Bruno Vailati was an Italian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his contributions to adventure and historical films. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he was the son of an Italian father and an Egyptian mother. Vailati began his career in the film industry as a screenwriter and assistant director. He co-directed The Giant of Marathon (1959) and The Thief of Baghdad (1961), both featuring American actor Steve Reeves. In 1963, he co-directed Torpedo Bay, a war film starring James Mason. Vailati was also an accomplished underwater filmmaker, directing documentaries such as Andrea Doria...
The Golden Arrow
Set in Damascus, the tale follows the trials and tribulations of Hassan (Tab Hunter), a skillful thief who turns out to be the long lost heir to the throne of the kingdom. Whenever the sultan’s child Jamila (Rossana Podesta) is kidnapped by enemies of her Hassam, father vows to rescue her and, at the same time, prove his real identification by retrieving a miracle amulet. On his trip, he must undergo various feats of strength and cunning involving a wizard who turns men to rock, a sorceress whom rules an underground labyrinth of flaming animals and other dangers. Through information technology all he is aided by three comical genies, a flying carpeting, a magic mirror that looks like a precursor to the iPad, and the legendary weapon of the title.
