Part the bamboo curtain and gaze upon actress Arlene Dahl in clips from the 1953 adventure film "The Diamond Queen." Set in India in the 17th century, the film chronicles the adventures of French jeweler Jean Baptiste Tavernier (a typically doltish, but hearty Fernando Lamas) and French nobleman Baron Paul de Cabannes (gallant Gilbert Roland) whose mutual object is to obtain a precious gem for the coronation crown of French king Louis XIV. The men spy on, offend, save, scheme and fall in love with Maya, Queen of Nepal?played improbably, but with demure effectiveness by Arlene Dahl. Their plans put them in conflict with the romantic Mogul (urbane, restrained Sheldon Leonard), possessor of the unique and covetable blue diamond "The Eye of the Goddess." "The Diamond Queen"?for all its colorful pageantry and settings?is not a rousing adventure movie. The heroes are less than heroic, the villain is a mere sketch, the heroes' goal constitutes a ridiculous exaltation of the trivial (capping the crown of France with a jewel?), the few action scenes lack believable fervor, the dialogue is flat and conventional, and Dahl's Maya is "centuries"-removed from the thrilling, provocative female rulers (cf. Ayesha in "She") created by preeminent adventure-fiction writer H. Rider Haggard. However, the blue-diamond premise (cf. the "Blue Water" sapphire in Percival Wren's "Beau Geste") is intriguing and curiosity alone will compel most viewers to watch the entire film. Contributing two unique solo dances to "The Diamond Queen" are Sujata and Asoka, husband and wife specialists in the dances of India. One "feathery-fingered" clip?of Asoka?is featured here. In this video, I've sought to uplift the material of "The Diamond Queen"?presumably, YouTube audiences will enjoy at least this much of it. Primary incentive for uploading material from "The Diamond Queen": Arlene Dahl. In an (incredibly) exotic role demanding beauty, poise, refinement, and sensuousness, she delivers a "flawless" performance." Diamonds" like Dahl are forever. Comments or questions are sincerely welcome; however, lewd or derogatory remarks will be promptly tomahawked. If it hasn't occurred by the time you read this: would you honestly like to see "The Diamond Queen" restored and released on DVD? Please petition the studio! Warner Home Video Inc. 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91522-1543 CA Tel. 818-954-6000 Fax 212-954-7667 Thank you.