I personally think that was the toughest Best Actor/Best Picture race of all time, between Lawrence and To Kill A Mockingbird. I mean, who do you pick? The young upstart who's nominated for his first movie and a stunning, nuanced tour de force performance, or the veteran actor who gave the performance of his career with such subtlety and grace and feeling - both are two of the most memorable and remarkable performances ever put to screen. The same goes for their respective films - one is a triumph of the epic genre, as big as a film can go visually and resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. The other is a masterclass portrayal of morality, family, society, and race, the things that divide us, and the things that unite us - it too is resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. I think it was an impossible choice, and in many ways, I think the outcome was as fair as the situation allowed. Gregory Peck won Best Actor for To Kill A Mockingbird, highlighting that film's success at its deep character study, whereas Lawrence of Arabia won Best Picture, acknowledging its stunning overall achievement on all levels as a film. Where Mockingbird is a very personal film carried by Gregory Peck, Lawrence is every bit the epic achievement, and so it seems fitting in retrospect to give the smaller film the performance Oscar and the epic film the Best Picture Oscar. I don't envy them that choice, though.
Yes, both performances are brilliant; however I will lean towards Peter O'Toole's work as he carried that epic the entire time. Maestro O'Toole's work led me to my Arab studies.
oldmoviemusic Gregory peck was brilliant in to kill a mockingbird but I would give both awards to Lawrence because Peter O’Toole was very impressive, and I find lawrence of Arabia to be a much better film. Not that Oscars mean anything, this is the Academy that gave crash and the shape of water a best picture win
@@medusastochter87Thanks to this, the Turkish has become a servant in the Arabian Gulf, and i am are an investor and tourist in Turkey and the whole world
Movies used to be such a mesmerizing experience. Grand tales of larger-than-life figures portrayed by stellar actors, fantastic scripts and fabulous music. Special effects, if any, were old-school and realistic, and the scale was breathtaking. I'm sorry, but the modern experience pales in comparison.
Man, this tune is timeless. I am fascinated with deserts. Some people see it as vast nothingness, but I see a majestic beauty. Man in the desert is left alone with himself and his thoughts. You feel small, insignificant and powerless against the nature. Walking through sand - the last stepping stone of story of the earth.
The desert is a place of deep solitude and spirituality. There's a reason it is so often associated with divinity and is commonly seen as the place where man communes with God in various religious texts. Not religious myself, but find the dynamic fascinating. I agree, the desert is beautiful.
He really loved Arab. But he has his fantacy. It is not in the course of Arab people. Certainly, different from his own country, UK, nor from Arab politicians.
"But Lawrece, these are not ordinary men.. I DON'T WANT ORDINARY MEN!" My favorite line in the film. My 14 year old granddaughter is absolutely mesmerized by this epic film, it's characters, the landscape and music. Guess there is still hope.
What's so amazing about this movie is it looks like it was done today. No blue screen. No fake back ground's. No fake movie projector back ground scene's. So special effects are A+. The story is A+. Even though it's a movie almost all is accurate which even makes it more appealing A-. The music is A+. Nothing I can add more except without question the best real life story ever put to film.
It's funny how I remember exactly where I was when I saw this movie. There was a solar eclipse on July 20 1963. I was 15 years old, and I had gone downtown in Montreal to see this movie. I also happened to bump into one of my best my elementary school teachers. There were hardly any people in the theatre in the afternoon, and it was as if I had the whole theatre to myself. I felt like I has a special viewing of the movie. It is one of my most memorable movies of all time!
As a boy of 5 yrs old onwards,I've always been fascinated with amazing movies particularly from the 50s and 60s,the aura ,the brilliant acting, filming,, the timlesssnes,.This is one such film.Amazing.
I loaned my DVD copy of this film to a young woman from Martinique with whom I worked. She was not familiar with the film or Lawrence as an historical figure. When she returned it to me she told me that she watched it and when it ended she returned to the start and watch it again in its entirety. That's an incredible compliment to a masterpiece.
One word........majestic. Thank you, Sir David Lean, Peter O'Toole, and the magnificent Maurice Jarre, the composer. I hope you all are having a wonderful journey.
Peter O’Toole’s greatest performance was his acceptance speech for the Oscar he was awarded. Hollywood today is incapable of discovering and nurturing talented actors like Peter O’Toole and Omar Shariff.
