Movie for a Sunday afternoon: "Istanbul"(1957)

YouTube ^ | 1957 | Joseph Pevney

[ReformationFan]

If you've ever wondered how "Casablanca" might've looked if Errol Flynn was in it instead of Humphrey Bogart, today's feature gives you a chance replete with Ingrid Bergman lookalike and soundalike Cornell Borchers(she could easily pass for Ingrid's sister) as his leading lady and Nat "King" Cole playing the Sam/Dooley Wilson equivalent and his hit song "When I Fall In Love" serving as this film's "As Time Goes By." A lavish and enjoyable Technicolor and CinemaScope exotic, romantic adventure that combines "Casablanca" with a 1947 Fred MacMurray/Ava Gardner film noir named "Singapore".

[ReformationFan]

ping

[arthurus]

I saw that, long ago.

[lee martell]

I’m guessing that filming crew was welcomed over in Turkey back then, because of all the business they brought to the city of Istanbul. Who knows if that could happen today without kidnap attempts made on the Leading Lady, or acid thrown at any female camera crews who were not covered up.

I will say that my only encounter with Turkey was around 1980, while in the Navy. We went to Izmir Turkey. I was treated well, and had enough sense not to argue politics while sitting in a restaurant or a bar. This was right after the planes Carter authorized for the Iran Hostage Rescue got caught in a sandstorm.

[arthurus]

In fact, I saw it in my parents’ living room in Istanbul in 1954 or 5. Dad got movies from the consulate and showed them for the family and his friends Feti Bey and the Segredos and the Kaisers.

[Maine Mariner]

About eight years ago, we had a couple from Izmir, Turkey at our home for dinner. He was a professor at their maritime college and she worked as a bank officer. We had a pleasant evening and they both seemed very secular. However, at some point in the conversation, something was said, in a very non-threating way, and he became quite angry for a moment.
I think his inner Islamism was awaking. We changed the subject quickly. We were on our guard for the rest of the evening and I for the rest of the year.

[LaybackLenny]

NOT Constantinople

[lee martell]

Sadly, that religion produces a culture where any encounter is like sitting next to an unleashed pit bull. The danger may not always manifest as physical, but as a radiant form of generalized anger at everything we consider good.

[Silentgypsy]

Thanks!