La Rosa di Bagdad
An Italian animated tale from the Arabian Nights.
La Rosa di Bagdad (The Rose of Baghdad) is a 1949 Italian animated film directed by Anton Gino Domeneghini. It is often cited as one of the first animated films from Europe and in Technicolor, and is Italy's first film in Technicolor. The film was later dubbed into English as The Singing Princess, featuring Julie Andrews in her first voice-over work.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Anton Gino Domenighini
- Writer
- Lucio De Caro
- Nina Maguire
- Tony Maguire
- Narrator
- Stefano Sibaldi (Italian); Howard Marion-Crawford (English)
- Music
- Riccardo Pick-Mangiagalli
- Cinematography
- Cesare Pelizzari
- Distributor
- United Artists (America)
- Released
- 22 December 1949, Venice, 1952, UK, U.S.
- Runtime
- 76 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Long ago, Baghdad prospered under the kind rule of Caliph Oman III, and his niece Princess Zeila's upcoming thirteenth birthday brought even greater happiness. The tyrant Sheikh Jafar and his magician Burk plot to seize the kingdom. During a performance by Zeila and her snake charmer friend Amin, Burk turns a messenger to stone. Later, Amin's magpie Calina tries to steal a bell from Amin after breaking a promise. At the palace, Jafar attempts to propose to Zeila, but the ministers Tonko, Zirko, and Zizibe object; Amin overhears that Burk has placed an infatuation spell on Jafar's ring. That night, Amin and Calina steal the ring from Jafar's palace. Amin tells the ministers he will bring the ring to them, and they plan to give it to the ugliest woman they can find. The next morning, Burk kidnaps Amin. Calina tries to retrieve the ring but is fatally wounded by Burk. The ministers drink from a crystal stream where Burk has placed a spell, turning them into babies; a woman gathering water cradles them and sings a lullaby.
Release
When it was released in English in 1952, the film was called The Singing Princess. Julie Andrews, in her first film role and only voice-over from the 1950s, starred. The movie was re-released in 1967, during Andrews’ Hollywood fame. Critics praised Anton Gino Domeneghini’s camera work and Riccardo Pick-Mangiagalli’s music. It came out on VHS in the mid-1980s and on DVD in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed La Rosa di Bagdad?
La Rosa di Bagdad was directed by Anton Gino Domenighini.
Who wrote La Rosa di Bagdad?
La Rosa di Bagdad was written by Lucio De Caro, Nina Maguire and Tony Maguire.
How long is La Rosa di Bagdad?
La Rosa di Bagdad has a running time of 76 minutes.
Who distributed La Rosa di Bagdad?
La Rosa di Bagdad was distributed by United Artists (America).
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