Directed by
Stanley Donen
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Arabesque (1966). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Professor Ragheeb, played by George Coulouris, is caught off guard when he discovers that his usual optometrist, Sloane, portrayed by John Merivale, is absent and has been replaced by a stranger. During the eye examination, Sloane administers drops that result in excruciating pain, causing Ragheeb to collapse and ultimately perish. As Sloane examines Ragheeb’s broken glasses, he uncovers an intriguing piece of paper containing peculiar drawings, reminiscent of hieroglyphics.
Meanwhile, at Oxford University, Professor David Pollock, portrayed by Gregory Peck, takes over the class of the deceased Ragheeb and tries to stimulate a sleepy student, Fanshaw. After class, David encounters Sloane, now referring to himself as Major Sylvester Pennington Sloane, who seeks David’s assistance for his employer Nejim Beshraavi, played by Alan Badel. Although intrigued, David declines the invitation, unaware of the dangerous events soon to unfold.
While jogging, David is forcibly taken into a Rolls-Royce limousine, where he meets the Prime Minister of Beshraavi’s Middle Eastern nation, Hassan Jena, depicted by Carl Duering. David finds himself in awe of Jena, who persuades him to accept Beshraavi’s offer to uncover his clandestine plans against the government. With the understanding that his life is at risk, David hesitantly agrees, feeling a deep respect for Jena.
David’s meeting with the menacing Beshraavi, characterized by an intimidating falcon, takes place in a lavish London residence. Beshraavi requests that David decode the cipher Ragheeb had, offering a substantial payment but implies he will be held captive until the task is completed. As David grapples with the cipher, he meets the alluring Yasmin Azir, played by Sophia Loren, the house’s owner and Beshraavi’s lover. Their chemistry is palpable, despite Beshraavi’s clear territorial warning regarding Yasmin.
During dinner with Beshraavi, Yasmin discreetly gives David a couple of papers, including a news clipping about Ragheeb’s death and a note urging him to meet her privately. The two share a clandestine moment where Yasmin reveals that Beshraavi orchestrated Ragheeb’s murder and plans to do the same to David once he has decoded the cipher. Just as they hide from Beshraavi, who enters the en-suite where David is concealed, Sloane’s call complicates matters by announcing David’s disappearance. Tension intensifies as David and Yasmin are pursued by Beshraavi’s goons, leading to a chaotic escape through the Zoological Gardens, where a surprising ally emerges to help them.
After a series of intense encounters, David finds himself in a moving panel van alongside Yasmin and Yussef Kassim. Under the threat of truth serum, they aim to extract information about the cipher. In a delirious state, David unintentionally divulges cryptic clues that lead Yussef to believe Beshraavi possesses the cipher. Eventually cast aside from the van, David’s surreal journey continues through the streets, narrowly escaping death and chaos.
Subsequent revelations indicate that the relationship between Beshraavi, Yasmin, and Yussef is fraught with betrayal and deception. Yasmin entices David into a dangerous game of allegiances. When they together realize that their lives are intricately bound to Ragheeb’s murder and Beshraavi’s sinister plans, the urgency to decode the cipher grows. David’s determination to find the cipher and Yasmin’s survival instincts propel them through escalating danger.
As they trace the cipher to Yussef’s construction site, David and Yasmin frantically attempt to retrieve it. Beshraavi’s influence looms large as they navigate challenges including a near-fatal wrecking ball incident. With Yussef dead, the truth about Yasmin’s family and other characters unfolds in a race against time.
In a climactic showdown at the airport, David saves Jena from a hired assassin, leading to a shocking twist involving deception. The intricate web of conspiracies reveals Yasmin’s true nature as a spy. The search for the cipher culminates with startling discoveries and deadly pursuits, ultimately leading to a desperate effort to thwart an assassination plot.
In a thrilling conclusion, as David and Yasmin finally embrace amidst the chaos, their bond deepens in the face of deadly intrigue. With suspense and romance interwoven throughout their harrowing adventure, they emerge from danger together, illustrating the power of trust amidst deceit.
Track the key events of Arabesque (1966) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Professor Ragheeb's Eye Examination
Professor Ragheeb arrives at his usual optometrist's office, only to find that Sloane has been replaced by a stranger. During the examination, Sloane administers eye drops that cause intense pain, leading Ragheeb to collapse and ultimately die.
Discovery of the Drawings
After Ragheeb's tragic collapse, Sloane examines Ragheeb's broken glasses and discovers a curious piece of paper with peculiar drawings resembling hieroglyphics. This revelation sets off a chain of events that draws others into dangerous intrigue.
David Pollock Takes Over the Class
At Oxford University, Professor David Pollock is assigned to take over Ragheeb's class. He tries to engage a lackluster student named Fanshaw, highlighting the contrast between their academic worlds and the looming dangers.
