Al-Sharid

In Cairo in 1914, two friends meet two girls from behind the Yashmak. They are Nima, Muhammad’s sister, and her friend Hosnia. The two young men fall in love, but the girl proposes to another young man, which shocks Hassan, so his friend stands next to him. A sin occurs between Hosnia and Hassan, the result of which is that... Hosnia gives birth to Souad. Souad grows up without knowing a father.

Directed by Henry Barakat, Al-Sharid leans on a strong ensemble — Assia Dagher, Zaki Rostom, Hussein Reyaad — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1942.