The Thief of Baghdad is a 1978 fantasy film directed by Clive Donner and starring Roddy MacDowall and Kabir Bedi.

A British and French co-production, the film was released theatrically, except for the United States where it debuted on television.

Soon after the death of his father, Prince Taj of Sakkar is persuaded to compete for the hand of Princess Yasmine of Baghdad.

Using this as an excuse to stall for time, the Caliph sends all the suitors on a quest "to find that object in all the world that has the most value", and return in three moons.

Hassan, convinced of Taj's sincerity because of Jaudur's repeated murder attempts, joins him on the quest.

Perizidah, acting on Yasmine's behalf (and attracted to Hassan) guides them to a place where they can overhear Jaudur force information from traveling holy man Abu Bakare.

Hassan reluctantly follows Taj with the gatekeeper's blessing: "May your knowledge of deception lead you straight as an arrow to the truth."

Hassan resists the insulting chants with more humour than Taj, and his fear prevents him from intervening with the serpent illusion.

Jaudur has hypnotized Yasmine and the Caliph into agreeing to the wedding, but Taj arrives in time to prevent it.

Hyperactive McDowall (the thief) is upstaged by old pro Ustinov as the Caliph; Kabir Bedi, once India's 'highest paid male model', is a joke as the prince, meant to symbolise the alliance of magic and muscle; and Terence Stamp, as a lethargic representative of Supreme Evil, simply waits around for henchmen or flying carpets to do the dirty work.