This docudrama proved somewhat controversial in its day. The story follows a journalist as he investigates the case of Saudi Arabian Princess Mishaal who was publicly executed along with her lover for adultery. This tragic true story was made into a film via numerous interviews, many from people from the Arab world. Most of those were too afraid to appear on camera, which led to the decision to make a docudrama as opposed to a straight documentary. Needless to say, the candid nature of the film and the way it openly criticised the Saudi regime, led to calls for it to be banned from their government. Fortunately, it was not and it generated some of the biggest viewing figures of its year. Interestingly, it has never been screened in the UK since. I wonder why?
It's a highly fascinating look at Saudi Arabia and its institutionalised misogyny. The worst of it is that this was over 40 years ago and so little has progressed since. On a more positive note, the actress who played the princess - the very beautiful Egyptian Suzanne Abou Taleb - was subsequently blacklisted by Egyptian authorities but the measure had the exact opposite effect, leading to her becoming one of the most popular actresses of that country.