In 1962, Lawrence of Arabia was released to overwhelming praise. This film portrayed the World War I experiences of British officer T. E. Lawrence during his time with the Arab Rebellion. The movie won 7 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Score, and Best Cinematography. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
Borrowing a page from Citizen Kane, the movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed while riding a motorcycle near his home when he swerved to miss two boys on bicycles. Reporters at his funeral services try in vain to glean some understanding of the man from those who knew him best. The action then shifts to World War I Cairo. Lieutenant Lawrence is dispatched to ascertain what chance Prince Faisal appears to have in his rebellion against the Turks. In a meeting with Faisal, Lawrence recommends a daring attack on Aqaba. From that point on, Lawrence finds himself firmly entrenched in the Arab Rebellion, even when it puts him at odds with his native land. During the course of the war, he discovers aspects of his personality that disturb him, such as a certain enjoyment of killing.
Few members of the cast were the first choices for the parts. The title character was played by Peter O'Toole, although he got the part only after Albert Finney and Marlon Brando turned it down. The role of Prince Faisal went to Alec Guinness after Laurence Olivier had to drop out. Producer Sam Spiegel wanted Cary Grant to portray General Allenby, but director David Lean convinced him to offer the part to Jack Hawkins. Horst Buchholz and Alain Delon were both offered the role of Sherif Ali, which eventually went to Omar Sharif. Reporter Jackson Bentley was played by Arthur Kennedy, who stepped in after Edmond O'Brien became ill and had to leave the picture. However, Anthony Quinn, who played Auda abu Tayi, and Jose Ferrer, who was cast as the Turkish Bey, were not second choices. Neither was Claude Rains, who portrayed Mr. Dryden; Rains was one of Lean's favorite actors.
In addition to Lawrence, several characters were based on historical people. Prince Faisal, General Allenby, Auda abu Tayi, and General Murray were all real figures in the war. Also based on real people were the Arabs Daud and Farraj, who were Lawrence's servants. Gasim, who Lawrence rescues and then executes, was real, as was Talal, who charged the Turks at Tafas.
Some characters were amalgamations of several different people. Sherif Ali was no doubt a combination of several Arab chieftains, including a cousin of Prince Faisal. Colonel Brighton was also a composite, although the character appears to have been modeled after Stewart Newcombe, a lieutenant colonel who shared much history in common with the character. The American journalist, Jackson Bentley, was based on Lowell Thomas, who spent some time with Lawrence and was largely responsible for his fame.
As is often the case when movies are inspired by a true story, the film misses on the accuracy of some points. For instance, the Arab Council was not as ineffective as the movie depicted. It also shows the Arab army deserting Lawrence, which did not happen. In a scene set in late 1917, the reporter mentions that America had yet to enter the war when in reality it had.
Lawrence's brother and reporter Lowell Thomas have both been critical of the way the movie portrayed Lawrence. Debate has ensued among some as to whether Lawrence was homosexual, egotistical, or masochistic. Such arguments, however, had not led to a decline in the film's popularity.
There have been several versions of Lawrence of Arabia since 1962. The original theatrical release was 222 minutes without the intermission, exit music, and overture. Next, twenty minutes were cut. In the seventies, there was a version that ran just a little over three hours. Finally, in 1989, there was a 216 minute version released.
Borrowing a page from Citizen Kane, the movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed while riding a motorcycle near his home when he swerved to miss two boys on bicycles. Reporters at his funeral services try in vain to glean some understanding of the man from those who knew him best. The action then shifts to World War I Cairo. Lieutenant Lawrence is dispatched to ascertain what chance Prince Faisal appears to have in his rebellion against the Turks. In a meeting with Faisal, Lawrence recommends a daring attack on Aqaba. From that point on, Lawrence finds himself firmly entrenched in the Arab Rebellion, even when it puts him at odds with his native land. During the course of the war, he discovers aspects of his personality that disturb him, such as a certain enjoyment of killing.
Few members of the cast were the first choices for the parts. The title character was played by Peter O'Toole, although he got the part only after Albert Finney and Marlon Brando turned it down. The role of Prince Faisal went to Alec Guinness after Laurence Olivier had to drop out. Producer Sam Spiegel wanted Cary Grant to portray General Allenby, but director David Lean convinced him to offer the part to Jack Hawkins. Horst Buchholz and Alain Delon were both offered the role of Sherif Ali, which eventually went to Omar Sharif. Reporter Jackson Bentley was played by Arthur Kennedy, who stepped in after Edmond O'Brien became ill and had to leave the picture. However, Anthony Quinn, who played Auda abu Tayi, and Jose Ferrer, who was cast as the Turkish Bey, were not second choices. Neither was Claude Rains, who portrayed Mr. Dryden; Rains was one of Lean's favorite actors.
In addition to Lawrence, several characters were based on historical people. Prince Faisal, General Allenby, Auda abu Tayi, and General Murray were all real figures in the war. Also based on real people were the Arabs Daud and Farraj, who were Lawrence's servants. Gasim, who Lawrence rescues and then executes, was real, as was Talal, who charged the Turks at Tafas.
Some characters were amalgamations of several different people. Sherif Ali was no doubt a combination of several Arab chieftains, including a cousin of Prince Faisal. Colonel Brighton was also a composite, although the character appears to have been modeled after Stewart Newcombe, a lieutenant colonel who shared much history in common with the character. The American journalist, Jackson Bentley, was based on Lowell Thomas, who spent some time with Lawrence and was largely responsible for his fame.
As is often the case when movies are inspired by a true story, the film misses on the accuracy of some points. For instance, the Arab Council was not as ineffective as the movie depicted. It also shows the Arab army deserting Lawrence, which did not happen. In a scene set in late 1917, the reporter mentions that America had yet to enter the war when in reality it had.
Lawrence's brother and reporter Lowell Thomas have both been critical of the way the movie portrayed Lawrence. Debate has ensued among some as to whether Lawrence was homosexual, egotistical, or masochistic. Such arguments, however, had not led to a decline in the film's popularity.
There have been several versions of Lawrence of Arabia since 1962. The original theatrical release was 222 minutes without the intermission, exit music, and overture. Next, twenty minutes were cut. In the seventies, there was a version that ran just a little over three hours. Finally, in 1989, there was a 216 minute version released.
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