Girl of 17 (1958)
A tender yet defiant love story from Egypt's golden age of cinema, where two young hearts refuse to be separated by family disapproval.
Girl of 17 - Movie Information
- Original Title: بنت 17
- Release Year: 1958
- Directed by: Kamal Atteya
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Arabic
- Spoken Languages: Arabic
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 27, 1958 (Egypt)
- Production Countries: Egypt
Girl of 17 - Plot
Law student Safaa (Zubaida Tharwat) loves her colleague Kamal (Ahmed Ramzy), and the two want to get married. However, her father Ibrahim (Hussein Riad) opposes this relationship because Kamal's mother, Horia (Zouzou Madi), runs her house as a gambling ground. He tries hard to sever the ties between them, but the father's efforts go down the drain because the two lovers are attached to each other. The father turns to his friend Dr. Refaat (Mahmoud Zulfikar) asking him to intervene, but Refaat advises the father not to stand in his daughter's way.
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Girl of 17 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kamal Atteya
Main Cast
- Zubaida Tharwat
- Ahmed Ramzy
- Hussein Reyaad
- Zouzou Mady
- Abdel Moneim Ibrahim
- Wedad Hamdy
- Abdelaziz Hamdy
- Mahmoud Zulfiqar
- Fifi Youssef
- Malak Elgamal
Writers
- Hussein El-Mohandess
Girl of 17 - FAQs
What is Girl of 17 about?
Girl of 17 follows Safaa, a law student who falls for her classmate Kamal. Her father strongly disapproves because Kamal's mother runs an illegal gambling den at home. Despite his efforts to separate them, the couple's bond proves unbreakable, and a family friend ultimately counsels the father to let love take its course.
Who are the main actors in Girl of 17?
The film stars Zubaida Tharwat and Ahmed Ramzy as the young lovers at the heart of the story. They are joined by Hussein Reyaad, Zouzou Mady, Mahmoud Zulfiqar, Abdel Moneim Ibrahim, Wedad Hamdy, Abdelaziz Hamdy, Fifi Youssef, and Malak Elgamal in supporting roles.
When was Girl of 17 released?
Girl of 17 was released on October 27, 1958, in Egypt. It came out during a particularly vibrant era for Egyptian cinema, when the country's film industry was widely regarded as the Hollywood of the Arab world, producing some of the most beloved classics of the region.
Who directed Girl of 17?
Girl of 17 was directed by Kamal Atteya, an Egyptian filmmaker active during the golden age of Arabic cinema. The film showcases his ability to blend romantic drama with social commentary, capturing the tensions between parental authority and the desires of a younger, more modern generation.
Is Girl of 17 based on a true story?
Girl of 17 is not based on a specific true story. The screenplay was written by Hussein El-Mohandess and presents an original dramatic narrative. Its themes of family conflict, class tension, and youthful romance, however, resonated deeply with Egyptian audiences of the late 1950s and continue to feel relatable today.
What language is Girl of 17 in?
Girl of 17 is entirely in Arabic. It is an Egyptian production, and the dialogue reflects the Egyptian Arabic dialect characteristic of classic Cairo-produced films of the 1950s. Viewers who enjoy classic Arabic-language cinema will find it a compelling and emotionally rich watch.
What are some movies similar to Girl of 17?
If Girl of 17 appeals to you, you might also enjoy A Wedding (2017), The Little Sister (2025), Finally Dawn (2024), On the Edge (2022), 3 Faces (2018), Red Soil (2021), One Week Friends (2022), The Time It Takes (2024), A Brother's Love (2019), and Promises (2022).
How long is Girl of 17?
Girl of 17 runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is a compact, well-paced drama that keeps the emotional stakes high throughout, making it an engaging watch from start to finish without overstaying its welcome.
More About Girl of 17
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