Kismet (1967)

Kismet is a musical adapted by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis from the 1911 play of the same name by Edward Knoblock, with lyrics and musical adaptation (as well as some original music) by Robert Wright and George Forrest. The music was mostly adapted from several pieces composed by Alexander Borodin. The story concerns a wily poet who talks his way out of trouble several times; meanwhile, his beautiful daughter meets and falls in love with the young caliph.

The musical was first produced on Broadway in 1953 and won the Tony Award for best musical in 1954. It was also successful in London's West End and has been given several revivals. A 1955 film version was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

An Armstrong Theater television version was broadcast in 1967 starring Barbara Eden as Lalume, José Ferrer as Hajj, Anna Maria Alberghetti as Marsinah, and George Chakiris as the Caliph. The script was edited down to a 90-minute broadcast, but it cut few musical numbers despite the shorter run time. Originally broadcast in color, only a black and white kinescope recording has survived.

Directed by
Bob Henry

Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)
Luther Davis ... (musical libretto)
Edward Knoblock ... (play)
Charles Lederer ... (musical libretto)
Sidney Michaels ... (writer)

Cast (in credits order)
José Ferrer José Ferrer ... Hajj
Anna Maria Alberghetti Anna Maria Alberghetti ... Marsinah
George Chakiris George Chakiris ... The Caliph
Barbara Eden Barbara Eden ... Lalumne
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hans Conried Hans Conried ... Wazir
Robert Goulet Robert Goulet ... Himself - Host
Cecil Kellaway Cecil Kellaway ... Omar Khayam
The Ray Charles Singers The Ray Charles Singers
Larry Billman Larry Billman ... Singer (uncredited)
Roy Clark Roy Clark ... Dancer (uncredited)
Bonnie Evans Bonnie Evans ... Dancer (uncredited)
Joe Negri Joe Negri ... Courtier (uncredited)

Produced by
Norman Rosemont ... executive producer
Art Direction by Jan Scott
Set Decoration by George Gaines
Costume and Wardrobe Department Bob Mackie ... costumer
Other crew
Jack Regas ... choreographer