Escape from Zahrain is a 1962 American action-adventure film directed by Ronald Neame and starring Yul Brynner, Sal Mineo, Jack Warden, and Madlyn Rhue. The movie is set in the fictional Arabic country of Zahrain, where Sharif (Yul Brynner), a political leader, is arrested and sentenced to death by firing squad by the government. Sal Mineo's character is one of Sharif's young loyalists, who leads a daring rescue plan to liberate Sharif and other prisoners from a police van.
After a chaotic escape that involves kidnapping an ambulance, the group heads into the barren Arabian desert, pursued by the authorities led by Captain Tahar (played by Frank Wolff). Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including sandstorms, rival tribes, and treacherous terrain. The group must navigate these obstacles while trying to figure out a way to get to safety and reunite with their families.
As they journey through the desert, the group begins to unravel, with allegiances shifting and secrets exposed. Sal Mineo's character is particularly affected, as he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to Sharif with his growing romantic attachment to Madlyn Rhue's character, a nurse who joins the group after their ambulance crashes.
Escape from Zahrain stands out for its diverse cast of characters and tight plotline, which keeps the action moving from start to finish. Yul Brynner's performance as Sharif anchors the film, while the supporting cast, including Mineo, Warden, and Rhue, all deliver strong performances. Along with the action and adventure, the film also touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and political oppression, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.
