Year: 1966
Runtime: 105 min
Language: English
Director: Stanley Donen
Renowned professor David Pollock finds himself entangled in a dangerous plot threatening the Middle East’s stability. He’s tasked with deciphering ancient hieroglyphics while navigating a complex web of deception and intrigue, facing off against the shrewd Beshraavi. As Pollock delves deeper, he must confront treacherous alliances and hidden agendas, all while grappling with his feelings for the mysterious Yasmin Azir. But can he trust her, or is she involved in a deadly game of her own?
Get a spoiler-free look at Arabesque (1966) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where ancient secrets pulse beneath the sleek veneer of modern diplomacy, a fragile balance hangs over the Middle East. The film opens amidst whispers of a looming crisis, a cryptic collection of hieroglyphics that could reshape political fortunes and ignite unrest. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of incense and polished marble, a blend of scholarly curiosity and high‑stakes espionage that keeps the audience perpetually on edge.
David Pollock is a distinguished professor whose reputation for decoding forgotten languages makes him an unlikely pawn in a game of power. Drawn from the quiet halls of Oxford into a web of intrigue, he is asked to apply his intellect to a puzzle that transcends academia. The tone‑setting contrast between his methodical, rational world and the unpredictable currents of international conspiracies creates a tension that drives the narrative forward, hinting at both intellectual challenge and personal peril.
Enter Yasmin Azir, the enigmatic owner of a lavish London residence and the charismatic focal point of the story’s romantic undercurrent. Her poise and mystery amplify the film’s seductive mood, and her subtle exchanges with David suggest a partnership fraught with unspoken motives. Their growing connection is set against a backdrop of opulent yet claustrophobic settings, where whispers in marble corridors hint at alliances that may shift like sand.
Allied, at least in appearance, with the calculating Nejim Beshraavi, the stakes rise beyond scholarly pursuit. The tone remains a polished blend of thriller and romance, where each deciphered line of the ancient script promises both revelation and danger. The film invites viewers to wonder whether trust can survive amid deception, and whether a scholar’s love for symbols can illuminate a path through a maze of political shadows.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:19
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stylish adventures where high-stakes espionage mixes with romantic tension.If you liked the glamorous intrigue and romantic tension of Arabesque, explore more movies with stylish espionage, globe-trotting plots, and charming agents navigating a world of deception. These films deliver thrilling adventures with a sophisticated, exciting feel.
The narrative typically follows a charismatic protagonist—often an amateur or academic reluctantly pulled into a conspiracy—who must decipher a clue, outsmart a cunning villain, and navigate a web of shifting loyalties. The journey is a series of elegant chases, close calls, and deceptions, where the line between ally and enemy is constantly blurred, culminating in a victory that feels both exciting and satisfying.
These movies are grouped by their shared blend of high-stakes espionage, a glamorous aesthetic, and a central, treacherous romance. They prioritize thrilling action and clever plotting while maintaining a lighthearted, adventurous tone that makes the peril feel exciting rather than grim.
An ordinary professional is thrust into a deadly game of international intrigue.Fans of Arabesque's Professor Pollock will enjoy these films where an ordinary expert is pulled into extraordinary danger. If you like stories of intellectuals solving puzzles under pressure and navigating treacherous alliances, these movies offer a similar smart, suspenseful experience.
The plot hinges on a MacGuffin-like secret—a code, a formula, or an artifact—that only the protagonist can decipher. Their journey is one of rapid education in survival and intrigue, as they are pursued by sophisticated enemies and must learn whom to trust, often forming a fraught alliance with a mysterious figure whose motives are unclear until the very end.
This grouping is defined by the specific character arc of an intellectual protagonist applying their niche skills in a high-pressure, life-threatening situation. The appeal lies in watching a logical mind navigate illogical dangers, solving a complex puzzle while running for their life.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Arabesque in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Arabesque is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Arabesque, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Arabesque with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Arabesque. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Arabesque: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Arabesque that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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