User reviews

Reading one of the commentaries about this movie urged me to write one of my own. It does seem to me, today, that a movie needs to be ridiculously full of stunts and action sequences (and blood, violence etc) to be considered worth while by the rank and file who are watching. How sad is that? I guess I am in the minority, but I want more to a movie than special effects.

I had wanted to see this movie from the start, but was never able to get to the theater, so I got it the minute it came out on DVD. I know it was supposed to be a "True Story" but as is I would doubt it - too Hollywood. But hey, the long and short of it is . . . Viggo. Horses. I am so there. Who cares if it did not really happen this way?

Anyway, now that I have seen it, I can't say I was disappointed at all. I was raised in a scouting family that was very involved in "Indian Lore" and the chants brought back memories. I think Native American history is complex and interesting, and we can still learn from the mistakes made on both sides. And Native Lore is ingrained in the message this movie had to tell.

EVERY movie lately seems to be overcoming obstacles and winning even when you had no chance . . . you can't sit through a day of the Disney Channel without getting that drummed into you! But this was different.

Frank T Hopkins was what was then called a "half breed", but he passed as white, and not wanting to deal with his race, he hid it (except for speaking the language, which I assumed many white men who were close to the land could do). Although he tried to deny it, his bloodlines brought him back to it time and again. Although being in the race had nothing to do with being a "half breed" on the surface, it was all about it in the end. Hidalgo was an "Indian pony" - a breed that was facing extinction. The horse was constantly being put down by both the whites and the Arabs. While defending the horse constantly, Hopkins yet shunned his own heritage and culture, and only when he accepted it did he win the race. And yet he should have known it all along, since the horse, the symbol of that heritage, was his most prized friend.

I got my back up a little when I read that someone thought the movie was was "moralistic" until they finally got to the action. Gee, aren't movies supposed to be moralistic? Should we not learn from our entertainment, or is it just mindless slaughter and CGI? It was like, yeah yeah, forget the plot, let's see some action.

Action is fine, but I liked all the little coincidences, symbolisms and tie-ins to other characters. The tie-in to Jazia (the sheik's daughter) wearing a veil over her head was perfect. They were both less in the eyes of white men, but in reality they were fine for what they were. They just had to accept it. The symbol of the natives, a necklace given to him by a chief friend, became his symbol as well, when his servant mistakenly used it for their flag. In the end it was no mistake at all.

Yes, it was the typical Disney underdog wins, but there was something extra to it. At least to me, and I am not sorry to say I still watch movies for the message, not the phony thrills.

I have seen this film before, but I felt compelled to watch again yesterday in memory of Floyd Red Crow Westerman (Chief Eagle Horn), who died last week.

This is a thrilling movie about persistence and will. It has all the excitement you could wish for in a western-type movie, and it has subplots that are truly interesting.

Viggo Mortensen is perfect in his role of a half Sioux/half American rider that is struggling with finding out who he really is inside. Zuleikha Robinson was intriguing as the daughter of the Sheikh who knew who she was and wanted others to recognize it. Seeing Omar Sharif as the Sheikh was a thrill as it has been too long since I have last seen him.

A thrilling film blending the cultures of two peoples of the horse.

Viggo Mortensen is terrific, Omar Sharif is terrific, and the horse, whose name, I believe is J.T. in terrific! And I heard that Viggo loved the horse so much, he bought him. And he rode him to the premier (sp) of the movie. I think Viggo Mortensen is absolutely gorgeous. He's also a painter and a poet. I think this explains his soft-spoken way. He seems like a very sensitive man and this is what I like. I generally see a movie for the stars in it and not particularly the story, which in this case was breath-taking. I also love an animal storyline and this was one. Reminds me of the times years ago when films were of the type you could take your kids to. Bravo HIDALGO!!!!!!

Directed by Joe Johnston, the man behind the excellent & severely underrated "The Rocketeer" ('91) which was also a period piece, "Hidalgo" is a biographical adventure film loosely based on the life of Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo that competed on a long distance Middle Eastern race called itself "Ocean of Fire", against the best pure- blooded Arabian horses.

The real life Hopkins and his alleged exploits were most likely fictional / tall stories told by a 'fabulator' man that once was a professional horseman performing with the Ringling Brothers Circus. Even if it wasn't all true, the Hopkins & Hidalgo's daring adventure across the scorching desert of Arabia was the perfect scenario for an adventure / drama film shot on location, with a sense of the classic swashbuckling style, long gone from the Entertainment Industry of nowadays.

