Review of Arabesque (1966) by Eric H — 05 Jan 2015

"Arabesque" is one of those 60's films that mixes political intrigue with tongue-in-check humor that benefits from a stellar cast, featuring Oscar winners Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. Peck plays a college professor whose talents in deciphering hieroglyphics is needed by an Arabian businessman (Alan Badel) with sinister motives for his homeland.

Loren plays Badel's "kept woman" but is hiding her involvement in her benefactor's doings. Her character uses her womanly wiles to encourage Peck's stiff-as-nails professor to "loosen up" somewhat and decode the cipher.

Both Peck and Loren play off each other well, equally balancing sexual tension with distrust. Badel exhibits the characteristics of the perfect 60's villain: smooth, devious, and cunning. He would fit perfectly in a Bond film, ranking up there with Blofeld or Goldfinger in the dastardly department.

Praise can also be given to Maurice Binder, who contributed the Bond-like opening credits, along with Oscar-winning composer Henry Mancini who composed a thrilling yet playful score.