The Desert Song

source: The Desert Song

Moviecut—The Desert Song

The Desert Song

I fell in love with the Desert Song movie with Dennis Morgan & Irene Manning when I was young and years later I was a hairdresser and did Irene Manning's hair. She gave two of us operators a copy of the movie on a VHS tape and I have had it ever since. I am sure it would be illegal to copy it or sell it or anything else but when I see the comments of people who would love to see it again it frustrates me. It is not as clear as modern Technicolor but still a great movie and the music is wonderful;. I have no idea as to the added song or which one it was, but the film is still exciting to see and I am 78 years old. It is pure nostalgia and I with all of you would like to see it released to the public.......... Patricia

Sometime in the late 70's-early 80s, Canada College, San Mateo, Calif had a showing of this movie at a restored Redwood City, Calif. theater. Irene Manning attended and took questions. She was charming. The copy they used for the showing came from Dennis Morgan's private collection. The theater was full including the balconies. Since I had always declared this movie my favorite of all time (I saw it when I was 10)I did not let my family come see it with me. I was afraid it would be as hokey as most of the older movies of the era, and they would laugh at me. I was amazed. The story line was relevant to the time. The dialog was not that outdated, in fact it was quite good (and they still made this a musical) Great color and photography. It was hard to believe it had been made in the 40's There must be someone who can get this picture out of the vault and onto DVD before all of us who have loved it and remembered it for over 60 years are gone.

Dennis Morgan and Irene Manning beautifully sing "One Alone" and "The Desert Song" together. Dennis Morgan was a fine actor. Bruce Cabot and other supporting actors played excellent roles. This movie has never been shown on television because of a copyrights dispute over one song that was added to this 1943 version. An entertaining adventure plot with excellent background music.

Saw this movie (many times) as a boy living on the lower east side of New York City. Excellent escapism and a wonderful introduction to semi classical music. Dennis Morgan was a very positive actor, equally convincing in a musical or flying a fighter plane in WWII China. He had a the range of vocal and dramatic qualities to thoroughly entertain. The one scene with him riding the top of the dunes, calling his men to attack with a melodic battle cry (just approaching "high C") is a terrific way to start a movie. Irene Manning was a good match. Still remember their version of "One Alone" and the Riff's singing "All". Sorry the movie can't be released, such chemistry is rare. Chuck Ingraham

I saw this movie when I was 18 years old in the service, 62 years ago, during WW2. I was really impressed. It was a wonderful movie, and I would give anything to see it again, now. Is there anything you can do to make this movie available, either on tape, or disc? Would gladly buy it at any price. It must be the one with Dennis Morgan and Irene manning. Please respond to mat000@peoplepc.com, or write or call. Thank you, Henry M. Nuspl 3736 Gail Dr. Imperial, Mo 63052 636-282-4927

I saw this movie in 1944 as a 7 year old and have never forgotten it after having fallen in love with the desert story line, music, and Dennis Morgan. Saw the movie several times and learned every line of every song. Of course I haven't seen it since and probably never will if there are problems in having it released. Five years ago, my daughter and my two youngest grandchildren moved to Muscat, Oman where I have visited them each winter since they arrived there. We always spend a few days at Al Areesh Desert Camp in the Wahiba Sands where I first began to sing The Riff Song for the kids. Although the Bedoins accompanying us think us a little daft, my 8-year-old granddaughter and I take great joy in she and I hopping on our camels, riding off in the sand singing, "Over the ground, there comes a sound.............". What great fun. She is dying to see the movie as am I. What a shame this is not possible.

First saw this movie in 1945,when I was in the navy.Recently saw it again on video,but this was in black and white.A couple of the scenes seemed different,but my memory is not what it used to be.Maybe one of the other users could clear this up for me.