In this classic musical, Hamam is a poor Arabic language teacher who gets sacked from a girls’ elementary school for not being able to control mischievous students. He feels pessimistic about everything in life, but his friend, an employee working for a pasha finds him a job as a private teacher for his only daughter Laila in order to help her pass an exam. Laila treats Hamam like a friend and helps him to appreciate life and enjoy its qualities. Poor old Hamam, falls in love with the young and beautiful Laila, his aristocratic pupil. Soon, he must decide between his unrealistic feelings or sacrificing his love for her own good.
Classics O’Clock IX, Sunday April 6, 13:45 CET
CLASSIC CINEMA SECTION
THE FLIRTATION OF GIRLS
ENGLISH TITLE:
THE FLIRTATION OF GIRLS
ORIGINAL TITLE:
GHAZAL AL-BANAT
DIRECTOR:
Anwar Wagdi
COUNTRY:
Egypt
GENRE:
Comedy, Musical
YEAR:
1949
LENGTH:
120’
CAST:
Nagib El-Rihani, Anwar Wagdi, Laila Mourad, Mahmoud El Meligy, Suleiman Naguib, Abdulwareth Asar, Youssef Wahbi, Estafan Rosti
A QUOTE FOR THE FILM:
"We're going to the place where lovers meet, the place where we dance and sing and forget our sorrows."
SELECTIVE LIST OF FESTIVALS AND AWARDS:
The movie was chosen by critics among the nine best films in the history of Egyptian cinema in 1996.
DIRECTOR’S BIO:
Anwar Wagdi was born on October 11, 1904 in Cairo, Egypt. His family was of Syrian origins from Aleppo. Lived in poverty and was homeless after his father kicked him out of the house because he didn't want him to be an actor. He quickly leaped to stardom and played leading roles in and/or directed 92 Egyptian films between the 1932 and 1955. He achieved particular success partnering with his wife, Egyptian legend Leila Mourad. He was known for The Flirtation of Girls (1949), El Millioner (1950) and Qalbi Dalili (1947). He was married to Layla Fawzi, Laila Mourad and Elham Hussein. He died on May 14, 1955 in Stockholm, Sweden.
