Watch Sumurun

Set in the exotic world of harem life, Sumurun (also known as One Arabian Night) is a silent, romantic drama film directed by the master of classic cinema, Ernst Lubitsch. The 1920 movie stars talented actors Pola Negri and Paul Wegener. The story takes place in the Middle East during the early 20th century. This is Lubitsch's first foray into a movie set in the Arabian Nights world, a fascinating and mythical ambience filled with thrilling stories of characters from exotic lands. The movie focuses on the life of Yannaia (Pola Negri), a harem dancer of great beauty and talent, known for her captivating performances that drive her audience wild.

The film begins with the arrival of a traveling circus in the town where Yannaia lives. Among the performers is Achmed (Paul Wegener), a wealthy merchant masquerading as a clown. He quickly recognizes Yannaia's beautiful dance moves and falls in love with her, despite being already engaged to the daughter of a powerful sheikh, named Sumurun. To win Yannaia's heart, Achmed becomes ensnared in a dangerous and complex love triangle with Yannaia and Sumurun.

Lubitsch masterfully portrays the complexity of their relationships with gentle humor and refined subtlety. The hallmark of his career is his ability to use light touches and elegant details to convey the more profound essence of the story without being heavy-handed. One of Lubitsch's brilliant moves in Sumurun is to keep the Sheik's daughter invisible until the end of the movie, even though she is talked about all along.

The movie showcases the beauty of the harem life while also presenting it as restrictive and oppressive. From the film, one can tell that Lubitsch has a deep understanding of the nuances of culture and society, especially in relation to women. The harem is not just about lavish interiors and entertainment; it is a place of hidden longings and muffled cries of pain, where women are bound by their traditions and societal norms.

One of the highlights of the film is the dancing performance of Pola Negri, which is simply stunning. Her performance is so captivating that it's easy to see why Achmed fell in love with her. The dance sequences were choreographed by Lubitsch himself, who also is one of the film's producers, along with Berlin-based Union film. Lubitsch's innovative filming style is evident in Sumurun, from his creative camera angles to his use of shadows and lighting, which all contribute to the vivid storytelling.

Sumurun is a classic silent film, with a run time of about 100 minutes. The costumes, designed by Lubitsch's devoted designer Ali Hubert, are lavish and extravagant, perfectly capturing the opulence of the harem lifestyle. The sets are impressive, immersing audiences in a world filled with rich textures and luxurious fabrics. The film's score, written by Paul Moesner, adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the movie.

Overall, Sumurun is an enchanting and lavish movie that is a must-see for cinema enthusiasts. It is a testament to Lubitsch's incredible talent and his ability to create a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The film is a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama, all wrapped up in a magical and mystical setting. The dynamic star cast of Lubitsch, Negri, and Wegener elevates the movie to another level. Sumurun is a masterpiece and a gem that shines brightly in the early silent era of cinema.