The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

This multiple Oscar-winning film is a magical, atmospheric, epic – its sumptuous art direction and beguiling special effects making this the definitive vision of the famous Arabian Nights tale. Imprisoned by the evil Grand Vizier Jaffar, Ahmad – the rightful King of Bagdad – meets young Abu, the greatest thief in the land. Together they escape from the dungeon and travel to Basra where Abu falls in love with the Sultan’s daughter. Jaffar casts a spell on the two lovers and the Princess reluctantly succumbs to Jaffar’s advances in order to release them. To rescue her, Ahmad and Abu embark on a series of fantastical adventures, only just surviving a terrifying encounter with a Djinn, from whom Abu manages to extract three wishes…