The Desert Song

Despite my craving for my boyhood visits to the cinema in the 1940's this is one I missed. Warner Bros films were always shown in the inferior, one of two cinemas in my town, won't say what we called it,however, it was a wealth of this studios product....Not until this was recently issued by Warner Archive did I know of this version. In the stage version, there are many songs, which when the film was transferred to the screen, many were dropped. The 1953 version was a product of the new era of the 50's, new stars and lavish. When I viewed this 1943 version I was astounded by the production values. It had been newly restored, with a beautiful technicolor print. The story was a more detailed than the later 1953 version, with the Vichy French in Morocco and the down trodden Arabs during the second world war. Much of the film was shot on location in Canyon De Chelly National Park and Gallup, New Mexico and the studio sets, were very real at Warner Bros Studio. Bruce Cabot and some of the usual good character actors, were there to support the stars, however Irene Manning I had never seen before. She was very pretty and had a lovely natural singing voice.. This dvd is a gem to all those who like musical escapism..The talent of all involved with such films in the Golden Era is exceptional. I am thankful I was born within this time to witness the like.HaylynUK

What a pleasant surprise! A most entertaining "reinvention" of this hoary old operetta, with an excellent production and very attractive cast. As this is a Warner Bros film, the musical content is superbly handled (the unsung genius, Ray Heindorf was in charge) and it's fun spotting many of the exterior sets (slightly redressed) that had already featured in CASABLANCA just a few months earlier. Dennis Morgan acquits himself well, in fine voice, and this should have been his most important role but I suspect its limited wartime release and subsequent disappearance, put paid to that. The print is gorgeous (it has sat in the Warner vault for almost 80 years) and a joy to see. What a pity there are no extras, not even a trailer. However, it is wonderful to finally be able to see this almost unknown film. Thank you Warner Bros! Unreservedly recommended!

This Desert Song film is more series then the Gorden Mcray film ,its about Nazis in French Morocco of 1939 as Nazis attempt to lay a railway track and uses the poor oppressed riffs.but the leader of the riffs is an American who helps the riffs to fight against the Nazis,its a good action adventure with some good action scenes, and the songs included the Riff song.Desert song.One alone.Romance.Fifi.Long live the night.there;s a good scene in the night club with drums and dancing girls.enjoyable film.great picture and sound quality. no extras but it plays on my region 2 player,, i liked both version and would like to see the 1929 Desert song i;ve only seen bits of the film and would like to see all of the film.

I felt that a big part had been cut out and I was very disappointed. I saw this film years ago and there are parts that are not in it

It took me a long time to track this version down and I expected great things of it. However, disappointment was the result. The film looks good but suffers from an outlandish plot which seems bent on excluding much of the musical score. The 1953 version isn't any better.

Waited for years for this release, even wrote the CEO of Warner Bros to get in gear and get it released.Unfortunately this is not the original version where El Khobar was known as the Red Shadow.Still has the wonderful voices of Denis Morgan and Irene Manning.Much, much better than the later release with Grayson and McRae.

For a film made in 1943 the clarity and colour is outstanding for one produced so long ago. The sound is also very crisp and clear with memorable songs from Dennis Morgan .....a good looking chap too !Robert Newstead Thank you suppliers !

Unusual but very enjoyable version of the classic musical.