The Message

This film was made in both English and Arabic with two different casts, the lone exception being Andre Morell who is credited as Abu-Talib in both versions. Scenes were shot back to back in both languages.

There appears to be a hair on the lens in the right bottom of the frame during the shots where Hamza rides down a hill to find early followers tortured and killed.

Director Moustafa Akkad wanted the story to be told in English, so people all around the world could enjoy it. Also, he felt he needed to pay a tribute to the Middle East, where it took place. So two versions were shot on location simultaneously. There were two actors for each role and the one that is well known now is the English Version, starring Anthony Quinn. However, "Al Risalah" (the Arabic movie) is the other well known version in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding countries.

Alternate-language version of Al-risâlah (1976)