Filmed in mid-1942, released in late December 1943. The U.S. Office of War Information held up the release of this film for over a year due to its depiction of the French. The OWI objected to the unsympathetic treatment of the French and their cooperation with the Germans through the character of Colonel Fontaine (Bruce Cabot).
In all other versions, including the original stage play, the Riffs are battling the evil Sheik. In this version, released during WW2, they are battling the Nazis.
"The Desert Song" opened at the Casino Theatre on November 30, 1926 and ran for 471 performances.