It looks & feels something like a lighthearted / toned-down version of such classics as "Lawrence of Arabia" meets "Dances with Wolves" with an Indiana Jones urge to it, some of the funny gags & action sequences are even based (or more like a tribute) to the world's most famous archaeologist.

Smartly, the director Johnston keeps the CGI effects to a minimum, only when was strictly necessary (like the sandstorm who reminds a lot the less-inspired Stephen Sommers' blockbuster, "The Mummy") which enhanced the old school filmmaking factor.

"Hidalgo" is an entertaining, upbeat & reckless ride that moves at nicely pace, competent photographed by Shelly Johnson with great sets & costume design and great performances all around from Viggo, still in the heroic & manly, but sensitive role of an Aragorn type of character to the legendary & sorely missed, Omar Sharif in a gracious & witty role as the Sheikh Riyadh. Malcolm McDowell, C. Thomas Howell & J.K. Simmons also provided interesting cameos, but above them all, T.J. as the beautiful mustang Hidalgo, deserves the highest praise.

The picture talks upon Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) a real cowboy who participated with his horse called ¨Hidalgo¨ in an extraordinary racehorse : ¨ Oceans of fire¨, a 3.000 mile survival race across the risky Arabian desert . He'll take on ominous Arab riders and many dangers . The confrontation will be terrible and he'll face off imposing winds , locust plague , quicksands... though he'll love an Arab princess (Zuleikha Robinson) , Sheik's daughter (Omar Shariff) too . The film is based on historic deeds and famous people , thus : the ¨Wounded Knee slaughter¨ (1890) ; besides , there appears : Buffalo Bill Cody (J.K.Simmons) , Annie Oakley (Elizabeth Berridge) and Indian chiefs: Eagle Horn (Floyd Red Crow Westerman) , Sitting Bull , Crazy Horse and Big Foot . The final duel amongst the horsemen is breathtaking and overwhelming .

This moving motion picture blends adventures , action , a love story , emotions and results to be pretty amusing . From the beginning to end the adventure-action is unstoppable , it's fast moving and for that reason packs a lot of entertainment . The final horse scene was filmed in Browning, Montana , 550 different horses were used in that scene , the horses all came from different owners, so to tell them apart, their hooves were branded . Sets and production design are spellbinding and the Oriental landscapes are mesmerizing . Special effects (FX) by Industrial Light and Magic ILM (George Lucas's ownership) are top-notch , as especially the impressive digital storm . The movie was well directed by Joe Johnston , including Shelly Johnson's riveting cinematography and James Newton Howard's fascinating musical score . The film obtained success at box office around the world and United States was number one . The flick will appeal to Oriental adventure enthusiasts and Viggo Mortensen fans . Rating : Very good , well worth watching .

Hidalgo. A horse with spirit, pride, and eyes that communicate scriptlines as coherent as any spoken. Viggo Mortensen is a charismatic and very persuasive actor and talented man. Omar Sharif, "Let in the light"... the scene at Wounded Knee is thought provoking. Hidalgo is one I would recommend highly. I do not see how a mustang from America could have any chance though in such a race. It would be unaccustomed to the new climate, and could possibly get sick and die just from the change of environment. It would be racing against horses who have been on these sands all their lives... it would be at a great disadvantage. Remember the movie Lucas? Where at the end he finally gets to play football and nearly gets killed? Reminds me of those kind of odds.

This movie has many subtleties that go unspoken that are the signature of a great film. I'd like to point one out.

1. The amount of the purse is unspoken until halfway thru, which leaves the mind open to experience beyond the material aspect.

I love the goat herder whose punishment for stealing milk is to work for the American. We see objectively thru the eyes of Frank the positives and negatives that arise from different cultures, including our own.. and this honest experience, gives the film great character.

Overall a very enjoyable film. I give this film a 8/10

...an enchanting deeeelightful story - well, a semi true story about a factionalized real cowboy.

A man, his horse and a 1,000 miles race.

Viggo Mortensen gives a solid performance and what a delight to see Omar Sharif as as Arab Sheik.

Hidalgo belongs in every film collector's library.

