Raiders of the Desert

Raiders of the Desert
Directed byJohn Rawlins
Written byMaurice Tombragel
Victor McLeod
Produced byBen Pivar
StarringAndy Devine
Richard Arlen
Maria Montez
Turhan Bey
CinematographyJohn W. Boyle
Edited byMaurice Wright
Music byHans J. Salter
Production
company
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • July 18, 1941 (1941-07-18)
Running time
60 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Raiders of the Desert is a 1941 American comedy adventure film directed by John Rawlins and starring Andy Devine, Richard Arlen and Linda Hayes.[1] The film was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures. It features an early appearance by Maria Montez. It was the first time she made a film set in the Orient.[2]

Plot

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Two adventurers, Dick and Andy, jump a ship in a Middle Eastern port, which is benefiting from the development by American businessman Jones. However some local Arabs, led by Sheikh Talifah, wish to take over. They try to assassinate Jone and succeed in killing the local Arab leader. However Dick and Andy lead a fight back which results in Talifah being killed. Dick marries Jones' secretary, Alice.

Cast

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Production

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Richard Arlen and Andy Devine had been teamed a number of times for Universal. Filming started in early June 1941. Maria Montez was given a role but it was a relatively small one.[3] It was released by July of that year.

Reception

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The Los Angeles Times called the film "entertaining" and that Arlen and Devine were "a very happy team... Maria Montez is attractive as an oasis charmer".[4]

The Monthly Film Bulletin called it "a naive story presented in a crude fashion" with "some exciting moments with competent acting".[5]

References

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  1. ^ Raiders of the Desert Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 9, Iss. 97, (Jan 1, 1942): 74.
  2. ^ Raiders of the Desert at Maria Montez Fan Page
  3. ^ Schallert, Edwin (30 May 1941). "Tropics Good for Bing; 'Happy Go Lucky' Listed". Los Angeles Times. p. 8.
  4. ^ Pair Invade Film Desert Los Angeles Times 9 July 1941: 16.
  5. ^ Raiders of the Desert Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 9, Iss. 97, (Jan 1, 1942): 74.
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