Cinema
The Flirtation of Girls
غزل البنات
Anwar Wagdi · 1949
Synopsis
Hamam, a humble teacher of Arabic, is hired as tutor to Layla, the carefree daughter of a rich pasha who struggles with Arabic. He falls in love with her while she toys with him. He then discovers, according to elCinema, that she is the prey of an unscrupulous young man, and tries to save her with the help of an officer. Songs and appearances by stars playing themselves punctuate this musical comedy.
Context
The film was released on 22 September 1949. Anwar Wagdi wrote it, directed it and produced it, and plays Wahid in it; the dialogue is by Badie Khayri and Naguib el-Rihani, who plays Hamam. It is Rihani's last film, released after his death, and the last screen appearance of Mohamed Abdel Wahab, who composed its music. Leila Mourad plays Layla, and Youssef Wahbi appears as himself. It is among the hundred best Egyptian films.
Who it is for
A musical comedy in Arabic, in black and white, running from one hundred and ten to one hundred and twenty minutes depending on the sources.
Prizes and reception
The last role of a great Egyptian comic, surrounded by the singing stars of his day.