Backdrop image for movie The Desert Song

The Desert Song (1953)

Shiek Yousseff, poses as a friend of the French while secretly plotting to overthrow them. Apposing Yousseff are the Riffs, whose secret leader, The Red Shadow, is Paul Bonnard, a professor who is studying the desert, and whose attacks on the supply trains intended for Yousseff keep the Riff villages in food. Foreign Legion General Birabeau arrives to conduct an investigation, accompanied by his daughter, Margot. Birabeau hires Bonnard to tutor her, and she is attracted to a Legionaire captain, Claud Fontaine. While the general, Bonnard and Fontaine pay a visit to Yousseff, an American newspaper man, Benji Kidd, discovers a secret way in and out of Yousseff's palace, with the aid of Azuri, a dancing girl in love with Bonnard. The latter is forced to resume his role as the Riffs leader, and kidnap Margot until he can convince her of Yousseff's treachery. But Yousseff's men attack the Riff camp and take Margot prisoner.

  • Music
  • Romance

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Kathryn GraysonKathryn GraysonMargot Birabeau
  • Photo of Gordon MacRaeGordon MacRaeEl Khobar / Paul Bonnard
  • Photo of Steve CochranSteve CochranCaptain Claude Fontaine
  • Photo of Raymond MasseyRaymond MasseySheik Yousseff
  • Photo of Dick WessonDick WessonBenjamin 'Benjy' Kidd
  • Photo of Allyn Ann McLerieAllyn Ann McLerieAzuri
  • Photo of Ray CollinsRay CollinsGen. Birabeau
  • Photo of Paul PicerniPaul PicerniHassan
  • Photo of Frank De KovaFrank De KovaMindar
  • Photo of William ConradWilliam ConradLachmed

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