The Garden of Allah (1936)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

I had read up on this movie before watching it. A lot of people said it was boring and I have to agree with them. I really enjoyed the colouring and even the title of the film. Really I should be giving this film a 3/10. But I'm going to do that. I watched this movie only because Boyer and Dietrich were in it. I'd give this movie a 10/10 solely for Charles Boyer's face because it was a masterpiece in this film. We've always been used to the black and white Boyer but this film truly brings out the fullness of his face. The tortured, painful and sometimes almost pouty made his face even better. So literally watch it for its historical significance and Boyers gorgeous face. Oh yeah, and Marlene was beautiful, as always.

As of my writing these comments, a large number of people who rated this film also wrote reviews on it – about 5 percent. Most commented on the love story and the co-stars, and many noted the scenery and wonderful cinematography of such an early Technicolor movie. A few found the religious aspects out of place. There's no doubt that the script for "The Garden of Allah" is wanting. The story seems choppy and disconnected in many places. Yet the plot is able to rescue this film because it is less bound by need for a seamless flow of scenes. The story is about a conflict of faith, and the plot raises that above the love story in several instances. There was a time when people seemed to enjoy or value occasional films of this nature. But they are rare indeed in the past two decades. That most reviewers so far have given so little due to the crisis of faith in this film may indicate that society in general has lost touch with an aspect of life that once was a serious study and interest of civilization. Aside from its script weaknesses, "The Garden of Allah" presents very well the angst of spiritual conflict among two believing Christian souls. Scenes of Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer show the depth of faith of these two people who were brought together by different and unusual circumstances. This is a movie well worth seeing.

I rented this because Dietrich was in it and was astounded at how perfectly awful it was! Make that three of us, as we sat down anticipating a pleasant experience and after 20 minutes or so decided it was one of the worst things we'd ever seen. The plot was utterly disjointed: one thing did *not* lead to another and one was always left wondering "how did they get from there to here?" I took it home and watched it myself to see if the whole movie was that bad, and unfortunately it was. The acting (when it existed) was uninspired, possibly because the cast knew what a piece of crap they were in and simply didn't care. I thought I was watching a high school play instead of a movie and am absolutely certain I could write better dialog in my sleep - and give me a break with that god-awful "sand diviner" character! The "message" of this disaster was also infuriating, leading to a disgusting, inhumane ending reflecting the inanity of what all too many persons' idea of what "the right thing to do" consists of.Yep, the color was spectacular, but as for the writers their only way to regain their honor would have been in the Japanese tradition.

The religious Domini Enfilden (Marlene Dietrich) is feeling lonely and is advised by her friend Mother Superior Josephine (Lucile Watson) to travel to the Sahara Desert for reflection. Meanwhile, the monk Boris Androvsky (Charles Boyer) escapes from the Trappist monastery where he had taken his vows. They meet each other in the sands of the desert and fall deeply in love for each other, but Boris does not tell his secret to Domini. When a lost patrol of legionnaires meet the oasis where Domini and Boris are camped, the leader Captain De Trevignac (Alan Marshal) recognizes Boris."The Garden of Allah" is an absolutely dated melodrama in 2008. The scenarios, the locations and the cinematography are wonderful, but the dramatic plot point of the romance is laughable and dull in the present days. It is also funny to see Charles Boyer taller and taller than Marlene Dietrich in the scenes with close. My vote is five.Title (Brazil): "O Jardim de Alá" ("The Garden of Allah")