In Powell’s autobiography, ‘A Life in Movies’ he indicates that there were other Director’s of the movie. His direction focused on scenes with Conrad Veidt and Sabu. He also mentions that having Director credits were important in the competitive movie business and could be parlayed into increased power and prestige. This was accepted form. He also indicates that Alexander Korda directed some scenes without credit. (page 385 and others)
The Thief Of Bagdad certainly has the feel of a multi-director film; it’s unity seems to come from the art direction and the wardrobe rather than a directorial cohesion. It’s one of the least interesting works in his canon; the recent Criterion release of ‘The Small Back Room’ was a great Powell discovery for me.
Sorry to come to this late…. I’m a huge Powell fan… and some of the lesser knowns hold great joys for me. The Edge of the World, is almost a documentary of the passing of a way of life, crossed with an old folk legend… it’s amazing. Equally ‘The Wild Heart’ which they made while fending off Selznicks attentions as it starred his then wife Jennifer Jones… It’s top shelf stuff and should be re-discovered in the way Peeping Tom was I think.
Daniel Kasman
I love Powell and Pressburger films, but does anyone know the extent to which Michael Powell worked on this movie?