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.
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.
Most of the main roles were ultimately awarded to actors who were not initially chosen. Peter O'Toole plays the lead, but Marlon Brando and Albert Finney both turned the part down first. Alec Guinness was not cast as Prince Faisal until Laurence Olivier dropped out. David Lean, who directed, had to convince Sam Spiegel, the producer, to cast Jack Hawkins as General Allenby. Spiegel wanted to sign Cary Grant in the role. Omar Sharif was eventually cast as Sherif Ali, but only after Alain Delon and Horst Buchholz rejected it. Filming had actually begun with Edmond O'Brien playing Jackson Bentley, the American reporter. When O'Brien fell ill, Arthur Kennedy was cast to replace him. Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, and Claude Rains, who played Auda abu Tayi, the Turkish Bey, and Mr. Dryden respectively, however, were the first choices.
Several additional characters were also based on real people. General Murray, Prince Faisal, Auda abu Tayi, and General Allenby all played a part in Lawrence's life. His servants, Farraj and Daud, and Talal, who committed a suicidal charge at Tafas, were real. So was Gasim, who was first rescued and then executed by Lawrence.
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.
How accurately the film reflects the character of T. E. Lawrence has been debated since the film was released. Some hold the position that he was an egotist, while others state that the facts do not bear this out. Others debate whether Lawrence was a masochist and whether he was asexual or homosexual. Two of the most vocal critics have been Lawrence's brother and reporter Lowell Thomas. The arguments, however, have failed to detract from 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.
Most of the main roles were ultimately awarded to actors who were not initially chosen. Peter O'Toole plays the lead, but Marlon Brando and Albert Finney both turned the part down first. Alec Guinness was not cast as Prince Faisal until Laurence Olivier dropped out. David Lean, who directed, had to convince Sam Spiegel, the producer, to cast Jack Hawkins as General Allenby. Spiegel wanted to sign Cary Grant in the role. Omar Sharif was eventually cast as Sherif Ali, but only after Alain Delon and Horst Buchholz rejected it. Filming had actually begun with Edmond O'Brien playing Jackson Bentley, the American reporter. When O'Brien fell ill, Arthur Kennedy was cast to replace him. Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, and Claude Rains, who played Auda abu Tayi, the Turkish Bey, and Mr. Dryden respectively, however, were the first choices.
Several additional characters were also based on real people. General Murray, Prince Faisal, Auda abu Tayi, and General Allenby all played a part in Lawrence's life. His servants, Farraj and Daud, and Talal, who committed a suicidal charge at Tafas, were real. So was Gasim, who was first rescued and then executed by Lawrence.
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.
How accurately the film reflects the character of T. E. Lawrence has been debated since the film was released. Some hold the position that he was an egotist, while others state that the facts do not bear this out. Others debate whether Lawrence was a masochist and whether he was asexual or homosexual. Two of the most vocal critics have been Lawrence's brother and reporter Lowell Thomas. The arguments, however, have failed to detract from 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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