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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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