El Hakim

Doctor's visit in Egypt with O. W. Fischer and Nadja Tiller

The FilmAufbau in Göttingen really dared to do something: In order to film the successful novel "Doktor Ibrahim" (1935) by John Knittel, they went to the Nile for exterior filming. Some interesting photos were taken there, but you also have to accept O. W. Fischer with Egyptian make-up. Something like that would rightly be unthinkable today. And it doesn't work well either. The German actors (including Robert Graf) seem like foreign bodies in the hustle and bustle of Cairo.

Little Ibrahim (Michael Ande) grows up in a slum and dreams of becoming a doctor. The adult Ibrahim (O. W. Fischer) becomes so successful as a doctor that he can also practice in Paris and London. Of course, love has to fall by the wayside, even if he crosses paths with beautiful women: seductively sexy like Giulia Rubini, ladylike cool like Elisabeth Müller and caring, affectionate like Nadja Tiller!

Director Rolf Thiele has staged quite a joke that primarily celebrates beautiful images. That's worth something, but as a story it's not convincing.

How can I review this excellent film? I miss this film and its main actors.I admired their kindness and struggle for poor people. I want to see the film "El Hakim" again. What can I do for that? I love Aziza very much. She was a sweet young girl, who loves her husband very much. Also,she helped doctor Ibrahim in his honorable work. How can I see some scenes of film, at least? I looked for it, but it was impossible to find it from now. Have you any suggestion for me? Sorry, but I saw the film many, many years ago and I forgot it.That's why I wish to see the film again. I don't know if there is any DVD or VHS version for sale, but , at least, I hope to see it in a movie archive. Thank you very much. Nelly