Harum Scarum
Performance & Direction: Harum Scarum Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Harum Scarum (1965) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Harum Scarum features a noteworthy lineup led by Elvis Presley . Supported by the likes of Mary Ann Mobley and Fran Jeffries , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Harum Scarum
Quick Plot Summary: Harum Scarum is a Comedy, Crime, Music, Romance film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Harum Scarum
Ending Breakdown: Harum Scarum attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Harum Scarum reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Harum Scarum Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Harum Scarum incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime, music, romance film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Harum Scarum adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Harum Scarum?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Harum Scarum
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Harum Scarum Budget
The estimated production budget for Harum Scarum is $2.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Harum Scarum
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Where to Watch Harum Scarum Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreHarum Scarum Parents Guide & Age Rating
1965 AdvisoryWondering about Harum Scarum age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Harum Scarum is 85 minutes (1h 25m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, Harum Scarum is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1965 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harum Scarum worth watching?
Harum Scarum is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Harum Scarum parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Harum Scarum identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Harum Scarum?
The total duration of Harum Scarum is 85 minutes, which is approximately 1h 25m long.
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Critic Reviews for Harum Scarum
_**Elvis goes to a hidden Middle Eastern kingdom to fight assassins**_ An American actor and martial arts expert (Presley) is kidnapped and forced by a sinister group of assassins to execute the king of a secret kingdom in the Middle East (Phillip Reed). During the course of events he falls in love with the King’s daughter (Mary Ann Mobley) and hooks up with an entertainment troupe that are thieves on the side. “Harum Scarum” (1965) was Elvis’ 19th movie of the 31 in his acting filmography. Many say it’s his worst, but it’s not. It’s a tuneful frolic and sendup of Middle Eastern swashbucklers, like Sinbad or even Conan, but more amusing, cheaper and without the sorcery & monsters. You’re supposed to roll with it and have fun, not take it seriously. For a ballpark parallel, think Star Trek’s “Plato’s Stepchildren” but with a comedic flair and songs. Speaking of the original Star Trek, Michael Ansara is on hand as the king’s brother; he of course played the Klingon Kang in “Day of the Dove.” The colorful cast also includes Jay Novello as little person Zacha. Aside from winsome Mobley, the feminine department features the stunning Fran Jeffries and several other beauties. Too bad their lovely forms are largely hidden by Arabian-styled apparel, but that’s to be expected. I’m glad “Harum Scarum” is in Elvis’ oeuvre. It’s fun and not the same-old, same-old. The film runs 1 hour, 25 minutes, and was shot on the set of Cecil B. DeMille’s 1925 version of “King of Kings” at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Culver City, as well as location shooting at Iverson Ranch, Los Angeles; and some scenes done at Earl Carroll Theatre in Hollywood. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
