Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves ["Ali Baba et les Quarantes Voleurs"] (film #11 on The Movies Begin, Volume Three: Experimentation and Discovery (Kino Video, 1994)). [Category: Early Film & TV]

This is quite similar to Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp, but shorter and more confusing. It's hand-tinted using the same color palette as the other film and it also shares a similarity of style in the costumes and sets. The highlight is a really striking celestial tableau at the end. Couldn't make heads or tails of the story, though. A 1905 Pathe Freres film.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ***. Overall Rating: **.