The Thief of Baghdad

The Thief of Baghdad

Year: 1978

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Clive Donner

AdventureTV Movie

A resourceful thief helps a handscome prince fight an evil wizard and win the hand of a beautiful princess.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Thief of Baghdad (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Thief of Baghdad (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Arabian Nights-inspired medieval fantasy

The events unfold in a timeless, medieval-like realm with caliphates, flying carpets, magical beings, and temple tests. The tone blends chivalry, prophecy, and sorcery that resemble a fairy-tale Arabia rather than a precise historical period. The setting emphasizes a mythic past where destinies are settled through quests and supernatural bargains.

Location

Baghdad, Sakkar

Baghdad serves as the imperial capital where Taj and Hassan arrive to challenge Jaudur. The city mixes grand palaces, busy markets, and political intrigue under the Caliph's rule. Sakkar, Taj's homeland, adds a distant royalty dimension to the journey, framing the quest for Yasmine's hand and the eye that reveals truth.

🏙️ Baghdad 🕌 Ancient city 🗺️ Desert crossroads

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

Main Characters – The Thief of Baghdad (1978)

Meet the key characters of The Thief of Baghdad (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Prince Taj (Kabir Bedi)

A prince of Sakkar framed for murder by Jaudur. He travels to Baghdad in rags, driven to clear his name and win Yasmine's hand. His courage and ingenuity keep the quest afloat, and he learns to rely on Hassan's loyalty.

🗡️ Prince 🕊️ Courage 🛡️ Identity

Princess Yasmine (Pavla Ustinov)

A princess whose destiny is tied to a prophecy and the true prince. She is drawn to Taj and to Hassan's courage, and she embodies the royal stakes of the marriage plot. Her choices, even when enchanted, drive the action toward reconciliation.

👑 Royalty 💞 Love interest 🧭 Prophecy

Hasan (Roddy McDowall)

A skilled thief and magician who joins Taj on the quest. While initially self-interested, his humor and courage prove essential in overcoming traps and enemies. He forms a loyal, if wary, partnership with Taj.

🗺️ Ally 🗡️ Thief 🧙‍♂️ Magician

Wazir Jaudur (Terence Stamp)

An evil sorcerer who fakes rulership by stealing Taj's seal and imbuing himself with near-immortality. He drives the conflict and uses hypnotic schemes to bend the Caliph and Yasmine to his will.

🧙‍♂️ Villain 🪄 Sorcery 🗝️ Impostor

Perizadah (Marina Vlady)

A loyal lady-in-waiting who guides Taj and Hassan, acting on Yasmine's behalf. She supports their quest and adds a personal touch to the romance plot.

👗 Ally 💬 Messenger 💟 Loyal

Abu Bakar (Frank Finlay)

A traveling holy man who provides crucial information about the all-seeing eye and the temple trial. His knowledge helps Taj navigate dangers.

🕯️ Informant 🧭 Guide 🧿 Mystic

The Caliph (Peter Ustinov)

The ruler of Baghdad who must weigh tradition against the truth revealed by the eye. He sanctions the quest and ultimately recognizes Taj's rightful status.

👑 Leader 🏛️ Authority ⚖️ Judgement

Genie (Daniel Emilfork)

A powerful genie who offers Taj three wishes after being freed. He both assists and tests Taj as part of the perilous journey.

🪄 Magic 🧞 Mythic being 🎭 Wish

Gatekeeper (Ian Holm)

The temple guardian who warns Taj to stay on the path and blesses Hassan's resolve. He embodies the test of wisdom and restraint.

🗝️ Guardian 🗿 Test 🧭 Guidance

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

Major Themes – The Thief of Baghdad (1978)

Explore the central themes of The Thief of Baghdad (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Magic and Power

Magic deeply influences the balance of power: the all-seeing eye, the genie, and the enchanted nest give Jaudur a veneer of invincibility while Taj fights to expose the truth. The story uses magical artifacts to test character and reveal loyalties.

🧭 Truth and Deception

The quest is driven by a hunt for truth: a stolen seal, a hypnotic spell, and a soul hidden inside a mysterious bird. Taj's integrity and Hassan's skepticism clash with Jaudur's deceit as the eye exposes who truly deserves trust. The Caliph is bound by custom, forcing him to weigh appearances against reality.

💖 Love and Loyalty

Taj's romance with Yasmine motivates the quest while loyalty binds Taj and Hassan as allies. Perizadah adds a human link between lovers and friends, guiding them through danger. The tale ultimately frames love as both a personal motive and a political force that shapes Baghdad's fate.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

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The Thief of Baghdad Summary

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The Thief of Baghdad Summary

The Thief of Baghdad Timeline

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The Thief of Baghdad Timeline

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The Thief of Baghdad (1978) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Thief of Baghdad (1978) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Thief of Baghdad (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow