Lion of the Desert (DVD). 25th Anniversary Ed. This 1981 epic has been digitally remastered. Anthony Quinn stars as Omar Mukhtar, the Arab hero and guerilla fighter who defended Libya against Benito Mussolini and Italy's attempted conquests in the 1920s. Actors: Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, Rod Steiger, Irene Papas, Raf Vallone. Directors: Moustapha Akkad. Writers: David Butler, H.A.L. Craig, Paul Thompson. Producers: Moustapha Akkad, Geoffrey Helman, June Bordcosh, Nahila May Al-Jabri. Language: Arabic, English. Number of discs: 2. Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested). Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay. DVD Release Date: November 1, 2005. Run Time: 173 minutes.