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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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