The Prince Who Was a Thief

The Prince Who Was a Thief

Year: 1951

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Rudolph Maté

AdventureRomance

A vibrant, swashbuckling tale that feels straight out of Arabian Nights. The story follows a prince abducted as an infant, raised among thieves, who discovers his royal lineage and must outwit his tyrannical uncle to reclaim the throne, all set against lavish costumes and exotic locales.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Prince Who Was a Thief yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951)

Trace every key event in The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951) 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

Yussef refuses to kill the infant Hussein

In 13th-century Tangiers, master thief Yussef is hired by Mokar, agent of Regent Prince Mustapha, to kill baby Hussein so Mustapha can seize the throne. He cannot go through with the act and instead raises the child as his own, naming him Julna. The child's royal lineage remains hidden, marked only by a royal seal tattoo on his arm beneath a silver armband.

13th century Tangiers
2

Julna's secret lineage kept at home

As Julna grows, Yussef keeps the truth of his birth secret and protects him from palace intrigue. The evidence of Julna's royal blood remains concealed under the armband, a quiet reminder of his true identity. Julna learns the arts of stealth and survival under Yussef's guidance in Tangiers.

Childhood (late 13th century) Yussef's home, Tangiers
3

Adult Julna targets Mustapha's treasury

Eighteen years later, Julna, now a seasoned thief, infiltrates Mustapha's palace to raid the treasury but is thwarted by a tightly barred sole window. The near-miss foreshadows his conflicted loyalties and growing pull toward Yasmin. The palace becomes the stage for a dangerous game of disguise and ambition.

18 years later Mustapha's palace, Tangiers
4

Julna meets Yasmin and falls for her

During his attempt, Julna catches a glimpse of Mustapha's daughter Yasmin and is instantly drawn to her. The attraction complicates his mission and deepens the tension between his inherited duty and personal desire. The spark between them sets up a love triangle tinted with political stakes.

During the palace raid Mustapha's palace, Tangiers
5

Hedjah arrives with the Pearl of Fatima

Hedjah, the Prince of Algiers, arrives in Tangiers bearing the fabled Pearl of Fatima as a gift for Yasmin. The gleam of the pearl intensifies the political stakes and the willingness of factions to risk all for its possession. Tangiers braces for a potential international incident over the gem.

Shortly after Julna's first attempt Tangiers, Mustapha's palace
6

Tina steals the pearl; a race against time begins

A street acrobat named Tina sneaks into Yasmin's bedchamber and steals the Pearl of Fatima. Hedjah threatens to raze Tangiers within a month if the gem is not recovered, setting a tight deadline. The city holds its breath as the theft redefines loyalties and schemes.

Soon after Hedjah's arrival Yasmin's residence; Tangiers
7

Mustapha assigns the hunt; a fake lottery is hatched

Mustapha tasks Yussef with recovering the pearl and capturing the thief. To lure the thief, Julna helps stage a fake lottery offering a large ruby prize, drawing Tina into a trap that could expose everyone involved. Plans tighten as trust frays and risk increases.

After Tina's theft Mustapha's palace; Yussef's coffeehouse
8

Tina is caught and used to breach the treasury

Tina hides in Yussef's coffeehouse to steal again, but Julna and Yussef catch her and seize the pearl. Realizing her agility, they recruit Tina to slip into Mustapha's treasury under the cover of their broader plan. A dangerous alliance forms around the fragile gem.

Shortly after Tina's capture Yussef's coffeehouse; palace Treasury access corridor
9

The pearl is mislaid again; Yasmin's longing grows

They return the pearl, but Tina secretly retrieves it, casting suspicion onto Yussef. Julna goes to the palace to claim the reward, only to be seen by Yasmin, who longs for both him and the coveted gem. The lines between love and treachery begin to blur.

After the second theft Mustapha's palace; Tangiers
10

Tina's crush complicates loyalties

Tina's growing infatuation with Julna adds a volatile layer to the conspiracies. Her feelings pull her in competing directions—protecting Julna, pursuing the pearl, and navigating the shifting loyalties of Tangiers' underworld. The romance and danger entwine as plans move toward a final confrontation.

Midplotted sequence Tangiers streets and palace corridors
11

The final palace raid and escape

Julna, Yussef, and Tina mount a bold assault on the palace's inner defenses and plunder a substantial portion of the treasury. They narrowly escape as guards scramble to respond, triggering a chaotic chase through halls and corridors. The trio's fate now hinges on their ability to outpace Mustapha's loyalists.

Final act Mustapha's palace, Tangiers treasury
12

Revolt, reign, and a new queen

Tina threatens to destroy the pearl to stop the fighting and identifies Julna as the true ruler of Tangiers. The guards revolt against Mustapha; Yasmin and Mustapha are captured and banished from Tangiers. Julna ascends the throne and marries Tina, who has become his true partner and queen.

End of the conflict Tangiers

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 at 12:33

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Swashbuckling Adventures of Hidden Identity like in The Prince Who Was a Thief

Daring heroes discover their true lineage in exotic, fast-paced tales.If you liked the classic adventure and secret royalty plot of The Prince Who Was a Thief, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features similar stories of heroes discovering their true lineage, filled with swashbuckling action, romantic rivalries, and triumphant endings in exotic worlds.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a classic hero's journey, beginning with a character unaware of their importance. A catalyst reveals their hidden heritage, propelling them into a conflict against a usurping villain. The plot is driven by a series of adventurous set pieces—escapes, duels, and infiltrations—leading to a final confrontation where the hero secures their birthright and true love.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared core premise of a hidden identity revelation and a lighthearted, action-oriented tone. They offer a cohesive experience of uplifting adventure, where the stakes are high but the mood remains playful, and justice is always served in a satisfying, straightforward manner.

Exotic Fairy Tale Romps like The Prince Who Was a Thief

Energetic and romantic escapades set in lush, storybook worlds.Find more movies with the vibrant, storybook feel of The Prince Who Was a Thief. This list includes playful adventures set in exotic locales, featuring clear heroes, dastardly villains, daring action, and lighthearted romance, perfect for fans of classic cinematic fairy tales.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are often linear and straightforward, prioritizing atmosphere and eventful pacing over complex plotting. The emotional journey is simple and uplifting, focusing on the thrill of adventure and the sweetness of romance. The conflict is typically external—a villain to be outsmarted or a throne to be won—ensuring a consistently entertaining and low-stress experience.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific aesthetic and mood: the feeling of a lavish, whimsical fairy tale brought to life. The combination of a fast pace, light tone, exotic setting, and romantic-adventure plot creates a uniquely joyful and escapist viewing experience that connects all films in this group.

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The Prince Who Was a Thief Summary

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The Prince Who Was a Thief Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prince Who Was a Thief

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Prince Who Was a Thief. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prince Who Was a Thief

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