I've seen Hidalgo twice and will go again (and again) and I will buy the DVD. I hope that people will not listen to the critics and will give this movie a chance for success. It doesn't matter if Frank Hopkins did these things or not. If he didn't, he gave us a rousing story. Viggo is perfect in this role as the "cowboy" and rides Hidalgo like the wind. The Arabian desert is frightening and beautiful. The horses are beautiful. Some don't like what seems like stereotypes, however, it takes place in 1890 and Native Americans were killed, then played for sport in "shows". Africans were enslaved and women wore (wear) veils. The movie is right with the times. The music is enjoyable. I'll look for the soundtrack on CD. See it and decide for yourself.

A lukewarm attempt at an old-fashioned "ripping yarn" kinda movie. High points include some lovely scenery; Omar Sharif as a powerful Bedouin sheik; and, to some extent, Viggo Mortensen as Frank Hopkins, the half-Indian long distance rider who brings his Mustang, Hidalgo, to "Arabia" for a 3,000-mile race. Viggo looks great in his 19th-century pants, and definitely looks good on a horse, but struggles with some pretty cheesy dialogue. Low points include that dialogue, plus some very muddy lighting in a lot of scenes. And overall, it's just corny. But if you're a fan of "the Big V," it's probably a must-see. I must say I enjoyed those pants quite a bit.

Hidalgo is one of those movies that comes along once in a blue moon. This is a movie NOT to be missed.

Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of a gentle, laid-back cowboy hearkens back to the golden age of cinema and would make the likes of Gary Cooper proud! His subtle blend of virtue such as honor, honest and pride - without being the least bit preachy, make watching his performance an utter joy.

All of the actors are brilliant in their roles, especially the one in the title role! Hidalgo is clever and entertaining without being unbelievable as many animal movies are these days. You won't find him standing on his hind legs and doing the hokey-pokey, but his talents are very evident and he becomes a hero that we all love before the end of the movie.

One of the best parts of this movie is the fact that it is a movie by grownups for grownups, although it carries enough action and suspense that kids will probably like it to. Absent, however is the sickeningly sweet "kids scenes" that we simply cannot get away from in movies today. No charming close ups of dimple-faced waifs. No little wise-mouthed child prodigies - nothing but good old fashioned grown-up fun! How refreshing.

You will be happy to know that the ending isn't as predictable as it could have been. Although falling into the "happy" category (of course), there are poignant moments and you might shed a tear.

One other aspect of this film which I found intriguing is the issue of examining and accepting who we are. It was very well done and meaningful.

Overall this film is easily a 10+. Please see it

When a movie proclaims it is "based on a true story", this sets a Pavlovian response in many people to get them to believe that what they are about to see is what really happened. I see it as the marketing ploy it is. Sure I believe there was a Frank Hopkins and that he was renowned for long-distance horse racing. But that doesn't mean he ran in a 1000-mile race over in Arabia for lucre.

Oh, I liked this movie. It got me to thinking about how my tolerance level for accuracy varies from movie to movie. For "Hidalgo", what annoyed me was Viggo Mortensen's blue eyes in the head of Frank Hopkins, supposedly the son of an Indian chief's daughter. Whenever I was taught about dominant/recessive genes, the example always used was that brown eyes are dominant over blue eyes. Frank Hopkins couldn't have had blue eyes.

On the other hand, I didn't care if the scenes in Arabia were mainly figment's of the writer's imagination. For all I know, Arabia may have been much more brutish in the 1890's than was depicted in the film as it was still under the thumb of a decaying Ottoman Empire. The film depicts a race in Arabia so we have to see many Arab characters. One scene showed Omar Sharif as Sheik Riyadh reading a dime novel about the Wild West. That's what the moviemakers have made here as well.

The once scene this American would demand complete accuracy for is the massacre at Wounded Knee. What they showed there better have actually happened.

Despite Mr. Mortensen's blue eyes, he is believable as a laconic cowboy. Zuleikha Robinson as the sheik's daughter is beautiful and Omar is fun. And let's not forget the horse. It gets plenty of screen time and close ups to earn its title billing.

Good adventure.

Having become a fan of Viggo Mortensen due to the lord of the rings trilogy, i set out to see this film with high expectations, and was a bit let down.

Being a "horsey" person, I did find the film entertaining, but the plot did get lost in the middle and it was quiet slow to get started, However the main race sequences were enjoyable, and the connection between horse and rider was clear, making the film moving when Hidalgo has a brush with death. The horse should get an Oscar for his performance as he was the best actor in the film.

