Desert Song, the

The name of the female lead in the stage version is Margot Bonvalet, and the name of her opposite number is Pierre Birabeau, son of the French General. The name of his rival for the affections of Margot is Paul Fontaine. Pierre is portrayed as a weak, indecisive individual. However, he also masquerades as The Red Shadow, leader of the Riffs, a group resisting the French colonial government.

The movie distorts these relationships by making Margot the daughter of the General and eliminating Paul Fontaine altogether. Unfortunately, the important and amusing musical byplay between Paul, Pierre, and Margot also vanishes.

Ali ben Ali and Sid El Kar, who sing "Let Love Come As Some Rare Treasure" and "If One Flower Grows Alone In Your Garden" are absent, as is the scene where they sing those selections and Pierre responds with one of the great love songs of American musical theater, "One Alone."

The rousing chorus numbers when the French troops return home are absent, as is any evidence of the treachery of Azuri, the native girl who is in love with The Red Shadow.

The movie version is passable entertainment for one unfamiliar with the stage version, but it is a pale shadow of the stage masterpiece.


The Desert Song Fantastic   February 27, 2002
Barbara Owen (Bremerton, Washington United States)
This movie I enjoyed the most the songs are wonderful, The color great, Fun musical for the whole family. Love the music, costumes and the dancing. GREAT! GREAT!


Love those old musicals!!   October 12, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I love those old musicals, and Gordon Macrae's wonderful baritone makes this one of my favorites. Macrae is a Clark Kent-ish anthropologist: mild, scholarly, and uninterested in love, also disguised as "the man of action" El Khobar, the secret Riff leader, dedicated to protecting the desert people in time of need. To spice up the plot enter Margot: the vibrant and capricious general's daughter who is searching for excitement and love. Add to this the hilarious gossip columnist who will risk anything to get his story, a jealous palace dancer rival for El Khobar's love, a dastardly villain, and a hauntingly beautiful musical score, along with the backdrop of the beautiful African desert. This operetta acheives a wonderful balance of romance, comedy, action, and music that you just don't see anymore!


the riding, scenery, true romance and above all the music   August 8, 1999
the only thing that was a little disappointing was some of the backdrops when not being shot on location. It was very refreshing to watch a movie that had good old fashion romance and was just wonderful etertainment without all the gore, blood and guts, foul language and no-talent actors.