The Desert Song
“The Best Loved of all Musical Adventures!”
Synopsis
Shiek Yousseff, poses as a friend of the French while secretly plotting to overthrow them. Apposing Yousseff are the Riffs, whose secret leader, The Red Shadow, is Paul Bonnard, a professor who is studying the desert, and whose attacks on the supply trains intended for Yousseff keep the Riff villages in food. Foreign Legion General Birabeau arrives to conduct an investigation, accompanied by his daughter, Margot. Birabeau hires Bonnard to tutor her, and she is attracted to a Legionaire captain, Claud Fontaine. While the general, Bonnard and Fontaine pay a visit to Yousseff, an American newspaper man, Benji Kidd, discovers a secret way in and out of Yousseff's palace, with the aid of Azuri, a dancing girl in love with Bonnard. The latter is forced to resume his role as the Riffs leader, and kidnap Margot until he can convince her of Yousseff's treachery. But Yousseff's men attack the Riff camp and take Margot prisoner.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Preview Clip | The Desert Song | Warner Archive
Type: Clip • Published 2014-09-09
Top Cast
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Kathryn Grayson
Margot Birabeau
Gordon MacRae
El Khobar / Paul Bonnard
Steve Cochran
Captain Claude Fontaine
Raymond Massey
Sheik Yousseff
Dick Wesson
Benjamin 'Benjy' Kidd
Allyn Ann McLerie
Azuri
Ray Collins
Gen. Birabeau
Paul Picerni
Hassan
Frank De Kova
Mindar
William Conrad
Lachmed
Trevor Bardette
Neri
Mark Dana
Lt. Duvalle
Ben Astar
Sheik
Bhogwan Singh
Old Villager
Jack Tornek
Riff Guard
Cosmo Sardo
Legionnaire
Charles Perry
Legionnaire (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York City, New York
Festival / Special Debut
May 30, 1953
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- H. Bruce Humberstone
- Screenplay & Story
- Roland Kibbee
- Original Score
- Max Steiner, Sigmund Romberg
- Original Title
- The Desert Song
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
H. Bruce Humberstone
Roland Kibbee, Otto A. Harbach, Frank Mandel, Oscar Hammerstein II, Laurence Schwab
Max Steiner, Sigmund Romberg
Robert Burks
William H. Ziegler
Rudi Fehr
Department Leadership Roster
H. Bruce Humberstone
Director
Rudi Fehr
Producer
Roland Kibbee
Screenplay
Max Steiner
Original Music Composer
William H. Ziegler
Editor
Robert Burks
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Desert Song.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Desert Song
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Desert Song about?
Shiek Yousseff, poses as a friend of the French while secretly plotting to overthrow them. Apposing Yousseff are the Riffs, whose secret leader, The Red Shadow, is Paul Bonnard, a professor who is studying the desert, and whose attacks on the supply trains intended for Yousseff keep the Riff villages in food. Foreign Legion General Birabeau arrives to conduct an investigation, accompanied by his daughter, Margot. Birabeau hires Bonnard to tutor her, and she is attracted to a Legionaire captain, Claud Fontaine. While the general, Bonnard and Fontaine pay a visit to Yousseff, an American newspaper man, Benji Kidd, discovers a secret way in and out of Yousseff's palace, with the aid of Azuri, a dancing girl in love with Bonnard. The latter is forced to resume his role as the Riffs leader, and kidnap Margot until he can convince her of Yousseff's treachery. But Yousseff's men attack the Riff camp and take Margot prisoner.
Who directed The Desert Song?
The Desert Song was directed by H. Bruce Humberstone.
Who stars in The Desert Song?
The principal cast of The Desert Song includes Kathryn Grayson, Gordon MacRae, Steve Cochran, Raymond Massey, Dick Wesson.
When was The Desert Song released and how long is it?
The Desert Song was released in 1953 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for The Desert Song?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Desert Song was composed by Max Steiner, Sigmund Romberg.