with investigative leads drawn into dangerous truths. Time Without Pity (1957) and The Limits of Control (2009) also share its mood of slow-burn tension.
What is the runtime of Houseboat No. 70?
Houseboat No. 70 runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes. That's a generous runtime for a mystery-crime film, and Khairy Beshara uses it well — building atmosphere, developing characters, and letting the conspiracy unfold at a deliberate, immersive pace rather than rushing toward its conclusion.
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