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El-Rihani and Yassine: The Chaplins of Egyptian Cinema

July 25, 2022

A beaming grin, exaggerated hand gestures, cross-dressing, mishaps, and the occasional self-deprecating comment – these are some of the elements millions of Egyptians gathering around television were exposed to as they watched El Millioner (The Millionaire, 1950) or El Anessa Hanafi (Miss Hanafi, 1954). Providing a respite from the business of life and an opportunity to spend time and laugh together over on-screen masterpieces: comedic productions and films of the 20th century, the golden age of Egyptian cinema, retain a special place for almost all Egyptians. With the coming of the Egyptian cinema industry in 1896, comedy flourished as one of the most successful and prolific film genres. It focused on the socio-economic issues and misfortunes that Egyptians endured and made light of them, uniting people from all backgrounds in laughter. The success and brilliance of Egyptian comedy cinema, of course, can be credited to the comedians who helped elevate the film industry; icons such as Abdel Moneim Madbouly, Fouad El-Mohandes, and Egyptian comedian of Palestinian descent, Abdel Salam Al Nabulsy. As prominent as those names are, it was two other comedy actors whose jokes and acting styles earned them…


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