Encounter with Sloane
After his class, David speaks with Sloane, who has rebranded himself as Major Sylvester Pennington Sloane. Sloane seeks David's help for his employer, Nejim Beshraavi, leading David to consider the risks involved.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
While jogging, David is forcibly taken into a Rolls-Royce limousine where he meets the Prime Minister of Beshraavi's Middle Eastern nation, Hassan Jena. Persuaded by Jena's charisma and respect, David reluctantly agrees to investigate Beshraavi's dangerous plans.
The High-Stakes Meeting
In a lavish London residence, David meets Beshraavi, who underscores the importance of decoding Ragheeb's cipher. David is captivated yet unsettled as Beshraavi hints at the consequences of failing to complete the task assigned.
A Connection with Yasmin
As David grapples with the cipher, he encounters Yasmin Azir, the owner of the house and Beshraavi's lover. Their immediate chemistry is palpable, but Beshraavi's overshadowing presence complicates their interactions.
Yasmin's Warning
During a dinner with Beshraavi, Yasmin discreetly shares alarming information with David, revealing that Beshraavi orchestrated Ragheeb's murder and intends to eliminate David too. Their tense exchange foreshadows imminent danger.
The Chaotic Escape
David and Yasmin are soon pursued by Beshraavi's goons after a close encounter. They manage to escape through the Zoological Gardens with the help of an unexpected ally, heightening the tension as danger looms.
Interrogated in the Van
Inside a moving panel van, David, Yasmin, and Yussef Kassim are threatened with truth serum. As the pressure mounts, David reveals cryptic clues indicating Beshraavi possesses the cipher, leading to a frantic escape.
Unraveling Betrayals
As they navigate their perilous circumstances, the relationships among Beshraavi, Yasmin, and Yussef reveal layers of betrayal. The urgency to decode Ragheeb’s cipher becomes apparent as David and Yasmin bond over survival.
Racing Against Time
David and Yasmin trace the cipher to a construction site owned by Yussef. As they attempt to retrieve it, they face life-threatening challenges, including a near disaster with a wrecking ball, reflecting the escalating stakes.
Climactic Showdown
At the airport, David confronts an assassin aiming to kill Jena. The labyrinth of conspiracies unfolds, revealing Yasmin’s duplicity, which raises the stakes in their already complex relationship.
Final Confrontation
As David and Yasmin navigate through moments of peril, they must thwart an assassination plot tied to the cipher. Their collaboration cements their bond as they trust each other amid the chaos and danger surrounding them.
A New Alliance
In the thrilling conclusion, after an intense journey full of suspense and deception, David and Yasmin finally embrace. Their relationship is strengthened as they emerge together from the turmoil, having forged a powerful alliance against the threats they faced.
Meet the characters that bring Arabesque (1966) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
David Pollock (Gregory Peck)
David Pollock is a determined and resourceful professor who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous intrigue. His intelligence and moral resolve are tested as he navigates the threats surrounding him. David's knack for problem-solving is evident as he strives to uncover the truth about the cipher and protect those he cares about.
Yasmin Azir (Sophia Loren)
Yasmin Azir is a captivating and enigmatic character who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Torn between loyalty and survival, she embodies the complexity of love and conflict within the espionage narrative. Her charisma enhances her dangerous allure, making her a pivotal figure in David's journey.
Nejim Beshraavi (Alan Badel)
Nejim Beshraavi is depicted as a calculating and powerful antagonist with a penchant for manipulation. Driven by his own agenda, he poses a significant threat to David and Yasmin, forcing them into perilous situations. His menacing presence leaves a lasting impact on the unfolding drama.
Uncover the settings of Arabesque (1966), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events in the movie seem to be set in a contemporary timeframe that resonates with the 1960s or 1970s, marked by political tensions and espionage themes. This era is characterized by the Cold War's influence, leading to a significant focus on covert operations and undercover affairs.
Location
Oxford University, London, Middle Eastern nation
The story unfolds primarily at Oxford University, a historic and prestigious institution known for its academic excellence. In addition, key events take place in London, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and cultural significance. The backdrop of a Middle Eastern nation adds a layer of geopolitical intrigue, highlighting the complexities of international relations.
Explore the core themes of Arabesque (1966). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Espionage
Espionage plays a central role as the protagonist, David Pollock, is swept into a world of covert operations and murder. The pursuit of knowledge about the cipher sparks a dangerous game of trust and betrayal amidst powerful figures. This theme emphasizes the moral complexities in the quest for truth and survival.
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Romance
The budding romance between David Pollock and Yasmin Azir adds depth to the narrative. Amidst the chaos and danger, their relationship serves as a source of motivation and commitment. Their chemistry illustrates how love can be a powerful force even in perilous circumstances.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a recurring element, revealed through characters' hidden motives, especially regarding Yasmin and Beshraavi's relationship. The shifting loyalties create a tense atmosphere where trust is constantly questioned, underscoring the unpredictability of human relationships in a high-stakes environment.
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