SC
Some critics
Expressed doubt the 'toned-down' film version would be well-received, though it ultimately became a major box-office success.
Sheik Ahmed desperately desires feisty British socialite Diana, so he abducts her and carries her off to his luxurious tent-palace in the desert. The free-spirited Diana recoils from his passionate embraces and yearns to be released. Later, allowed to go into the desert, she escapes and makes her way across the sands...
Critical Consensus
6.2
IMDb
5.9
TMDB
The film was a box-office hit, receiving generally positive critical reception, evidenced by an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and 7.33/10 average. It launched Rudolph Valentino to stardom, despite some early critics' skepticism and male audiences mocking his on-screen persona.
The Cast
Rudolph Valentino
Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan
Agnes Ayres
Lady Diana Mayo
RM
Ruth Miller
Zilah - A Marriage Market Prospect
George Waggner
Yousaef - Tribal Chieftain (as George Waggener)
Frank Butler
Sir Aubrey Mayo
Charles Brinley
Mustapha Ali - Diana's Guide (as Charles Brindley)
Lucien Littlefield
Gaston - French Valet
Adolphe Menjou
Dr. Raoul de St. Hubert
Walter Long
Omair - the Bandit
Sally Blane
Arab Child (uncredited)
Trivia
The film was a box-office hit and helped propel Rudolph Valentino to stardom.
Due to the controversial subject matter of the source novel, certain aspects, including the rape of Lady Diana, were excluded from the film adaptation.
There is an ongoing dispute regarding the actual filming locations for the desert exterior scenes of 'The Sheik'.
James Kirkwood, Sr. was initially George Melford's choice for the starring role of Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan.
A 1927 third film in the series, She's a Sheik, featured a comedic role reversal of the original film with Bebe Daniels.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
P
Photoplay
Described the film as 'popular entertainment' that was sufficient, acknowledging its appeal without suggesting deeper artistic merit.
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