If you like horses I would go to see this film, purely to see Hidalgo's performance. But otherwise give it a miss.

I've read some pretty disparaging comments about this movie that make me wonder what on earth was so bad? Let's see, there were objections over the predictability of the plot, the stereotyping, the music and on and on. People need to relax and enjoy this movie as entertainment only. I personally thought it was one of the nicest new releases I'd seen.

I know this was another movie about the underdog winning against all odds but I like this kind of movie. I thought the screenplay was admirable in it's restraint not having the main character even kiss the two women involved. The music was very moving and beautiful.

Perhaps some people have become so jaded that a movie simply isn't complete unless there's a helicopter chase, an exploding car or two (or in this case, a wagon), a trip to the nearby strip club with the flashing lights(where all characters in search of answers seem to end up at), gratuitous sex scenes, oh yeah, don't forget to use the 'F' word and while we're at it: let take God's name in vain a few times for the sake of 'realism'.

Hollywood needs to make more movies like this.

An action adventure, bigger than life, so to speak. There's a bit of a slower start that's not in the tone of the rest of the film, and it also doesn't have any relevance to the main plot. However, when the "real" movie begins, then the spectacle begins. Viggo is great in the lead role of Frank Hopkins, and I also liked Omar Sharif in the role of the sheikh, his relationship with the aforementioned main character Frank is great. The desert was shown to be an extremely dangerous and devastating place so the film reminded me a bit of Lawrence of Arabia precisely because of the spectacular depiction of the desert. Intrigues and hidden motives raise the layering of the film, which is not limited to an "ordinary" race (of course, this is far from an ordinary race). The film gets recommendations from me because films like this are no longer made today (although the film was released back in 2004), and horse lovers will especially like it because they take up a good part of the film.

There were some aspects of this movie I really enjoyed. The cinematography was excellent, ranging from the clanking steam train couplngs to shimmering desert panoramas, to the moving and simple effects at Wounded Knee. Viggo Mortensen did a good job as the lead Frank Hopkins, bringing his characteristic sincerity to his role. It was nice to see Omar Sharif and his front teeth again. The horse, Hidalgo, almost outdid Viggo. And here we find one of the great catches of the movie. The man-and-animal-sidekick relationship which works really well here.

Sadly, I found the script quite wanting. The lines attributed to the Arabs and Bedouins were banal and one-dimensional. Their characters (and the Brits) were stereotyped. I felt that the scriptwriters did well in the US, but foundered in some of their own quicksand in the Middle East. I also found myself scratching my head at historical timings. Was Iraq called Iraq back then? When _was_ then?

If you are prepared to ignore the "based on a real..." horse dung, you will enjoy this rollicking adventure, cast much in the same genre as the ripsnorting and politically incorrect cowboy and indian movies of the 50's . To modernise, we move it to 1900's middle east and turn the Indians into Arabs. But what more to expect from Hollywood?

Viggo and his horse make a great pair and between them and the cameras, make this film worth seeing.

It is quite possible that I missed something when I saw 'Hidalgo'. It didn't 'do it' for me, and I felt slighted out of $10.25 after leaving the theater. Let me explain...

First off, the character development was poor at best. The reason why I say this is because if I really enjoyed the movie... if I really, really enjoyed it, I would actually give a crap about the characters. In order for me to care about characters, I need a little bit more background; an attachment if you will. In the beginning, I thought we would receive that - the slaying at the camp, etc. However, that was quickly brushed by, and left me with the 'yeah, this guy is part Indian.. who cares?!' feeling. One of the indians gives the main character a necklace. Did we find the true meaning of the necklace? No. Did it warrant a cheesy flag at the base camp? No, etc. Same deal with the rest of the characters; they were all superficial. With this 'lack of attachment', I was left to deal with the acting (Hidalgo was the best 'actor'), cinematography (definitely good), and the action (definitely there, but too spaced out - not enough to fill 2 hrs 20 mins). Little things, like the slave trading... yes, we know there were slaves in that time period.. either focus on it, or don't. We are left with a slave child (that the lead character bought, but they skipped the 'purchase' scene of the child, BUT they showed an adult slave on the auction block, etc etc blah blah figure it out). Interestingly enough, the child ended up with a dental plan by the end of the race (notice the difference..)

