Starring: Leila Murad, Naguib el Rihani, Mohamed Abdul Wahab, Anwar Wagdi, Yousef Wahbi

In Arabic with English Subtitles  

In Association with the Center For Middle Eastern Studies at UC Berkeley

Other Egyptian Musicals:
Love of My Life
Salaamah

Showing:
Sept. 7, 7:00 PM, Roxie Cinema
Sept. 10, 4:30 PM, Fine Arts Cinema
Sept. 17, 5:15 PM, Towne Theater

This entertaining musical comedy stars Egypt's foremost comedic actor, Naguib el Rihani, as Arabic language instructor Mr. Hamam (Arabic for 'pigeon'). Hamam is fired from his job teaching Arabic in an elementary school, mainly because he failed to impose order on a class of prankish schoolgirls who have no trouble in gaining the upper hand. In a fortunate turn of events, he is soon offered a job teaching Arabic to a local pasha's daughter, Leila, played by Arabic songstress Leila Murad. Not unlike Hamam's former students, Leila would rather have fun singing and dancing, and manages to turn the lessons with the grouchy tutor into sessions of flirtation and mischief. Not being used to such skillful manipulation and especially by one so fair, Hamam is immediately transformed into a cheerful and romantic suitor; he falls in love with his pupil and a series of comic misunderstandings ensue. Eventually, he is required to put his concern for Leila before his own feelings as he rescues her from the clutches of a greedy gigolo. All is well that ends well in this comedic love story, as Leila and Hamam get some advice during an unexpected visit to legendary actor Yousef Wahbi, playing himself, and star singer Mohamed Abdul Wahab, who performs with his grand orchestra. Beautifully filmed, FLIRTATION OF GIRLS is reminiscent of 1940s-era Hollywood classics, where happy endings and life lessons are served up in large helpings.

-- Samirah Alkassim/Laura Mameesh