Question 1

Why did filming of The Thief of Bagdad relocate from Britain to Hollywood?

Accepted Answer

Filming began in Britain in 1939 but was suspended with the outbreak of WWII in September, when director Michael Powell was taken off to work on a propaganda film. Production moved to Hollywood in spring 1940 to complete filming.

Question 2

Which Academy Award did The Thief of Bagdad win for its special effects?

Accepted Answer

Lawrence W. Butler and Jack Whitney won an Academy Award for Special Effects, marking the first use of the manual blue-screen technique on color film.

Question 3

How did Francis Ford Coppola famously introduce himself to director Michael Powell?

Accepted Answer

Coppola reportedly walked across a New York restaurant singing Sabu's song 'I want to be a sailor' at the top of his lungs to show he was a fan of The Thief of Bagdad.

Question 4

How did producer Alexander Korda secure the rights to the film's title from Douglas Fairbanks?

Accepted Answer

Korda negotiated the rights over dinner at a 1938 banquet at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he made sure to be seated next to Fairbanks, who owned the title from his 1924 hit.

Question 5

What is the central conflict in The Thief of Bagdad?

Accepted Answer

Prince Ahmad is blinded and cast out of Bagdad by the nefarious Jaffar, leading him to join forces with the thief Abu to win back his royal place and the heart of a princess.

The Thief of Bagdad

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