The read
It runs a compact 1h 20m.
Synopsis
The film is an Egyptian adaptation of a play by Marcel Pagnol, transposed into an Egyptian and Arab context. It follows the story of a shy, naive professor who allows himself to be exploited by an aristocrat or influential figures—depending on the interpretation—in a gambling scheme or a con. As the plot unfolds, the professor undergoes a moral transformation, coming to accept and eventually adopt behaviors that were initially alien to his nature. The narrative explores two central themes: the temptation of corruption and the clash of cultural codes—specifically between Western culture and the Arab/Cairene society depicted in the film.
Ratings
IMDb6.5/10
5 audience votes
Key crew
- Willy RozierDirector
- Naguib ElRihaniDirector
- Badie' KhayriWriter
- Ihssan KhaledWriter
Cast
- Naguib ElRihaniياقوت أفندي / Yacout
- Emy BrévannesRody Erickson
- Edmond Tuimaسالم أفندي
- Badie' Khayriالحاج حسن بن صوير
- Aimée Provenceرودي إريكسون
- Nahed Kamalالآنسة عصمت
- Sherif Abdoالحاج أحسن / حسنين
- Abd Allah Salehسرور البربري
- Shukry Ramsèsنسيم افندي - الباشكاتب
- Hassan Sayed Ahmedمحجوب أفندي
- Victor Boladصفوت بك (صفا بك)
- Abdo DarwishCast
Stills
Themes
arab societyarab classic film