Lawrence of Arabia, released in 1962, was based on the life of Thomas Edward Lawrence, a British officer stationed in the Middle East during World War I. This epic film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Score, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. It focuses on Lawrence's involvement with the Arab tribes and their rebellion against the Turks.
The movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed in a motorcycle accident when he tried to avert a collision with bicyclists. Reporters try to paint a picture of him, but fail. The action shifts to World War I Cairo and Lieutenant Lawrence. He is dispatched to prepare a report on Prince Faisal's rebellion against the Turks. He persuades Faisal to attack the city of Aqaba, and quickly finds himself embroiled in the rebellion. Over the next few years, he will often find his loyalties divided. He also discovers some unsettling truths about himself along the way.
Ironically, most actors who starred in the film were not the first ones chosen. Lawrence is portrayed by Peter O'Toole, but the part was passed on by Albert Finney and Marlon Brando first. When Laurence Olivier dropped out, the part of Prince Faisal then went to Alec Guinness. The producer wanted Cary Grant for the part of General Allenby, but the director persuaded him to sign Jack Hawkins for the role. Sherif Ali was portrayed by Omar Sharif after the part was refused by Horst Buchholz and then Alain Delon. Some scenes had already been shot with Edmond O'Brien as Jackson Bentley when he became ill and had to leave. Arthur Kennedy was then offered the role of the American reporter. However, Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains, and Jose Ferrer were not among the second choices.
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 often happens when art interprets life, some points were inaccurate, such as the weakness of the Arab Council. Nor did the Arab army desert Lawrence as the screenplay depicts. Bentley, in an incident that occurred in late 1917, states that America had not joined the war when it had, historically.
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.
The film has been shown in several different lengths since its release. When it debuted, its length was 222 minutes if one excluded the overture, exit music, and intermission. The next version cut twenty more minutes, and then a release in the 1970s came in at 187 minutes. Most recently, a 216 minute cut was released in 1989. - 40727
The movie opens with Lawrence's death in 1935. He was killed in a motorcycle accident when he tried to avert a collision with bicyclists. Reporters try to paint a picture of him, but fail. The action shifts to World War I Cairo and Lieutenant Lawrence. He is dispatched to prepare a report on Prince Faisal's rebellion against the Turks. He persuades Faisal to attack the city of Aqaba, and quickly finds himself embroiled in the rebellion. Over the next few years, he will often find his loyalties divided. He also discovers some unsettling truths about himself along the way.
Ironically, most actors who starred in the film were not the first ones chosen. Lawrence is portrayed by Peter O'Toole, but the part was passed on by Albert Finney and Marlon Brando first. When Laurence Olivier dropped out, the part of Prince Faisal then went to Alec Guinness. The producer wanted Cary Grant for the part of General Allenby, but the director persuaded him to sign Jack Hawkins for the role. Sherif Ali was portrayed by Omar Sharif after the part was refused by Horst Buchholz and then Alain Delon. Some scenes had already been shot with Edmond O'Brien as Jackson Bentley when he became ill and had to leave. Arthur Kennedy was then offered the role of the American reporter. However, Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains, and Jose Ferrer were not among the second choices.
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 often happens when art interprets life, some points were inaccurate, such as the weakness of the Arab Council. Nor did the Arab army desert Lawrence as the screenplay depicts. Bentley, in an incident that occurred in late 1917, states that America had not joined the war when it had, historically.
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.
The film has been shown in several different lengths since its release. When it debuted, its length was 222 minutes if one excluded the overture, exit music, and intermission. The next version cut twenty more minutes, and then a release in the 1970s came in at 187 minutes. Most recently, a 216 minute cut was released in 1989. - 40727
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