THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924) THEN AND NOW | Douglas Fairbanks & Anna May Wong

In 1924, Douglas Fairbanks built an entire city out of plaster and dreams, and called it Bagdad. The Thief of Bagdad is the story of Ahmed, a laughing thief who steals his way into a palace, falls in love with a princess, is exposed and whipped and banished, then quests across magic valleys to win her back on a flying carpet. Directed by Raoul Walsh from Fairbanks's own production, with dream-architecture by William Cameron Menzies, it was the most spectacular adventure the silent screen had ever seen. This then-and-now tribute follows its four unforgettable stars: Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939), the King of Hollywood, whose leaping Ahmed made him immortal; Anna May Wong (1905-1961), the nineteen-year-old Mongol slave who stole every scene and became the first Chinese American movie star; Julanne Johnston (1900-1988), the dancer Fairbanks plucked from a stage to be his princess for one shining year; and Snitz Edwards (1868-1937), the funniest little man in silent comedy, as Ahmed's crooked friend. From the rooftops to the magic rope, the flying carpet to the final kiss in the clouds, this is the full story of the cast of The Thief of Bagdad, then and now. Rest in peace: Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939), Anna May Wong (1905-1961), Julanne Johnston (1900-1988), Snitz Edwards (1868-1937). If you love classic cinema, please like, share and subscribe to Reel To Real Cast for more then-and-now journeys through the golden age of film. Tell us in the comments: which Fairbanks adventure is your favorite? #TheThiefOfBagdad #ThiefOfBagdad1924 #DouglasFairbanks #AnnaMayWong #JulanneJohnston #SnitzEdwards #ThenAndNow #SilentFilm #OldHollywood #ClassicMovies #ReelToRealCast