Kismet (1944)

In the timeless city of ancient Baghdad, Hafiz, a crafty beggar who dons the self-proclaimed title of the King of Beggars, uses his mastery of deceit and disguise to masquerade as a Prince of Hassir, a distant corner of the empire. Under the cloak of a moonlit Arabian night, he finds himself entwined in a fervent romance with the enchanting Jamilla, a queen unknowingly bound to the Grand Vizier, the empire's most formidable man, through a political alliance with Macedonia. Despite the lies that blanket their love, Jamilla revels in the escape from her life with the power-hungry Vizier, unaware that her lover's true identity is that of a beggar wandering the streets. Within the confines of his humble abode, Hafiz weaves a fanciful tale for his daughter, Marsinah, promising her a future where she will marry a prince, a far cry from the expected suitors of her social standing. Unbeknownst to Hafiz, over the high walls meant to protect her, Marsinah's heart has been stolen by a man she believes to be a gardener's son, oblivious to the fact that he is the new Caliph, the ruler of all Arabia. The Caliph, seeking the truth within his kingdom, often roams the streets incognito, unaware that he owes his life to Hafiz, the beggar masquerading as a Prince. As corruption festers within the empire, the Caliph plans to confront the Grand Vizier, who in return, plots to seize the throne through a deadly coup. Observing his daughter blossoming into womanhood, Hafiz realizes the need to fulfill his extravagant promise. Employing his beguiling tricks and skills, he seeks to intertwine the destinies of Marsinah and the Grand Vizier, who he perceives as the potential Caliph. In this intricate tapestry of mistaken identities and obscured truths, the unfolding of their collective fate – or kismet – hinges on the shrewd beggar's ability to manipulate the threads of destiny. But will Hafiz, the King of Beggars, realize that fate is not a puppet dancing on the strings of deception, but an unpredictable force that commands its own course? The allure of this tale lies in the unraveling of these intertwined destinies, echoing the mystic charm of ancient Arabia.

Kismet is an adventure movie featuring Ronald Colman.

Kismet is currently streaming on Eros Now.

It is also possible to buy Kismet on Amazon Video and Apple TV.