Late 19th century in Alexandria. Two traditionally rival Turkish families, "Seferoglu"s and "Tellioglu"s are competing for the "Green Valley". The winner will be determined by Daver Bey, who has a beautiful young daughter, Leyla. Both families try to arrange a marriage between a man from their family and Leyla, so that Daver Bey will be inclined to give the green valley to his "relatives". Tellioglus, who are behind in the race, desperately find a final solution: They will fake their idiotic butler, Saban, as the highest ranked Ottoman soldier in Egypt: Tosun Pasha.
Acting
Kemal Sunal's physical comedy is untouchable.
Writing
Ridiculous premise executed with razor-sharp wit.
Production
Evocative Alexandria setting on clearly limited budget.

Director
Kartal Tibet
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Kemal Sunal became Turkey's most beloved comedian through 'Şaban' roles; this film cemented his everyman-underdog persona that defined 1970s Turkish cinema.
The 'Tosun Pasha' disguise spawned decades of Turkish pop culture references; even viewers who haven't seen the film recognize the fake-moustache-and-medals look.
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