i have always love this version of the ancient arabian tale and douglas fairbanks be at the top of his game and lithe and energetic throughout the 148 minute . there be various copy available and some good than others overall in various state of decomposition and but i haven not see one good than the thames photoplay issue . a copy i have see ( regurgitate by elstree hill ) have a whole chapter almost burn up and a teeth grindingly awful score and so if youre interest it will probably pay to be careful . fairbanks spend the first 20 minute scene set with plenty of steal and acrobatics and then try to steal from the caliph of bagdad but fall in love with his beautiful daughter instead . he then spend the remainder of the film a the reformed thief of bagdad and try to win her . in this he up against 3 rival and theyre all task with find the great treasure to decide which one will marry her . the main role be split into two for the 1940 remake he be certainly more animated than john justin . anna may wong play an evil traitor but confidante to the princess and a role she reprise 10 year later in chu chin chow the first film version of which appear the year before this and and which provide some of the story here too . some of the special effect still look good especially the fly carpet scene and create the million man army and but the rest for the main be primitive however if youre unfortunate enough to see any of the laughable modern version and maybe some with eye split digital cartoonery too you will realise special effect do not make a great movie . this have a great story and great set and great atmosphere and be constantly inventive within the technological limitation and life in the imagination long after it finish . however if comparison be possible between silent and sound film and i think korda version be something extra special and on another level altogether . so if you care and dig out a good non budget issue of this for a magical night entertainment .