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Storyline Lion of the Desert (1981):

This movie tells the story of Omar Mukhtar, an Arab Muslim rebel who fought against the Italian conquest of Libya in WWII. It gives western viewers a glimpse into this little-known region and chapter of history, and exposes the savage means by which the conquering army attempted to subdue the natives.

Casts of Lion of the Desert:

Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, Oliver Reed, Irene Papas, Raf Vallone, John Gielgud, Andrew Keir, Gastone Moschin, Stefano Patrizi, Adolfo Lastretti

He was a man of honor in a war without any.

Movie Definition

Title: Lion of the Desert

• Released: 1981-04-17


• Genre: Action, History, War


• Date: 1981-04-17


• Runtime: 173 Minutes


• Company: Falcon International Productions


• Language: English


• Budget: $35,000,000


• Revenue: $1,500,000


• Plot Keyword : Action, History, War


• Homepage:


• Trailer: Watch Trailer


• Director: Maurice Jarre, John Shirley, Syd Cain, Syd Cain, Glenn Randall Jr., Maude Spector, Roy Alon, Jack Hildyard, Giorgio Desideri, Geoffrey Helman

Find Out About Lion of the Desert

***“Braveheart” in the Libyan desert with Quinn, Reed and Steiger***

After twenty years of failing to remove Bedouin rebels during the Italian colonization (aka invasion) of Libya, Mussolini (Rod Steiger) sends formidable General Graziani (Oliver Reed) in 1931 to take care of the problem. Anthony Quinn plays the titular protagonist and leader of the freedom-fighting Libyans.

Did you ever wonder why “Lion of the Desert” (1980) is so obscure? It cost $35 million, has three big name stars, was shot on location and is epic in scope, but it only grossed $1 million worldwide and sits alongside other big money losers of the time period, like “Heaven's Gate” (1980) and “Inchon” (1981). Was it because it was supported by Gaddafi? Was it because it portrayed the Italians in a bad light and freedom-fighting Libyans as the protagonists? Or maybe it simply lacked the pizzazz to draw audiences.

For me, it’s the last one. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of good in this historical film and the movie perks up whenever Steiger and Reed are on the screen; Quinn too, but less so. And you can’t beat the authentic locations and action/adventure; the cliff-gorge battle, for instance, is a treat. Yet there’s something meh about the overall proceedings. It lacks the artistic style of “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962). It doesn’t help that the first act is relatively tedious and the action doesn’t kick-in until the 40 minute mark.

Since the movie lights up whenever Reed and Quinn are on the screen (Steiger’s Mussolini being a minor character), the script should’ve focused more on their characters. When these two opponents finally confront each other at the end it’s gripping drama. But the rest of the movie isn’t so compelling, disregarding the positives noted. Furthermore, the propagandizing Libyan bias is laughable. Still, if you like flicks like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Braveheart” (1995), it’s worth checking out.

The movie runs 2 hours, 54 minutes and was shot in Libya and Italy.

GRADE: C+