Point: If more time was spent developing the characters, it is quite possible that I would have cared enough to recommend this movie. Instead, we received the highly predictable, cliche, 'mildly entertaining' (as in, 'nothing else to do that evening') sort of movie.

Netflix at BEST, but ONLY if you have a good home theater to appreciate the cinematography...which I don't.. hence the $10.25 loss..

6 of 10

Hidalgo is quite enjoyable and entertaining. To western eyes it probably also looks exotic. But take it from a native of Arabia, in terms of authenticity in production design the movie scores a zero. Nothing, and I mean nothing about the costumes, locations, character names or language is authentic. Hollywood likes to shoot in Morocco when the story takes place in a desert and elements of North African culture stick out like sore thumbs all over the movie. The "look" of Hidalgo is a hotchpotch of African and perceived Arabian cultures. The clothes worn by Arab characters have never existed in Arabian history. They look like costumes left over from a Halloween party. The only authentic clothes are Moroccan. But what are Western Sahara horsemen doing in central Arabia? The two regions are thousands of miles apart and the cultural contrast between them is strong. You see one of the actors serving Arabian coffee in the wrong cups and with the left hand. In Arabia you only serve your guests with the right hand unless you mean to insult them. The names of Arab characters are completely wrong for the location or the period; some are not even people names. The Arab characters speak in classical Arabic, the use of which is correct since there is no surviving record of 19th century Central Arabian dialect. The American actors deserve praise for the effort they put in learning their Arabic lines; but why is the man announcing the start of the race Moroccan in appearance and dialect? To be fair, the producers did put some effort to avoid making this a story about an all-conquering white man in the land of the Brown People. The main character is half-native American, a race that enjoys respect in the Arab world. Unusually for Hollywood, most of the Arab characters are not villains or imbeciles. Mercifully, Arabs are not portrayed by painted white actors but by African Americans (Hispanics are also suitable for portraying Arabs). One element of Hidalgo that was authentic is the Arabs love for horses and their pride in them. I managed through the distracting cultural inaccuracies to enjoy the movie by pretending that the story takes place in a fictitious land populated by fictitious people with a fictitious culture, have fictitious names and wear fictitious clothes. Most people will also enjoy Hidalgo. I would simply like them to keep in mind that almost nothing about the Arabia they see in it is authentic.

I found this movie to be one of the most inspirational that I have seen in a long time. The filming was exceptional. The riding that Viggo Mortensen did was awesome and the horse that was Hidalgo was quite an actor. I was riveted throughout and it should be considered an epic. This movie shows so much about this particular piece of our past and how we started and what happened to the Native American Indians and to the Mustangs. We don't have enough of this kind of movie now. There are children that don't know about these things. There were many messages in this movie that were courageously and sensitively put forth. Viggo Mortensen was perfect in every way as was the horse. I found all of the actors wonderful, the scenery so different from just a western and the horsemanship outstanding. What a movie. I loved it. I will see it again, in the movie theater, and I will buy it when available.

Having played 'Aragorn' in 'The Lord of the Rings' Viggo Mortensen chose again a role that has quite some similarities: an exceptional personality, manly but kind, and a strong will – and yet not quite knowing his place in the world. Of course he replaced his sword with a colt an his long hair with a cowboy hat but he once more plays his role with a force that just draws you in. Viggo Mortensen, who performed almost all of his stunts himself, is absolutely believable as lost and broken cowboy with Indian heritage and brilliantly harmonizes with his co?star T. J. (Hidalgo) whose very own personality miraculously comes through in every single of his close?ups. And you feel solidarity with them all along. You feel with Hopkins sitting on his horse utterly exhausted and on the verge of falling down, you feel sorry for Hidalgo breaking down in the burning heat, you feel sympathy, you feel … guilty reaching to your cup of ice-cold coke. But you also feel confidence that in the end their strong will and endurance will succeed over prestigious bloodlines, heritage, and even Providence.

With breathtaking shots of the landscape (the movie was predominantly shot in Morocco), endless desert, dunes, and sunsets director Joe Johnston created a fantastical and authentic fairytale alike that beautifully breaks with the usual stereotypical adventure story 'almost immortal and flawless hero wins, kills the evil, rescues the good, gets the girl, kiss, the end'.

I would absolutely recommend this movie to everybody who likes action-filled yet subtle entertainment. It is a beautiful film, maybe not a 'must-see' but a definite 'worth-seeing'. And as a final statement, just for the record: you do NOT need to be a Viggo Mortensen fan to enjoy this movie.

Mortensen, Sharif and others might have got away with this in a lightning raid, but oh, the teeny-soapsuds! Oh, the quicksands of sugar! Oh, the plonking exposition and the wallowing in goodbyes! Oh, the electronic leopards!

I agree that there was a good film in here, about half to two-thirds as long. Just cut four-fifths of the dialogue and there it would be.

I can see why they wanted to make this, and I can see why they wanted to make it with this cast. And there are quite a lot of good scenes, especially those in which nobody speaks. It was a worthy ambition. But it's a bloody awful script.

Please do not shoot the scriptwriter. He is doing his best.

An excellent, epic tale. This is not a fast-paced film; rather, think of it as story unfolding before your eyes, so sit back and enjoy the ride. There's plenty of adventure along the way, and I shed a few tears as well. It is a moving narrative.

Viggo Mortensen plays the lead character, Frank T. Hopkins, with aplomb, humor, humility, and spunk. Hidalgo, his painted mustang, plays his part well, also! Hopkins is a cowboy/Pony Express rider with a heritage that he holds to himself and is revealed in time. Especially heart-wrenching is the Battle of Wounded Knee. More massacre than battle, it had a profound and personal impact on Hopkins' life.

In the legendary 3,000-mile Ocean of Fire race across the sands of the Arabian desert, Hopkins and his horse must face treachery and the cruel desert elements in an endurance race that pushes man and beast to their limits. If you like horses, adventure, and epic films, this is a movie for you.

Expect moments of triumph and humor that make you laugh and cheer, as well as moments of tragedy. It is a story beautifully told and carefully crafted, though not without mistakes.

A few scenes could have been edited to preserve the epic feel while maintaining the film's pace. At certain points it was natural for the film to slow down, but it should not have been allowed to slow down to the point of stalling. However, in defense of the filmmakers, they were successful in capturing the tedium, beauty and peril of crossing a desert in a 3,000-mile race, and it gave viewers a real feeling for what it might be like to make such a journey.

The relationship Frank T. Hopkins has with his horse in this movie is especially touching, and is perhaps the highlight of the film.

Supporting roles by the rest of the cast were outstanding. Omar Sharif was amazing as always. Even the smallest actors shone in their parts.

Mr. Mortensen's diverse talents, including his aptitude for learning languages (Lakota/Sioux in this case), his own horseback riding skills, and his versatility as an actor made him a perfect fit for this part. Mr. Mortensen's book, Miyelo, which sprang from this movie, is a fine choice for anyone who wants to see a sampling of Mr. Mortensen's outstanding photography.

Frank T. Hopkins remained a staunch advocate of the wild Mustang horse until his death. Keep in mind that the real Frank T. Hopkins was known for his weaving of tall tales; thus, the "legendary" Ocean of Fire race.

A highly recommended movie.

Some of the reviews I have seen about this film make comparisons to 'Seabisquit'. They referred to it as a horse movie, and that would not be totally true. While Hidalgo is the name of the horse, and the name of the movie, there are many characters and situations that go beyond simple definitions.

One of the reasons that I enjoyed 'Never Cry Wolf' was its depiction of someone in extreme conditions. In that movie it was the intense cold. 'Hidalgo' shows us the opposite, a race across desert. It gives us an American (Viggo Mortensen) in a strange, alien land. I felt that I was along the journey with him.

My kids enjoyed it as much as I did, but I am sure they have their own unique reasons. Great films entertain on all levels, and 'Hidalgo' certainly does. I recommend and love it!

Although the acting was fair, the film was unrealistic and unbelievable. The props/costumes were incorrect for the era. Most horsemen saw a multitude of flaws in the (Quarter-Paint) horse which was supposed to be a mustang, and the equipment (a roper's saddle with the rubber horn wrap). The pencil bosal worn by the horse did not come into being until the 1950's and later. No desert sheikh in Arabia dresses in brocades which are reserved for kings. A fine cowboy "yarn" and although strong, rugged, and intelligent, no mustang could beat a purebred Arabian horse in a race of endurance. The authenticity of the Arabian horses and riders with falcons however, was the highlight of the film.