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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Arabian Nights (1942)

Trace every key event in Arabian Nights (1942) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kamar's revolt and palace free

Inside the royal palace, the women of the harem hear the tale of Sherazade. Kamar's infatuation drives a revolt against Haroun, which ends in failure. The court sentences Kamar to a slow death by exposure, but his loyal men storm the palace and free him. The revolt sets the stage for the throne struggle that follows.

Royal Palace / Harem
2

Haroun discovers refuge in the circus

Haroun, wounded and desperate, stumbles upon Sherazade's wandering circus. The acrobat Ali Ben Ali recognizes the caliph’s danger and hides Haroun among the troupe. Haroun's presence is kept secret as the performers continue their act.

Circus Grounds
3

Haroun falls in love with Sherazade

After waking from his injuries, Haroun sees Sherazade and instantly falls in love. He remains hidden among the performers, his feelings growing as he watches her. The romance becomes a central thread that later complicates the throne struggle.

Circus Grounds
4

Kamar orders search for Sherazade

Kamar becomes caliph and searches for Sherazade. He orders the captain of his guard to locate her, while the scheming vizier Nadan schemes to make her disappear. The captain’s mission begins a chain of treachery that threatens everyone.

Caliphate Capital
5

Captain sells troupe into slavery

The captain locates the troupe and sells them into slavery to cover his failure. Nadan murders the captain to erase his treachery and ensure the plan to remove Sherazade continues unchecked.

Slave Pens
6

Escape and desert tent city

Haroun, Sherazade, and the acrobats escape the slave pens but are pursued by Kamar's army. They are captured and taken to a desert tent city, where the harsh conditions test their resolve. The escape attempt marks a turning point in the struggle.

Desert Tent City
7

Kamar proposes; Sherazade's love for Haroun

Within the desert encampment, Kamar reunites with Sherazade and proposes marriage. Sherazade, however, has fallen in love with Haroun and rejects the offer. The love triangle intensifies the political stakes.

Desert Encampment
8

Nadan blackmails Sherazade

Nadan uses his knowledge of the caliph to blackmail Sherazade into helping remove Kamar from the throne, promising Haroun safe passage. Secretly, he plans to have Haroun killed once they cross the border. Sherazade is torn between loyalty, love, and fear.

Desert Encampment
9

Ali rescues Haroun; identity revealed

Ali and the other performers manage a rescue attempt for Haroun, who decides to free Sherazade with the help of the acrobats. They are quickly captured again, and Sherazade learns Haroun’s true identity as Haroun al-Rashid. The revelation deepens the conflict as trust is tested.

Desert Camp
10

Duel, fire, and battle

Kamar confronts Haroun in a sword duel, while the acrobats set fire to the tents to create an escape route. The caliph's loyal troops, summoned by Ali, arrive and trigger a massive battle. The stakes reach a fever pitch as loyalty, love, and power collide.

Desert Camp / Tent City
11

Nadan's downfall

Nadan assassinates Kamar as he is about to strike Haroun. Ahmad and Ali intervene, forcing Nadan to flee. He dies when a spear drives through him in a burning tent, ending his treacherous plot.

Desert Tent City
12

Victory and reunion

With the treachery quashed and the throne stabilized, Haroun, Sherazade, and their loyal friends celebrate the victory. The lovers envision a future together, free from danger and political intrigue. The film closes on a note of reconciliation and hope.

Caliphate Capital

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:29

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Arabian Nights Summary

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Arabian Nights Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Arabian Nights

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Arabian Nights

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