Ali Baba Goes to Town (1937) in Color — Starring Eddie Cantor & Tony Martin

Ali Baba Goes to Town (1937) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy Ali Baba Goes to Town (1937) in color — a delightful classic film originally shot in black and white, now professionally restored and colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by David Butler, this 20th Century Fox musical comedy stars the irresistible Eddie Cantor in a dream-fueled Arabian Nights adventure packed with song, dance, and laughs. Available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for €15.00.

Plot Summary

While performing in a WPA musical revue during the Great Depression, down-on-his-luck hobo Aloysius Babson (Eddie Cantor) stumbles onto a Hollywood film set depicting ancient Baghdad. After accidentally swallowing some pills that knock him unconscious, he dreams he has been transported back in time, becoming “Ali Baba” in a magical Arabian kingdom. There he discovers a corrupt Sultan (Roland Young) and his scheming adviser Prince Musah (Douglass Dumbrille), who are squandering the treasury while the people starve.

Armed with Depression-era political savvy, Babson introduces New Deal-style reforms to ancient Baghdad, captivating Princess Miriam (June Lang) and enlisting Yusuf (Tony Martin) as an ally. Along the way, he dodges assassination attempts, leads lavish production numbers with a chorus of forty thieves, and delivers sharp political satire that lampoons real-world dictators. Packed with Eddie Cantor’s signature eye-rolling humor, toe-tapping tunes, and spectacular dance routines — including Jeni Le Gon’s groundbreaking tap solo and Gypsy Rose Lee’s sultry performance — the film blends fantasy escapism with 1930s showbiz flair. Cantor ultimately saves the kingdom through ingenuity and comedy before waking back on the film set.

Cast & Crew

• Starring: Eddie Cantor, Tony Martin, Roland Young, June Lang, Gypsy Rose Lee, John Carradine, Virginia Field, Jeni Le Gon, Douglass Dumbrille, Alan Dinehart
• Director: David Butler
• Runtime: 81 minutes
• Year: 1937
• Rated: Approved
• Language: English

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized version brings the opulent world of ancient Baghdad to vivid life. Watch the bustling bazaars glow in rich jewel tones, the Sultan’s palace shimmer with golden accents, and the lavish costumes of the forty thieves burst with color. Eddie Cantor’s energetic antics pop against the vibrant backdrops, while Gypsy Rose Lee’s burlesque numbers and Jeni Le Gon’s sensational tap routines gain a whole new dimension in full color.

The colorization process uses advanced digital techniques to ensure historically accurate colors while preserving every detail of the original cinematography.

Originally filmed in black and white by 20th Century Fox in 1937, this restored version preserves every frame of the original performance while adding carefully researched color that honors the period’s aesthetics. The added visual richness perfectly complements the escapist joy of this Depression-era musical fantasy.

Buy now for a secure, instant digital download with no DRM restrictions. Your purchase includes a high-definition MP4 file compatible with all modern devices — Smart TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Historical Significance

Released in 1937, Ali Baba Goes to Town exemplifies the golden age of Hollywood musicals, offering lighthearted relief amid economic hardship. Eddie Cantor was at the height of his fame as a vaudeville-to-film crossover star, and this picture features bold political satire — a veiled jab at fascism and authoritarian rule — alongside memorable musical numbers. Tony Martin’s romantic ballads, Jeni Le Gon’s pioneering tap dance solo (one of the earliest featured performances by a Black female dancer in a major Hollywood production), and Gypsy Rose Lee billed as Louise Hovick all contribute to the film’s historical significance. A fun, overlooked gem of the musical comedy genre that deserves rediscovery in color.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1937)
• Colorized: Frame-by-frame HD restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 81 minutes
• Language: English
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase.
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

This classic movie is also available in colour for international audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What inspired the plot of Ali Baba Goes to Town?
The story combines the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves with a 1930s dream fantasy. A Depression-era performer is knocked unconscious on a film set and dreams he has been transported to ancient Baghdad, where he applies New Deal economics to save the kingdom.

Q: How does Eddie Cantor’s performance stand out?
Cantor delivers his trademark rapid-fire jokes, eye-rolling expressions, and energetic dances, portraying a lovable hobo-turned-hero who rallies the forty thieves into a singing, dancing troupe to overthrow a tyrannical sultan.

Q: What are some standout musical moments?
Highlights include Tony Martin’s romantic serenades, Gypsy Rose Lee’s sultry performance, Jeni Le Gon’s innovative tap solo — one of the first such featured performances by a Black dancer in a major studio film — and massive production numbers blending operetta parody with swinging jazz rhythms.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original 1937 black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, this digital download is completely DRM-free for your personal use. No special software or accounts required.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows and macOS computers, tablets, and iOS/Android smartphones.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
• Hollywood Canteen (1944)
• Show Business (1944)
• Top Hat (1935)