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Today, on January 9th, 2009, the site contains 196 poets, 8,693 poems and 5,182 comments.
VHS : Kismet (1955)


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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786302962055
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
ISBN: 6302962056
Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
Release Date: February 24, 1995
Running Time: 113 minutes
Sales Rank: 8067
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Theatrical Release Date: October 08, 1955


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Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
Hollywood's excursions into Arabian Nights exotica don't come much daffier than Kismet, a 1955 MGM adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The score includes two standards, 'Baubles, Bangles, and Beads' and 'Stranger in Paradise,' but the blend of Broadway razzmatazz and Middle Eastern culture is, to say the least, awkward. (One comic number revolves around a man about to have his hand chopped off for thievery.) There's plenty here for musical fans to enjoy, and a well-cast Howard Keel does his chesty best as an itinerant poet who fast-talks his way to riches; this was Keel's last starring role in an MGM musical. Unfortunately, Vic Damone is a wet rag as the young prince, the garish Eastman Color photography has not aged well, and director Vincente Minnelli seems not entranced by the material. Still, there is something fascinating about Dolores Gray belting out 'Baghdad, this irresistible town!' as though singing the praises of Vegas or Monte Carlo. --Robert Horton



Customer Reviews
Average Rating:  out of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Kismet - a classic musical
The singing of Ann Blyth and the acting of Dorores Gray along with a fine music score make this a classic.



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Fun, catchy, I love this movie!
This is not an historically accurate, intellectual movie. This is a fun and catchy and stick-in-your-head musical romp. I've been looking for this movie on DVD for years and can't wait for April! I have the soundtrack to tide me over til then. It's actually one of my favorite musicals from this time period because it does what a movie is supposed to do...it entertains!



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - A fabulous movie filled with wonderful music and story!
This movie marries the most wonderful and inspiring music with a beautiful, poetic, romantic story that is one of my favorites. A great movie!



Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Entertaining, but it dragged....
Kismet follows the adventures of the notorious 'king of beggars' as he attempts to swindle his way through the noble court as well as on the streets of Baghdad in an attempt to find a rich husband for his dauhter. Howard Keel, is a handsome, but loveable rogue, Ann Blyth as his impoverished dreamer of a daughter was a bit wooden and rather unbelievable as the 'most beautiful princess in the world.'

The musical numbers didn't excite this reviewer. I did like the costumes, and thought ... Read More



Rating: 2 out of 5 stars - "Heavy Handed"
That was Howard Keel's own description of the film, and it is accurate. And critic Ethan Mordden said the film managed to "drain the sensuality out of one of Broadway's steamiest musicals." Keel and Delores Gray are the only two cast members who manage to make something out of their roles in the production. Ann Blyth and Vic Damone are insipid. Sebastian Cabot is less menacing than a teddy bear. How this came out so leaden with Vincente Minnelli directing is impossible to figure out. A sad affair ... Read More




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