Kismet

A Middle Eastern musical with an all-white cast certainly raises eyebrows, but 1955's Kismet is too lightweight to cause much offense (the only actor who looks the part, Lebanese-American Jamie Farr, appears in a cameo). Based on the hit Broadway production, the story centers on poet Hajj (burly Howard Keel), and his daughter, Marsinah (Ann Blyth). According to Hajj, “No man can avoid his fate; that is kismet.” Hajj claims to have magical powers, but while his predictions always come true, this is due more to coincidence than anything else. After he turns the tables on a bandit, Hajj comes into some money, which he shares with Marsinah, who sings one of the more notable numbers, “Baubles, Bangles and Beads,” as she shops in a Baghdad bazaar. While Hajj is enjoying his newfound wealth, Marsinah falls in love with the Caliph (pop crooner Vic Damone), whom she mistakes for a gardener, but they lose touch after the Wazir (Sebastian Cabot) confines her and Hajj to his compound. Fortunately, her father hits it off with the Wazir's estranged wife, Lalume (sultry Dolores Gray), who proves more intelligent than all of the men in the film combined. Naturally, a happy ending waits for all—except the Wazir. Compared to director Vincente Minnelli's masterpieces such as The Band Wagon, Kismet is a cinematic trifle, but the amiable songs and gorgeous look of this CinemaScope production—from the candy-colored outfits to the white peacocks—help keep the farce afloat. Extras include the Oscar-nominated short “The Battle of Gettysburg,” a Tex Avery cartoon, excerpts from MGM Parade, song outtakes, and a trailer for the 1944 version with Ronald Colman playing Hajj in brown-face. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)