Cast
View AllCamelia
as Qamar
Mahmoud Zulfiqar
as Mohsen
Hassan Fayek
as Mansour Pasha Abu Al-Num
Ferdoos Mohamed
as Khadiga
ElSayed Bedir
as Owais
Abdel Fattah ElQosari
as Sayed Abu Shalbaya
Wedad Hamdy
as Shaiqa
Mohamed Shawqi
as
Samia Roshdy
as Umm Qamar
Ahmed Ghanem
as Saleh
Mimi Aziz
as Madame Paolo the servant
Rashwan Mustafa
as The driver
Fawzeya Ebrahim
as Nabawiyya the maid
Ragwat Mansour
as the maid
Crew
Director
- Niazi Mostafa
Writer
- AbdelFattah ElSayed
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Qamar Arba'tashar represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Niazi Mostafa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Qamar Arba'tashar took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Qamar Arba'tashar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike In Search of a Midnight Kiss, which focuses more on action than character development, Qamar Arba'tashar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like La Dolce Vita and Ed Wood explore similar territory, Qamar Arba'tashar stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 3, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 28m