This travel documentary episode in the show “Across the Seven Seas” is titled “The Call of Cairo” (1963). It was produced by Jack Douglas in association with Bing Crosby Productions. The episode takes viewers on a journey through Cairo, highlighting its blend of ancient traditions and modern developments.

00:00 – 0:25: Introduction to the “Caravan of Golden Dreams,” transporting viewers to Cairo, an exotic city on the banks of the River Nile.

0:26: The show “Across the Seven Seas,” produced by Jack Douglas and Bing Crosby Productions, presents a tour of Cairo at sundown.

1:01: Discussion on Cairo’s modernity compared to New York or London, yet emphasizing its rich tradition, ancient culture, and vibrant contrasts.

2:05: Visit to the Cairo Museum, showcasing artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization, including King Tutankhamun’s coffin.

2:46: Description of the Sphinx and the pyramids, highlighting their historical significance and the evening light show that brings them to life.

3:10: The light show at the Sphinx and pyramids, with a huge tape recorder playing back audio. The system features narrations and music that evoke the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

4:00: Presentation of the dancing horses of the desert sands, a traditional performance enjoyed by families.

5:00: Sahara City nightclub in the desert, featuring dancers from Sudan and other exotic entertainment. Located a few miles past Giza in the desert, Sahara City is a popular tourist spot offering dinner followed by a full range of nightclub acts, including an array of belly dancers.

6:20: Performance by a whirling dervish, showcasing traditional dance and music.

7:00: Description of a statuesque Oriental dancer and the audience’s participation in the two-hour uninterrupted show.

8:40: Overview of Cairo’s burgeoning movie industry, with films often shot at night due to the actors’ daytime jobs.

9:10: Scene from a movie titled “The Singer of the Mountain,” depicting a romantic rivalry and traditional customs.

10:00: Visit to a historical residence turned Gayer Anderson museum, illustrating the opulent lifestyle of wealthy Egyptians in the past.

11:00: Description of a secret passage in the museum, used by the wife of the wealthy owner to observe without being seen.

12:00: Continuation of the journey through Cairo, highlighting the city’s blend of ancient and modern elements. Belly dancing performance.

13:00: Observance of Ramadan, including the firing of a cannon to signal the end of fasting and the celebration with lanterns and sweets. Illuminated minarets of the mosque.

14:00: Children’s celebration of Ramadan with lanterns, similar to the American Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating.

15:00: Visit to the Native Bazaar, where traditional crafts and foods are sold, including freshly ground herbs and spices.

16:00: An Egyptian fruit seller with bananas. Exploration of a tea shop and a department store, highlighting the contrast between traditional and modern commerce. 16:34: a fez is made in the traditional way on a hat mold.

17:00: Description of the King Solomon shop, known for its hand-crafted items and costume jewelry. Ivory and mother of pearl platter.

18:00: Detailed look at the craftsmanship involved in creating inlaid copper and silver objects.

19:00: Artisans creating mosaic wooden platters, showcasing their meticulous work.

20:00: Dining at the Omar Khayyam restaurant, famous for its gourmet dishes like shish kebab and shrimp from the Red Sea.

21:00: Stereo Club neon sign at Cairo nightclub, combining English and Arabic languages.

23:00: Visit to the Stereo Club near the pyramids, popular with the younger crowd for its music and Lebanese dishes. Dancing tourists.

23:00: Moonlight sail on the Nile, a traditional family activity with music and food. Camels silhouetted against the moonlight

24:00: Conclusion of the tour, emphasizing Cairo’s diverse appeal to scholars and budget-conscious travelers alike.

25:00: Acknowledgment of the film’s quality and gratitude to the documentary photographer and officials of the United Arab Republic.

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