Film

From Dusk Till Dawn starring George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, et al. "With not-so-subtle aplomb, Rodriguez and Tarantino shift into high gear with a nonstop parade of gore, gunfire, and pointy-fanged mayhem featuring Salma Hayek as a snake-charming dancer whose bite is much worse than her bark."

From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery et al. A classic James Bond film, featuring Lisa Guiraut doing an energetic dance routine in the Gypsy encampment.

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad starring John Phillip Law, Caroline Munro, et al. "John Phillip Law stars as the legendary sailor this time around as he finds a talisman and sets sail with his crew for an uncharted island. With a beautiful slave girl (Caroline Munro) in tow, Sinbad takes on the evil sorcerer Koura (Tom Baker), who wants Sinbad's golden talisman to complete a spell."

Canadian funds: The Golden Voyage of Sinbad

Hercules Unchained starring Steve Reeves. On his way to Thebes with his lovely wife, Hercules gets waylaid by a seductive evil queen. He is entertained by a troupe of dancers, including a solo artist who does a wonderful, cheesy routine, even if it is overly quick....

Canadian funds: Hercules Unchained

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love starring Sarita Choudhury, Naveen Andrews, et al. This is a visually stunning film with a moving plot set in 16th-century India. Check out the wonderful, but far too short, dance instruction scene.

Canadian funds: Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love

Lost in a Harem starring Abbott and Costello. "Slicker-than-usual A&C (made on infrequent trip to MGM), but strictly routine. Some good scenes here and there with sultan Dumbrille; Maxwell is perfect harem girl."

Canadian funds: Lost in a Harem

Lovemaster starring Craig Shoemaker, Farrah Fawcett, et al. "Craig Shoemaker stars as himself in the uproariously funny film, which explores the life that led to becoming a stand-up comic. Craig was raised in an all-female household by his belly dancing mother, pot smoking grandmother and wore hand-me-down halter tops from his sisters."

Satin Rouge [VHS | DVD] - "An obscure movie from Tunisia, but well worth a look. The story has Hiyam Abbas as Lilia, a widowed seamstress who breaks out of her shell and joins the glittery world of belly dancing. This movie seems to catch the essence of the dancer, how Middle Eastern society views her, and how she feels about the dance. Satin Rouge may not present a complete catalogue of belly dance moves, but what there is one might find very entertaining. On the whole, Satin Rouge offers a colorful look into another culture, making for a pleasurable dance."