The Desert Song

Who could hate this movie? I see the three words, "I hate it." and then I see the retort "I love it." Ditto the "I love it." It's rather like "Casablanca" meets "Lawrence of Arabia" meets "Showboat". I was completely entertained. I wish that more of the Romberg music were in it, particularly the incredible tenor-bass combination of "When One Flower Grows Alone in Your Garden". It plays as background music, but I sure did want to hear it and see it in this movie. I loved the Moroccan musical interludes and for the first time recognized a lot of those Arab motifs in the beautiful Romberg tunes. Dennis Morgan, I see now, has great charisma and a good tenor voice. I had never heard of the soprano, and she is just a bit weaker of voice than I would have liked. I remember Anna Moffo's recording for Readers' Digest production multi-album "Treasury of Great Operettas", to which few sopranos could compare favorably. Nice movie and I repeat, what kind of person could possibly hate this film????? Donald Trump probably, but who else?

I love old musicals and think Gordon MacRae was one of the greatest singers of all times. I have quite a collection of these, including an out-of-print copy of "Deep In My Heart," the story of Sigmund Romberg's career. I also have "The Student Prince." This movie, "The Desert Song," was really fun to watch and filled with great music. The acting of some of these old singers is not as great as their singing, but if you like the old musicals the way I do, this is one of the best. My only regret is that so many of them are only available on VHS and have not been made into DVD format.

A story of the French occupation of Moraco. This was a well made movie going almost loosely along the lines as the light Opera of the 50 ies.of the same name. The songs and music were very good by both of lead actors. It had some action seans but most of the movie was built around the romance of the two lead characters and the desire to make peace between the desert tribes and the French. There was an attempt at comedy with a bumbling American reporter, but it fell short in my opinion. If you like 50 ies. musicals, this will be a must see. The format of the film fits right in with that eras movie style and the attempt to just entertain and give the viewers a fine evening out at the movies was obtained.

An Old Classic , enjoyable to me but obviously tastes vary , delivered on time , picture & sound all good .

The music of Sigmund Romberg are lovely romantic ballads and the operetta "The Desert Song" is no exception. What better person to sing them in the third movie version than Gordon MacRae with his magnificently rich baritone/tenor voice. He is joined by Kathryn Grayson, who sings with him on a couple of songs as well as by herself. The movie story is exciting and also includes some humorous sequences. For those who like comparing musical performances, Gordon MacRae also performed music from "The Desert Song" with both Dorothy Kirsten and Lucille Norman, both from The Metropolitan Opera, for vinyl record releases. I personally feel that his partnering with Dorothy Kirsten is the superior version, but for those not familiar with Romberg operettas, Warner Brothers' "The Desert Song" is an excellent starting point. I do not think this movie is available on dvd at this time.

excellant - wonderful music and romantic story the likes of which is not seen today - the past great voice of Dennis Morgan all makes great viewing and entertainment - the quality of the film itself despite its age is perfect with no freezing - Joan Thompson

Great old classic movie! Love the songs and the storyline. Wonderful way to relax on a cool fall evening--watch this film!

Both leads have beautiful voices and the music is also beautiful. I can't imagine how anyone managed to talk the movie studio into producing such a dumb screenplay. I don't have a problem with movies that aren't totally realistic, but this plot is just silly. I love Dennis Morgan, though. Too bad someone never produced the original story that was in the 1929 version that, I have been told, was breathtakingly romantic. Oh well. The music is beautiful even if the plot isn't.

What a pleasant surprise! A most entertaining "reinvention" of this hoary old operetta, with an excellent production and very attractive cast. As this is a Warner Bros film, the musical content is superbly handled (the unsung genius, Ray Heindorf was in charge) and it's fun spotting many of the exterior sets (slightly redressed) that had already featured in CASABLANCA just a few months earlier. Dennis Morgan acquits himself well, in fine voice, and this should have been his most important role but I suspect its limited wartime release and subsequent disappearance, put paid to that. The print is gorgeous (it has sat in the Warner vault for almost 80 years) and a joy to see. What a pity there are no extras, not even a trailer. However, it is wonderful to finally be able to see this almost unknown film. Thank you Warner Bros! Unreservedly recommended!

OK movie however some songs not incorporated and storyline not as exciting as mgm version. The dance sequences were excellent as were the singing voices. The Desert Song is my all time favourite stage show and I love having the movies no matter the variations. DVD delivered quickly and case not damaged.

Despite my craving for my boyhood visits to the cinema in the 1940's this is one I missed. Warner Bros films were always shown in the inferior, one of two cinemas in my town, won't say what we called it,however, it was a wealth of this studios product....Not until this was recently issued by Warner Archive did I know of this version. In the stage version, there are many songs, which when the film was transferred to the screen, many were dropped. The 1953 version was a product of the new era of the 50's, new stars and lavish. When I viewed this 1943 version I was astounded by the production values. It had been newly restored, with a beautiful technicolor print. The story was a more detailed than the later 1953 version, with the Vichy French in Morocco and the down trodden Arabs during the second world war. Much of the film was shot on location in Canyon De Chelly National Park and Gallup, New Mexico and the studio sets, were very real at Warner Bros Studio. Bruce Cabot and some of the usual good character actors, were there to support the stars, however Irene Manning I had never seen before. She was very pretty and had a lovely natural singing voice.. This dvd is a gem to all those who like musical escapism..The talent of all involved with such films in the Golden Era is exceptional. I am thankful I was born within this time to witness the like. Haylyn UK

Songs in da desert!

Unusual but very enjoyable version of the classic musical.