The film is an epic adventure about a long horse race across the Arabian Desert in 1890. The story follows Frank T. Hopkins, a cowboy and US Cavalry courier once considered the greatest rider of the American West. A wealthy sheikh challenges him to participate in the 'Ocean of Fire' — a grueling 3,000-mile survival race that for centuries was restricted to the finest purebred Arabian horses owned by royal families. Hopkins and his mustang Hidalgo become the first American entrants, facing not only the brutal desert conditions but also Bedouin rivals determined to prevent a foreigner from finishing. The production combined locations in the US and Morocco to recreate the American frontier and vast Arabian landscapes. Although many desert racing scenes were shot at various locations to simulate the Arabian Peninsula, the film also briefly features iconic New York landmarks to establish certain narrative elements.

Filming Locations:

346 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, USA

In the Movie

Scene where The film briefly shows a view of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, helping to establish the American setting and late 19th-century era before Frank Hopkins embarks on his journey to participate in the 'Ocean of Fire' race across the Arabian Desert.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at The famous Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The statue, a gift from France and dedicated in 1886, stands about 305 feet from the ground to the tip of the torch and serves as a universal symbol of freedom and hospitality. Liberty Island is accessible only by ferry and is one of the most visited landmarks in the United States.