Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights

Year: 1942

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: John Rawlins

ActionAdventure

In a dazzling Baghdad teeming with magic and the opulence of Arabian Nights, daring thieves cross paths with two half‑brothers locked in a ruthless struggle for the throne. Their rivalry intensifies as both vie for the affection of Scheherazade, the captivating dancer whose beauty and talent enchant all who see her.

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Timeline & Setting – Arabian Nights (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Arabian Nights (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Caliphate-era, legendary medieval fantasy

The story is set in a mythical past inspired by Arabian Nights, within a caliphate-era world of kings, viziers, and rebellion. It features palace coups, captures, and daring escapes that feel timeless rather than tied to a specific real-world year. The tone emphasizes romance, treachery, and collective resistance within a fantastical historical frame.

Location

Ancient Persia, palace fortress, desert tent city, traveling circus

The film unfolds in a mythic version of ancient Persia, centered on the caliphate of Haroun al-Rashid and the power struggles within his court. The action spans opulent palaces, a harsh desert tent city, and a wandering circus troupe that becomes a stage for political maneuvering and escape. The setting blends royal intrigue with perilous journeys across the desert, where loyalties are tested and alliances shift.

🏰 Palace 🏜️ Desert 🎪 Circus

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:17

Main Characters – Arabian Nights (1942)

Meet the key characters of Arabian Nights (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Haroun-Al-Raschid (Jon Hall)

The rightful caliph whose throne is threatened by Kamar’s revolt. He is wounded, hidden among the circus, and gradually reclaims his identity and rule with courage and leadership. He embodies noble resolve and unwavering commitment to his people and Sherazade.

👑 Caliph 🗡️ Leader 🛡️ Noble

Sherazade (Maria Montez)

A dancer in a wandering circus who becomes central to the political intrigue. Her charm and resilience help her survive, and her love for Haroun anchors the resistance to Kamar’s schemes. She demonstrates agency and courage under pressure.

💃 Dancer ❤️ Protagonist 🛡️ Resilient

Ali Ben Ali (Sabu)

A loyal acrobat who hides the wounded Haroun and assists in escape and rescue plans. He is quick-thinking, brave, and deeply devoted to protecting Haroun, Sherazade, and the troupe. His actions catalyze crucial turning points in the story.

🤸 Acrobat 🛡️ Loyal 🗺️ Rescuer

Kamar (Leif Erickson)

The ambitious prince who seizes the throne, using manipulation and force to undermine Haroun. His scheming drives the conflict, and his downfall comes from the unity of Haroun’s allies and Sherazade’s resistance.

👑 Usurper 🗡️ Manipulator 🔥 Ambitious

Nadan (Edgar Barrier)

The grand vizier whose treachery pushes the plot forward: he engineers Sherazade’s disappearance, murders the captain to hide his schemes, and leverages Haroun’s identity for political advantage. He embodies deceit and self-interest.

🗡️ Schemer 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulator 🎭 treacherous

Captain of the Guard (Turhan Bey)

The loyal captain who is manipulated by Nadan and ultimately forced into selling the troupe into slavery. He becomes entangled in the treachery and pays a price for his role in the power struggle.

🛡️ Guard 🗺️ Participant in fate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:17

Major Themes – Arabian Nights (1942)

Explore the central themes of Arabian Nights (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and loyalty

Love anchors the drama as Haroun and Sherazade’s bond grows amid political peril. Sherazade’s choices are influenced by her feelings for Haroun and her commitment to her troupe. The romance tests loyalties and becomes a catalyst for standing up to treacherous schemes.

🗡️ Power and treachery

Kamar’s bid for the throne drives the central conflict, backed by the scheming vizier Nadan. Betrayals and assassinations propel the plot, showing how ambition can corrupt justice and destabilize a realm. The narrative examines the costs of seizing power at any cost.

🕊️ Freedom and rebellion

The slave pens and subsequent escapes highlight a struggle for freedom against oppression. Allies form across the circus troupe and loyal guards as they resist capture and manipulation. The climactic rescues and battles emphasize resilience, solidarity, and the fight for dignity.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:17

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Unlock the Full Story of Arabian Nights

Don't stop at just watching — explore Arabian Nights 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 Arabian Nights is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Arabian Nights Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Arabian Nights, 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.

Arabian Nights Summary

Arabian Nights Timeline

Track the full timeline of Arabian Nights with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Arabian Nights Timeline

More About Arabian Nights

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Explore More About Movie Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights (1942) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Arabian Nights (1942) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Arabian Nights (1942) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow