What Is Son of Sinbad About?
The premise of Son of Sinbad in 297 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the glittering courts of ancient Baghdad, opulent palaces sit beneath sprawling bazaars while the distant roar of the sea hints at untamed horizons. The city pulses with a blend of scholarly intrigue and the lingering myths of legendary sailors, creating a world where poetry and powder coexist and every whispered conversation might conceal a spark of danger.
At the heart of this swirling tapestry sails the charismatic pirate Sinbad, a man whose fame is matched only by his restless appetite for adventure, beautiful companions, and the elusive secret of Greek fire—a volatile formula that promises power beyond imagination. He roams the city’s marble corridors alongside the contemplative poet Omar Khayyám, whose verses become both a shield and a lure, while the enigmatic harem dancer Nerissa watches with a curiosity that mirrors his own.
Caught in the same web of ambition are the erudite scholar Simon Aristides and his bright‑hearted daughter Kristina, whose knowledge of the mysterious fire draws the gaze of the ruling Khalif and his shrewd adviser Jiddah. Across the horizon, the imposing envoy Murad arrives with a promise of alliance that masks deeper motives, and within the desert’s shadows, a sisterhood known as the Forty Thieves—led by the formidable Ghenia—prepares to reshape the balance of power. Among them, the steadfast Ameer stands as a bridge between loyalty and longing.
The film shimmers with a tone that fuses swashbuckling romance, exotic mysticism, and the crackle of impending conflict. Every character navigates a delicate dance of desire and duty, set against a backdrop of lavish costumes, bustling markets, and the ever‑present scent of gunpowder. As secrets whisper through courtyards and seas, the stage is set for an adventure that promises both danger and delight, inviting viewers to plunge into a world where legend and longing collide.
What Happens in Son of Sinbad?
The complete story of Son of Sinbad, from the first scene to the last, in 743 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In ancient Baghdad, the poet Omar Khayyám, Vincent Price searches for his friend Sinbad, the son of the legendary sailor, and finds him outside the palace of the Khalif. Although a reward is offered for Sinbad’s capture, he slips into the palace undeterred and uses Omar’s poetry to charm Nerissa, Lili St. Cyr the enigmatic harem girl who draws the eye of those who wander the court. When a slave exposes him, both Sinbad and Omar are seized and brought before the Khalif, setting off a chain of trials that threatens to unravel everyone’s fate.
Also on trial are Greek scholar Simon Aristides and his daughter Kristina, Mari Blanchard a childhood friend of Sinbad, who have been falsely accused of theft. The Khalif, furious at the audacity of these alleged offenses, orders the execution of all four, but his adviser Jiddah counsels restraint and urges him to meet Murad, an ambassador of the menacing force led by Tamerlane, whose invading armies loom over the city. Murad, hungry for hospitality and leverage, presses for time as his troops prepare for an assault that could topple Baghdad.
To save Kristina, Sinbad reveals that Simon possesses the secret of Greek fire, an explosive formula that could turn the tide of any siege. Simon agrees to demonstrate the weapon in exchange for freedom for himself, Kristina, Sinbad, and Omar. The Khalif consents—though Sinbad and Omar remain imprisoned. During the demonstration, Simon hypnotizes Kristina to recite the formula. Unbeknownst to them, Jiddah and Murad watch intently from a distance, unable to discern the exact chemicals being used, even as the display suggests a power that could rewrite their destinies.
Impressed by the demonstration, the Khalif promises to release Sinbad and Omar the next morning. Kristina confides in Ameer, Sally Forrest who is in love with Sinbad, asking her to relay the news of his imminent freedom. Despite her jealousy, Ameer delivers the message, but soon discovers that Kristina has vanished and Simon has been murdered. Murad has abducted Kristina and siphoned off the precious chemical bottles. Before Ameer is captured by Jiddah, she manages to send a warning via carrier pigeon.
While torturing Ameer for information, Jiddah discovers a tattoo linking her to the Forty Thieves—a legendary group once led by Sinbad’s father. Ameer confirms that their descendants remain active, leading Jiddah to suspect that the warning reached the right hands. Meanwhile, Sinbad and Omar escape their cell and confront the Khalif, who is blindsided by the turn of events. Sinbad offers to rescue Kristina in exchange for gold, a formal pardon, and the promise of becoming second in command. The Khalif agrees, though he remains unaware of Jiddah’s treachery toward him.
In the desert, Ameer finds Sinbad and Omar and reveals that Murad is traveling with disguised Tartars posing as merchants. The Forty Thieves plan an ambush at the caravan’s first camp, and Sinbad hides underground near Kristina’s tent to slip in covertly. When Murad unknowingly removes Sinbad’s breathing reed, the pirate duo are forced into the open, and Sinbad manages to rescue Kristina from danger.
The Forty Thieves—revealed to be all women—launch a surprise assault and reclaim Simon’s chemical bottles. Inside their hidden lair, Sinbad uses the ancient command open sesame to gain entry with Kristina and Omar. The thieves’ leader, Ghenia, grants refuge, as Kristina confesses her love for Omar, while Ameer rebuffs Sinbad’s wandering affections, choosing loyalty over desire.
Murad’s forces soon close in on the thieves’ cave. Sinbad hypnotizes Kristina again to recall the Greek fire formula, and with the Thieves’ help he harnesses the explosive power to blunt Murad’s army and turn the tide of the conflict. In a final duel, Sinbad slays Murad, restoring a fragile peace to the region. He persuades the Forty Thieves to accompany him back to Baghdad, where they will be pardoned and welcomed as allies rather than rebels.
Back at the palace, the Khalif contemplates punishment for Sinbad, unaware that Jiddah’s betrayal has been laid bare. When Sinbad arrives with Kristina and the victorious raiders, the Khalif embraces him, orders Jiddah’s punishment, and rewards those who stood by him. Omar is appointed royal poet, the Forty Thieves are granted clemency, and Sinbad is named second in command. In a final, hopeful moment, Sinbad turns to Ameer and asks for her hand in marriage, offering a life where duty and affection can coexist—even as the city faces the shadows of a troubled past and a treacherous present.
Son of Sinbad Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Sinbad is seized after singing at the palace” to “A new role for Sinbad and a wedding proposal”. 14 events name a place, across 13 locations.
- 1
Sinbad is seized after singing at the palace
Omar Khayyám searches for Sinbad outside the Khalif's palace. Sinbad slips into the palace to woo Nerissa by reciting poetry. A slave exposes him, and both Omar and Sinbad are led before the Khalif.
When:Day 1 Where:Outside the Khalif's palace, Baghdad
- 2
The trial and a warning from Murad
In the palace courtroom, Simon Aristides and Kristina face false theft charges along with Sinbad and Omar. The Khalif orders their execution, but Jiddah urges postponement to meet Murad, the ambassador of Tamerlane. Murad's arrival signals a looming crisis and demands hospitality.
When:During the trial Where:Palace courtroom, Baghdad
- 3
Murad's hospitality and the demonstration setup
Murad demands hospitality for his forces while his troops prepare for an attack. The Khalif agrees to receive him, keeping a wary eye on Jiddah. The terms set the stage for a dangerous demonstration to follow.
When:eve of the demonstration Where:Palace audience chamber
- 4
The Greek fire demonstration and Kristina hypnotized
Simon reveals the secret of Greek fire and prepares to demonstrate the weapon. Kristina is hypnotized to recite the formula, unwittingly transmitting critical details. Jiddah and Murad watch but cannot identify the exact chemicals.
When:During demonstration Where:Khalif's demonstration chamber
- 5
Pardon promised; Sinbad and Omar await release
Impressed by the demonstration, the Khalif agrees to release Sinbad and Omar the next morning. Kristina warns Ameer of the impending freedom, and Ameer relays the message despite her jealousy. The hope of escape hangs in the air.
When:Next morning Where:Palace, next morning
- 6
Kristina abducted and Simon murdered; Murad's theft of bottles
Kristina is abducted and Simon is murdered, tipping Murad's hand. Murad seizes Kristina and the remaining chemical bottles for his own purposes. Ameer sends a warning by carrier pigeon to Sinbad.
When:After the failed escape Where:Baghdad; then Murad's caravan
- 7
Jiddah tortures Ameer and uncovers Sinbad lineage
Jiddah torments Ameer and learns of the tattoo linking her to the Forty Thieves. Ameer confirms that Sinbad’s lineage persists through their descendants. Jiddah suspects the warning was intended for the thieves.
When:During interrogation Where:Khalif's fortress
- 8
Escape from the cell and a dangerous bargain
Sinbad and Omar break out of their cell and confront the Khalif. Sinbad offers to rescue Kristina in exchange for gold, a pardon, and a position as second in command. The Khalif agrees, though he is unaware that Jiddah has already alerted Murad.
When:Following the escape Where:Khalif's dungeons, Baghdad
- 9
Desert chase begins; Forty Thieves prepare ambush
Ameer finds Sinbad and Omar in the desert and reveals that Murad travels with disguised Tartars as merchants. The Forty Thieves plan an ambush at the caravan's first camp. The stakes rise as the pursuit moves toward the desert.
When:Mid-journey Where:Desert near caravan route
- 10
Sinbad infiltrates the caravan and rescues Kristina
Sinbad hides underground near the camp to slip into Kristina's tent. Murad unwittingly removes Sinbad’s breathing reed, forcing him to surface. He then manages to rescue Kristina from the tent.
When:Night of ambush Where:Desert camp
Show the other 4 events of Son of Sinbad Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Forty Thieves revealed as all women and Kristina's confession
The Forty Thieves reveal themselves as all women and stage a counter-attack to reclaim Simon's bottles. At their hideout, Sinbad is welcomed by the Thieves who offer protection. Kristina confesses her love for Omar, while Ameer rejects Sinbad’s wandering affections.
When:After ambush Where:Forty Thieves' hideout
- 12
Battle with Murad; Greek fire remembered
Murad's forces besiege the cave where Sinbad and friends are sheltering. Sinbad hypnotizes Kristina again to recall the Greek fire formula. With the Thieves' help, he unleashes the explosive and defeats Murad's army, slaying Murad himself.
When:Final battle Where:Desert cave and battlefield
- 13
Peace with the Khalif and triumph signals
Sinbad returns to Baghdad with Kristina and the victorious raiders. The Khalif embraces him and orders Jiddah's punishment for treachery. Omar is named royal poet and the Thieves are pardoned.
When:After the battle Where:Baghdad palace
- 14
A new role for Sinbad and a wedding proposal
Sinbad is named second in command and persuades the Forty Thieves to accompany him to Baghdad to secure peace. He proposes to Ameer, who agrees to become his bride. The city celebrates the restored order as Omar and the band of thieves are integrated into court life.
When:Final coronation and wedding plan Where:Baghdad palace
Who Are the Main Characters in Son of Sinbad?
6 characters, among them Omar Khayyám, Sinbad and Kristina: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Omar Khayyám
Played by Vincent Price
A renowned poet who searches for Sinbad and uses verse to charm Nerissa. He is captured with Sinbad and brought before the Khalif, where his intellect and loyalty help guide choices in a perilous court.
- 🖋️ Poet
- 🤝 Loyal ally
- 🧠 Intellectual
- S
Sinbad
Played by Dale Robertson
The adventurous son of a legendary sailor, Sinbad is reckless but resourceful. He escapes imprisonment, pursues Kristina, and grows into a strategic leader who coordinates with the Forty Thieves to outwit Murad and save the city.
- 🗺️ Adventurer
- ⚔️ Warrior
- 🤝 Heroic
- K
Kristina
Played by Mari Blanchard
Daughter of Greek scholar Simon Aristides and Sinbad’s childhood friend. She becomes entangled in a political plot, is abducted, and revealed as pivotal to the Greek fire scheme, while expressing love for Omar.
- 🧠 Scholar
- 💖 Love Interest
- 🎭 Abduction & manipulation
- SA
Simon Aristides
A Greek scholar who possesses the secret of Greek fire and agrees to demonstrate it under duress. His actions trigger a chain of events that threatens Kristina and alter the balance of power.
- 📜 Scholar
- 🧪 Inventor
- ⚠️ Betrayer
- A
Ameer
Played by Sally Forrest
Ameer is in love with Sinbad and serves as a messenger and confidante. She warns Sinbad of impending danger, helps reveal Murad’s plans, and ultimately supports the rescue.
- 💘 Love Interest
- 🕊️ Messenger
- N
Nerissa
Played by Lili St. Cyr
A harem girl who becomes entangled with Sinbad through his poetry and charm. She represents the cosmopolitan world of the Khalif’s palace and the seductive danger of the court.
- 🕌 Harem Resident
- 💃 Courtly Charm
Where and When Is Son of Sinbad Set?
Son of Sinbad is set in Ancient Baghdad (Ancient Baghdad). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Ancient Baghdad
The tale takes place in a historically blurred era of the Middle East, blending royal courts with legendary marvels. Palaces, harems, and ceremonial pageantry sit alongside weapons like the mythical Greek fire. The period is marked by political maneuvering, imprisonments, rescues, and war readiness as Murad’s forces threaten the city.
Where
Ancient Baghdad
Set in a mythic version of ancient Baghdad, the story unfolds in a grand palace city under the Khalif. The city is a crossroads of politics, poetry, and intrigue, where scholars, viziers, and thieves mingle with soldiers and dancers. Desert caravans and hidden, candlelit chambers give the film its exotic, high-fantasy mood. The threat of invasion and the secret of Greek fire underscore the city’s fragility and resilience.
- 🏛️ Ancient Baghdad
- 🕌 Middle Eastern Setting
- 🗺️ Arabian Nights Atmosphere
What Are the Themes of Son of Sinbad?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Power & Loyalty, Love & Jealousy and Greek Fire & Warfare.
-
01
Power & Loyalty
The Khalif's court becomes a chessboard where loyalty is bought, brokered, and betrayed. Omar and Sinbad navigate a web of arrests, pardons, and political shows as rivals and nobles seek advantage. Betrayal from within Jiddah contrasts with the protagonists' steadfast bond, shaping how power is used and who earns mercy.
-
02
Love & Jealousy
Kristina's confession of love for Omar and Ameer's devotion to Sinbad drive the emotional core of the plot. Jealousy complicates trust, and love is tested by danger, hypnotic manipulation, and shifting loyalties. The couples' fates hinge on courage as romance collides with political upheaval.
-
03
Greek Fire & Warfare
The discovery and demonstration of Greek fire catalyze the war effort and force diplomacy. Simon's knowledge becomes a weapon that reshapes alliances and creates opportunities for redemption. The siege, the ambush by the Forty Thieves, and Sinbad's tactical improvisation culminate in a redefining battle that determines Baghdad's future.
What Kind of Film Is Son of Sinbad?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and playful swashbuckling adventure in ancient Baghdad, filled with daring rescues, secret formulas, and romantic entanglements that create an energetic and escapist viewing experience.
- swashbuckling
- adventurous
- romantic
- playful
- escapist
- energetic
- ancient adventure
- legendary hero
- secret formula
- rescue mission
Content notes: torture, hand-to-hand combat, sword duel.
Quiz
How well do you remember Son of Sinbad? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Son of Sinbad
Stream it on FlixHouse. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
FlixHouse Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
