1001 Arabian Nights

1001 Arabian Nights

Year: 1959

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack Kinney

AnimationComedyFantasy

In this animated retelling, Abdul Aziz Magoo—an ancestor of Mr. Magoo and Aladdin’s lamp‑selling uncle—presses his lazy nephew to find a wife. Aladdin falls for Princess Yasminda, but the evil Wazir kidnaps him, sending him on a quest for a magic lamp that grants three wishes and unlimited power.

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Timeline & Setting – 1001 Arabian Nights (1959)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 1001 Arabian Nights (1959). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Distant Middle Eastern Kingdom

A fairy-tale realm inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, featuring a grand royal palace and bustling markets. The kingdom is financially strained, creating a backdrop of political intrigue and opportunistic schemes. Key locales include a majestic palace and a perilous magic cave where the lamp resides, anchoring the story's adventures.

🏰 Palace 🏜️ Desert 🧭 Fantasy Realm 🏛️ Royal Court

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:15

Main Characters – 1001 Arabian Nights (1959)

Meet the key characters of 1001 Arabian Nights (1959), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Aladdin (Dwayne Hickman)

A young, hopeful, and slightly naive man who falls in love with Princess Yasminda. He gains wealth and status through the lamp's genie, triggering both admiration and danger. When accused of fraud, he must rely on courage and quick thinking to survive the trials. His arc culminates in mature love and rightful happiness with Yasminda.

🎭 Protagonist 💡 Clever ❤️ Romantic

The Wicked Wazir (Hans Conried)

Power-hungry adviser siphoning royal funds, scheming to seize the throne and the princess. He manipulates the Sultan into pursuing wealth and controls the genie to fortify his rule. His lamp-stealing plot and fall from power drive the climax. His defeat underscores that tyranny cannot outlast loyalty and courage.

🎭 Villain 💰 Power-hungry 🗡️ Manipulative

Princess Yasminda (Kathryn Grant)

A princess who falls in love with Aladdin, challenging the Wazir's schemes and royal expectations. She embodies grace and resolve, balancing love with duty to her kingdom. Her alliance with Aladdin anchors the story's emotional core. Her eventual marriage to Aladdin signifies justice through true affection.

🎭 Romantic ❤️ Loyal 👑 Royal

The Sultan (Alan Reed)

The monarch whose finances are strained by the Wazir's machinations. He is swayed by the prospect of wealth and political security but eventually endorses Yasminda's marriage to Aladdin after the riches appear. His leadership frames the kingdom's moral arc toward resolution and legitimacy.

👑 King 🏛️ Ruler 💬 Authority

Uncle Abdul Azziz Magoo (Jim Backus)

A nearsighted, well-meaning lamp-shop owner who underestimates the trouble his naive acts cause. His bumbling humor inadvertently disrupts the wedding plan yet also catalyzes the eventual reversal of events. He ultimately wishes happiness for Aladdin and Yasminda, showing his caretaker heart.

🎭 Comic 👁️ Nearsighted 💡 Well-meaning

The Jinni of the Lamp (Herschel Bernardi)

A powerful, playful genie who grants wealth and status when bound to Aladdin, then aligns with him against the Wazir. The genie represents wish-fulfillment and the danger of unchecked power. Loyalty and wisdom ultimately guide the genie’s choices in support of the rightful couple.

🧞 Genie ✨ Magical 🤝 Loyal

Omar the Rugmaker / The Royal Accountant / Heralds (Daws Butler)

A versatile supporting figure who adds comic relief and helps move the plot through his varied roles. His appearances punctuate key twists and provide a lighter counterpoint to the kingdom-wide intrigue. He embodies the film’s playful, theatrical tone.

🎭 Supporting 🧵 Comic relief 🧭 Versatile

The Three Little Maids from Damascus (The Clark Sisters)

A musical trio that adds charm and whimsy to the courtly scenes. They contribute to the film’s light-hearted mood and festive moments. Their presence helps balance danger with song and laughter.

🎶 Chorus 😂 Comic relief ✨ Whimsy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:15

Major Themes – 1001 Arabian Nights (1959)

Explore the central themes of 1001 Arabian Nights (1959), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Wealth

Wealth drives the plot as treasure and magical riches shift power within the kingdom. Aladdin's sudden ascent from humble origins to princely wealth provokes both admiration and danger. The Wazir uses money to extend his influence, corrupting judgment and loyalty. Ultimately, material riches are shown to matter little without love and integrity.

❤️ Love

Love between Aladdin and Princess Yasminda transcends status and manipulative plots. Their romance motivates brave choices and resilience under pressure. The Wazir's scheming and Magoo's naiveté test their bond, forcing trust and sacrifice. In the end, love triumphs, enabling a hopeful marriage.

🗡️ Deception

Deception drives much of the conflict, from Wazir's scheme to capture the princess to Aladdin's fabricated persona. Aladdin is briefly branded a fraud, highlighting how appearances can mask true character. Magoo's clumsy meddling both fuels and later thwartss the plots. Truth and loyalty ultimately prevail over trickery.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:15

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1001 Arabian Nights Summary

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1001 Arabian Nights Timeline

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