Cinema
The Watchman's Daughter
بنت الحارس
Henri Barakat · 1968
Synopsis
The mountain village where Nejmé lives has become so peaceful that no crime is committed there any more: the council judges it pointless to employ guards and policemen, and the girl's father finds himself out of work. To get him rehired, she goes out at night, disguised as an armed thief, and commits robberies that sow trouble throughout the village.
Context
The screenplay is by the Rahbani brothers, and Fairuz plays the role of Nejmé. It is one of only three films the singer made, with The Ring Seller and Safar Barlek, and one of the two she made with this Egyptian director. The film was released in Egypt in 1967 and in Lebanon in 1968; it mixes drama with musical comedy. The poster of the time shows the singer twice, singing in a white dress and disguised as a criminal, a weapon in her hand.
Who it is for
In Lebanese Arabic; the songs carry the film as much as the story, and it can be followed without knowing the repertoire.
Prizes and reception
Together with the singer's other two films, it makes up Fairuz's entire film career.
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