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 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.
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.
Like most films that are based on historical facts, the film takes some liberties with the truth. For example, the Arab Council was far more powerful than the movie indicated. The desertion of the Arab army was a work of fiction. Other facts, such as the reporter’s statement in late 1917 that America was not yet in the war, warped the timeline a bit.
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.
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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