Arabesque

An Oxford professor of ancient hieroglyphics is drawn into a dangerous political plot after a plan to topple a prominent Middle Eastern leader becomes public. Pollock is recruited by authorities to search for information hidden in coded hieroglyphics that may reveal the conspirators’ trail. Along the way he encounters an enigmatic agent named Beshraavi who seems to be both foe and informant. Yasmin Azir, a woman with her own agenda and a volatile romance with Beshraavi, keeps casting doubt on who is really working with Pollock. The pursuit unfolds across cities, balancing clever clues with brisk action as Pollock tries to assemble the puzzle before time runs out.

Directed by Stanley Donen, Arabesque adapts material from Gordon Cotler, Peter Stone and Julian Mitchell. Starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren, the 1966 thriller carried a budget of 4.8 million dollars and showcases sleek 60s interiors and action set pieces filmed across exotic locales.

Reviewers framed Arabesque as a stylish blend of suspense and humor rather than a pure spy thriller. It trades on misdirection and sharp dialogue, pairing academic reason with fast moving danger while probing trust, loyalty, and the limits of political games. Some critics praised its breezy tempo and Loren's screen presence, while others found the plot overstuffed. Its tone remains light even as danger intensifies.

Arabesque sits in the 1960s wave of glamorous espionage, pairing Oscar winners Peck and Loren against a cosmopolitan backdrop. Its mix of academic puzzles and global intrigue helped define a stylish subgenre, influencing later thrillers that fuse intellect with high octane chases. The film's fashion and set design contribute to a lighthearted satire of Cold War era politics.

Box office data for Arabesque is not widely documented, so reliable worldwide gross figures aren't readily available. The production focused on star power and glossy production values, typical of mid 1960s thrillers.