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Arabesque is a 1966 espionage thriller directed by Stanley Donen and starring Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, and Alan Badel. The film tells the story of a professor of Middle Eastern languages, David Pollock, who is recruited by an Arab prime minister to decipher a secret message. Pollock soon finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and danger as he tries to uncover the truth behind the message.

The movie opens with Pollock, played by Peck, giving a lecture at Oxford University. He is approached by a Middle Eastern Prime Minister, Beshraavi, played by Badel, to decipher a hieroglyphic code that is critical to the prime minister's political agenda. Pollock is reluctant at first, but is persuaded by $30,000 and the promise of a beautiful assistant to help him with the translation.

Pollock soon finds himself in a complex web of espionage and betrayal, as he discovers that the true nature of the message is not what he thought it was. Along the way, he meets Yasmin Azir, played by Loren, a mysterious woman who seems to know more than she lets on. They embark on a thrilling adventure across London as they try to uncover the truth behind the message and prevent an assassination attempt.

The film is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. The plot twists and turns with breathtaking speed, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The action scenes are thrilling, with Peck and Loren delivering standout performances. Peck is convincing as the intelligent academic turned reluctant spy, while Loren shines as the sultry and mysterious Yasmin. Badel is equally impressive as the sinister Prime Minister, adding to the tense atmosphere of the film.

The movie is also notable for its stunning visuals. Donen makes use of innovative camera techniques, placing the audience right in the heart of the action. The film features several exhilarating chase scenes, including a memorable sequence in which Pollock is pursued through the streets of London by a group of armed assassins.

In addition to its action and suspense, Arabesque also features a memorable theme song by composer Henry Mancini. The jazzy score perfectly complements the film's stylish atmosphere, adding to the overall sense of excitement.

Overall, Arabesque is a stylish and thrilling espionage thriller that boasts a great cast, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable score. It is a must-see for fans of the genre, and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood cinema.

Arabesque is a 1966 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 69.