The Fighting Dervishes of the Desert (1912)
Hassan Ali, an Arab Sheik, sees Zahrah, daughter of the Coptic High Priest, and falls in love with her at first sight. The next day he determines to talk with the maiden and consequently he returns to the spot where he first saw her. There he awaits Zahrah and when she appears he impulsively declares his love. Zahrah is apparently impressed by his sincerity, but tells him he must obtain her father's permission to pay court to her. He returns to his camp in the desert and sends an envoy with presents to the High Priest asking for permission to wed Zahrah. The High Priest refuses and announces that Mohammedan and Christian cannot wed. This news angers the Arab Sheik and a band of fighting Dervishes which arrive at his camp, on their way to massacre the Christians, gives him an opportunity to avenge himself. Plans are laid for the destruction of the Coptic village but the fanatics have scarcely departed when Hassan Ali has a change of heart and sends a messenger to warn the Christians. While instructing the messenger, Ali has been overheard by one of the Arabs who gives chase and shoots the runner. The Dervishes attack the church while services are in progress; the High Priest is killed and the majority of the worshipers are put to the sword. Rushing into the thick of the night, Hassan Ali eventually finds Zahrah and aids her to escape. After the fanatics have departed, the remaining Copts who have managed to flee, meet in the ruins of the old Pagan temple at Luxor and give thanks for their preservation. Hassan Ali joins Zahrah and adopts the Christian faith. That night Zahrah and the Arab Sheik are married. The next day we see them mounted on camels, riding to Sheik Hassan's home in the desert.
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GenresAdventure
Short
Thriller
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Sidney Olcott | Director |
| Gene Gauntier | Writer |
| George K. Hollister | Cinematographer |
| J.A. Farnham | Production Designer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Gene Gauntier | |
| J.J. Clark | |
| Robert G. Vignola | |
| J.P. McGowan |
