Abdul the Damned

Alliance-Capitol Productions

Industry	Film production
Founded	1930s
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

Abdul the Damned—also referred to as Abdul Hamid—is a British drama film from 1935, directed by Karl Grune and featuring performances by Fritz Kortner, Nils Asther, and John Stuart. The movie was produced by Alliance-Capitol Productions at the studios of British International Pictures. Its narrative is set in the pre-First World War era of the Ottoman Empire, centering on Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the constitutionalist movement known as the Young Turks, who ultimately removed him from power.

Cast

• Fritz Kortner portraying Sultan Abdul Hamid II / Kelar
• Nils Asther as Chief of Police Kadar-Pasha
• John Stuart in the role of Captain Talak-Bey
• Adrienne Ames as Therese Alder
• Esme Percy taking on Ali - Chief Eunuch
• Walter Rilla playing Hassan-Bey
• Charles Carson as General Hilmi-Pasha
• Patric Knowles as Omar, Hilmi's Attache
• Eric Portman cast as a Conspirator
• Additional cast members include Clifford Heatherley, Henry B. Longhurst, Annie Esmond, Harold Saxon-Snell, and George Zucco

Production

The film’s financing was secured by producer Max Schach through a £15,000 loan obtained from Westminster Bank. The total production expenditure amounted to £50,000. Distribution responsibilities were managed by Wardour Films within the United Kingdom and Columbia Pictures across the United States.

Critical reception

While The New York Times characterized the film as "tedious and uninspired," it acknowledged several dramatic sequences, particularly highlighting Fritz Kortner's portrayal. Conversely, Film Weekly commended the movie for being "magnificently acted by Fritz Kortner" and described it as "interesting, impressive and, for the most part, gripping entertainment."

Bibliography

• Low, Rachael. Filmmaking in 1930s Britain. George Allen & Unwin, 1985.