The White Sheik (1928 film)

The White Sheik, alternatively titled King's Mate, is a 1928 British silent adventure film helmed by director Harley Knoles and featuring performances by Lillian Hall-Davis, Jameson Thomas, and Warwick Ward. The movie adapts the novel King's Mate authored by Rosita Forbes.

Plot

During her winter stay in the Moroccan city of Fez, a young Englishwoman named Rosemary encounters Martengo, who tries to impose his unwanted advances on her. She flees into the desert, becomes disoriented, and is ultimately saved by an enigmatic Englishman known as the White Sheik.

Cast

• Lillian Hall-Davis portraying Rosemary Tregarthen
• Jameson Thomas as Westwyn
• Warwick Ward in the role of Martengo
• Clifford McLaglen playing Manheebe
• Gibb McLaughlin as Jock
• Forrester Harvey taking on Pat
• Julie Suedo as Zarita

Release

The film debuted in December 1929 at New York City's Little Carnegie Playhouse, where it was screened alongside the comedy Feed ’em and Weep from Hal Roach Studios and the documentary short Strange Prayers produced by Universum Film AG.

Reception

Mordaunt Hall, critic for the New York Times, characterized the film as "amateurish" and "tedious," labeling its characters among the most "absurd" ever portrayed on screen.