Watch Kismet

Kismet is a 1944 film that transports viewers to ancient Baghdad, a bustling city filled with magic and wonder. The story centers around a talented poet named Hafiz (Ronald Colman) who spends his days wandering the streets of the city, trading words and exchanging witticisms with anyone who crosses his path. However, despite his charm and talent, Hafiz is also a bit of a scoundrel, known for getting into trouble with the authorities and for his tendency to gamble away his earnings. But despite his flaws, Hafiz is deeply respected by the people of Baghdad, who recognize his gift for words and his ability to capture the essence of life in verse.

One day, Hafiz has the good fortune to encounter the beautiful and enigmatic Jamilla (Marlene Dietrich), a woman who seems to embody all of his most romantic fantasies. She is a high-born lady with impeccable manners and a quick wit, and Hafiz is smitten. However, Jamilla's father is a powerful and dangerous man, and their courtship is quickly complicated by the demands of her family, as well as a series of unforeseen events that test the strength of their love.

As Hafiz and Jamilla navigate their way through the challenges of their relationship, they are aided by a colorful cast of characters who call Baghdad home. There is the irreverent and often-drunk Wazir (Edward Arnold), who spends most of his time trying to avoid the wrath of the city's ruler, the Caliph (Hugh Herbert). Then there is the wise and philosophical Hasan-Ben (James Craig), who offers Hafiz counsel and guidance as he tries to win Jamilla's heart.

The film is notable not only for its vivid and sprawling recreation of life in ancient Baghdad, but also for the way it explores themes of love, fate, and the power of words. Throughout the film, Hafiz uses his gift for poetry to inspire not only Jamilla, but also the people of Baghdad as a whole. His words are seen as valuable and transformative, capable of changing the course of history and inspiring great deeds.

The film is also notable for its stunning visual effects, which convey a sense of the magical and mystical nature of life in ancient Baghdad. We see the bustling markets and crowded alleys of the city, as well as the opulent palaces and gardens that belong to the wealthy and powerful. Throughout it all, the film's visual effects team creates an immersive and compelling world that always feels authentic and believable.

At its core, Kismet is a sprawling and ambitious film that captures the sense of adventure and wonder that characterized Hollywood's Golden Age. With its strong performances, captivating story, and stunning visual effects, it is a film that remains a beloved classic to this day, and one that continues to inspire and enthrall audiences nearly eighty years after its initial release.

Kismet is a 1944 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.