Watch Omar Khayyam

Set in the 11th century, the film Omar Khayyam tells the story of a Persian mathematician, philosopher, and poet, who goes by the same name. Omar is played by Cornel Wilde, a veteran actor best known for his roles in The Greatest Show on Earth and The Sword and the Rose. Michael Rennie, popularly known for his lead role in The Day the Earth Stood Still, plays the character of Hasani Sabah, Omar's friend and political rival. Debra Paget, who played the title role in Princess of the Nile, portrays the character of Yaffa, a Jewish princess who falls in love with Omar.

The story begins in a village in Persia where Omar is born to a family of tentmakers. Despite his family's humble background, Omar is a gifted child, particularly with numbers. He is sent to a madrasa to study under the tutelage of Imam Moustafa (Basil Ruysdael), who is impressed with Omar's intellect and curiosity. Omar, along with his friend and fellow student, Hasani Sabah, is fascinated by the notions of truth, knowledge, and freedom. They often have intense debates with the Imam about the meaning of life and the teachings of Islam.

As they grow up, Omar and Hasani part ways due to their differing political views, and Omar becomes a renowned scientist, mathematician, and astronomer. Meanwhile, Hasani Sabah becomes a powerful politician and, with the help of the Seljuk Empire, becomes the ruler of Persia. The new regime is oppressive, and political dissent is suppressed. Omar becomes disillusioned with the political turmoil and seeks solace in his work, turning towards philosophy and poetry to find meaning.

In the court of Hasani, Omar comes across Yaffa, a young Jewish princess whose father is falsely accused of treason and executed. Omar offers to rescue Yaffa and take her away from Persia. Yaffa, who is also a talented poet, falls in love with Omar and agrees to leave with him. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, traveling to different parts of the world to learn about new cultures and ideas.

The story explores several themes, including the conflict of science and religion, the nature of love and friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Omar's character is portrayed as a rebel against dogmatism and repression, and his ideas are often controversial and unpopular. He believes that the pursuit of knowledge and truth is the key to finding meaning in life, and that knowledge should be shared freely, regardless of social standing or religious beliefs.

The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and exotic locations that transport the viewer to a different time and place. The costumes and set designs are meticulously crafted and add to the authenticity of the period. The music, composed by Victor Young, is equally impressive, with haunting melodies that capture the mysticism and beauty of the Middle East.

Omar Khayyam, released in 1957, was directed by William Dieterle, a reputed filmmaker who had previously directed The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Life of Emile Zola. The film was loosely based on the life and works of Omar Khayyam, an influential scholar who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and poetry. While the film takes many artistic liberties with the historical facts, it remains a masterpiece of its time, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the character of Omar Khayyam.

In conclusion, Omar Khayyam is an epic adventure that combines love, philosophy, and science, with stunning cinematography and a memorable score. It is a timeless classic that celebrates the human spirit, the quest for knowledge, and the power of love and friendship to overcome adversity. Whether you are a fan of classic cinema or simply love a good story, Omar Khayyam is a must-see film that will leave you inspired and entertained.

Omar Khayyam is a 1957 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.