The emperor’s character brought Miles Malleson’s portrayal of the Caliph in "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940) to mind, particularly as he moved through his lavish palace observing a brilliantly colored bird of paradise perform. The bird's movements were captivating against the backdrop of such wealth, and a plain blackbird watched from outside with what seemed like yearning. Imagining what it would be like to experience t…