Abdul the Damned, 1935
One of the finest British films of the mid-1930s, "Abdul the Damned" is the epic dram set in turn-of-the-century Turkey. Fritz Kortner is absolutely charismatic as the ruthless paranoid ruler who begins killing everyone he suspects of treachery against him. The despot's loyal chief of police enacts the leaders bloody whims until he too stands accused of conspiracy and is sentenced to die. The Viennese actress offers to join the despot's harem to save her lover.
A wonderful period piece, with some surprising subtlety in the portrayal of Sultan Abddul Hamid II. I enjoyed this film much more than I thought I would.
This film is difficult to purchase on it's own, but can be bought in conjunction with Chu Chin Chow (!) also starring Fritz Kortner.
