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.
The movie borrows a twist from Citizen Kane, opening with the death of Lawrence in 1935. He was riding his motorcycle in England and was killed avoiding a collision with two bicyclists. Reporters try to gather some understanding from the people who were most acquainted with him. The film then cuts to Cairo during World War I. Then a lieutenant, Lawrence is sent to appraise the situation with Prince Faisal and his chances of succeeding in his struggle with the Turks. Lawrence urges Faisal to mount an attack on Aqaba and participates in the attack. This is the beginning of Lawrence's involvement with the Arab Rebellion, which sometimes brings him into conflict with his superiors. As the war unfolds, Lawrence discovers some disturbing elements in his own nature.
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.
Other characters were composites. Sherif Ali was modeled primarily after Prince Faisal's cousin. The character of Colonel Brighton seems to have been based largely on Stewart Newcombe. Lowell Thomas, who actually covered Lawrence's story and played a large part in his fame, was the inspiration for reporter Jackson Bentley.
Like most films that are based on historical facts, the film takes some liberties with the truth. For example, the Arab Council was far more powerful than the movie indicated. The desertion of the Arab army was a work of fiction. Other facts, such as the reporter's statement in late 1917 that America was not yet in the war, warped the timeline a bit.
A debate has raged since the movie's release over whether it accurately depicts T. E. Lawrence. Some state that the facts indicate he was egotistical while others deny it. Some argue that he was masochistic and others that he was homosexual. His brother and Lowell Thomas have both criticized the film's portrayal of Lawrence. The debates have not decreased the popularity of the film.
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. - 40730
The movie borrows a twist from Citizen Kane, opening with the death of Lawrence in 1935. He was riding his motorcycle in England and was killed avoiding a collision with two bicyclists. Reporters try to gather some understanding from the people who were most acquainted with him. The film then cuts to Cairo during World War I. Then a lieutenant, Lawrence is sent to appraise the situation with Prince Faisal and his chances of succeeding in his struggle with the Turks. Lawrence urges Faisal to mount an attack on Aqaba and participates in the attack. This is the beginning of Lawrence's involvement with the Arab Rebellion, which sometimes brings him into conflict with his superiors. As the war unfolds, Lawrence discovers some disturbing elements in his own nature.
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.
Other characters were composites. Sherif Ali was modeled primarily after Prince Faisal's cousin. The character of Colonel Brighton seems to have been based largely on Stewart Newcombe. Lowell Thomas, who actually covered Lawrence's story and played a large part in his fame, was the inspiration for reporter Jackson Bentley.
Like most films that are based on historical facts, the film takes some liberties with the truth. For example, the Arab Council was far more powerful than the movie indicated. The desertion of the Arab army was a work of fiction. Other facts, such as the reporter's statement in late 1917 that America was not yet in the war, warped the timeline a bit.
A debate has raged since the movie's release over whether it accurately depicts T. E. Lawrence. Some state that the facts indicate he was egotistical while others deny it. Some argue that he was masochistic and others that he was homosexual. His brother and Lowell Thomas have both criticized the film's portrayal of Lawrence. The debates have not decreased the popularity of the film.
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. - 40730
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