Lawrence of Arabia – 1962 – English – Drama – History – War
Lawrence of Arabia – 1962 – English
Film directed in 1962 by David Lean, and starring Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, José Ferrer, Donald Wolfit, I.S. Johar, Gamil Ratib, Michel Ray, John Dimech, Zia Mohyeddin, Howard Marion-Crawford, Jack Gwillim, Fernando Sancho, Hugh Miller, Jack Hedley…
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Synopsis: Due to his knowledge of the native Bedouin tribes, British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence is sent to Arabia to find Prince Faisal and serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British in their fight against the Turks. With the aid of native Sherif Ali, Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey across the harsh desert to attack a well-guarded Turkish port.
Review: Did you know that Cary Grant had been approached to play it? Yes, as well as Albert Finney and that made a lot more sense but it was Albert Finney who said, have you considered Peter O’Toole? Who? – Yes, I love that story. It goes to prove that certain things are meant to happen. I’m sorry if I’m going on about it. But I saw Lawrence Of Arabia for the nth time in a 70mm print in a crowded theater and what came across as the one major reason this film will be relevant forever is Peter O’Toole. His performance is timeless because it is unique. Cinematic and theatrical but always true. David Lean brilliantly created a sense of intimacy in O’Toole’s eyes within the vast, arid landscape. I know the film has its detractors. I heard once director Michael Apted call it a “silly movie” Wow, I had Michael Apted’s quote in my mind when I saw the film last and for the life of me, I don’t know what he meant. I love this film.