The Sheik

The Sheik, a bestselling novel and blockbuster motion picture of the Roaring Twenties, has all the qualities of a current popular adventure and romance story. Lady Diana Mayo, a fiercely independent feminist who sets out on a month-long journey through the Algerian desert, is captured and imprisoned for several months by Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan. When she escapes from him for the first time, Diana realizes she is falling in love with Sheik Ahmed. Her freedom is short-lived, for he manages to recapture her. Soon after, the Sheik allows her to go out riding again. When he discovers she is abducted by his rival, Sheik Ahmed goes after Diana and gets hurt rescuing her. While watching the Sheik as he recuperates from his wounds, Diana is told he is European. After regaining his health, the Sheik regrets how he kept Diana in captivity. Subsequently, he wants her to go away from him forever. In a dramatic dénouement, Diana, who is madly in love with the Sheik, cannot bear being separated from him and attempts suicide. The quick-reacting Ahmed manages to save her and declares his love.