This movie is so far beyond ordinary movies that I believe it was lucky to win the Academy Awards it did win, because the fact that Peter O'Toole's performance as Lawrence did not win means to me that it was too good for the Oscars. It was one of the great performances of the 20th century!
I agree, this movie went way beyond anything I've ever seen , O'Toole becomes T.E. Lawrence, his acting is brilliant beyond compare, but always has been. The cast beside him were magnificent, I was 12 when this movie was made , I have never seen anything to compare to it, with all the modern tricks these days this movie out does all. I was mesmerised by O'Toole's acting , the inner self of Lawrence , he was a man born in the wrong place, he was demented in some ways, depressed, confused , but stuck to his duty until he became an Arab in his heart. The final outrage the betrayal of the Prince and his trying to build a nation , and the almost "I should have known it" from Lawence it was a betrayal to him too. In drive away from his quarters to leave and return to England , desolation surrounded him but even that was held in brilliantly by O'Toole , and the music , well if it doesn't conjure up huge emotions not only about the history itself but the skill in acting and movie making then you may as well be dead. Way beyond Oscar winning , far above it all.
People may view all Oscar nominees as "good enough" for the Oscars, and the winners as just that, winners. But I don't think the Academy Award is the top honor for a movie. The top honor for a movie is to become a classic. The top honor for an acting performance is to be enjoyed and admired by later generations. The top honor for a movie music score is to be played in concert halls and recorded half a century later. Some movies make it to that rarefied realm without winning a single Oscar. Peter O'Toole made it to that rarefied realm without winning a single Oscar--until, shortly before he died, he was awarded a special Oscar for all his movie performances, but guess what music was played as he came out to receive that Oscar. Yes, it was LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. It was way too late, of course, for the Academy to award him for his performance as Lawrence, but leaving it without any Oscar just made it look too good for the Oscars.
Indeed. This movie was filmed over 50 years ago, and it looks like it could have been shot yesterday and compete with any of the best movies made in the last 15 or 20 years. David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" is in every serious movie critic's list of the top 100 movies ever made, if not in their top 10. If you can find it, I seriously recommend watching Steven Spielberg's commentary on this movie and the influence it had on him as a future director and producer of some of the greatest movies ever made.
I personally think that was the toughest Best Actor/Best Picture race of all time, between Lawrence and To Kill A Mockingbird. I mean, who do you pick? The young upstart who's nominated for his first movie and a stunning, nuanced tour de force performance, or the veteran actor who gave the performance of his career with such subtlety and grace and feeling - both are two of the most memorable and remarkable performances ever put to screen. The same goes for their respective films - one is a triumph of the epic genre, as big as a film can go visually and resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. The other is a masterclass portrayal of morality, family, society, and race, the things that divide us, and the things that unite us - it too is resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. I think it was an impossible choice, and in many ways, I think the outcome was as fair as the situation allowed. Gregory Peck won Best Actor for To Kill A Mockingbird, highlighting that film's success at its deep character study, whereas Lawrence of Arabia won Best Picture, acknowledging its stunning overall achievement on all levels as a film. Where Mockingbird is a very personal film carried by Gregory Peck, Lawrence is every bit the epic achievement, and so it seems fitting in retrospect to give the smaller film the performance Oscar and the epic film the Best Picture Oscar. I don't envy them that choice, though.
Peter O'Toole and David Lean Thanks for the Epic memory. I skipped school way back in the 60''s was it , to see this movie the only time I have done this Was well worth it to bag my school clothes and get changed and leave my clothes at a shop.for 5 hours and then head home after it as if I had come back home from school. Now I'm living in the desert near Dubai. So what goes around comes around.
A family favorite. My dad and I spent many happy hours watching the film and listening to the score. They are both monumental, worthy of the vast majesty of the desert. David Lean and Maurice Jarre were geniuses.
I have to say even though I'm an 18 year old teen, I love films like these that my dad makes me watch. Great music and it ain't even that bad... better than a lot of common films made today
Just saying, it's so lovely to hear the stories here in the comments of the teenagers and kids of yore, recalling how seeing this film blew them away - and how the teenagers and kids of today are being blown away in just the same way.
Rest in peace, Mr. O'Toole. Whether as Lawrence of Arabia, Henry II, Sir Reginald Johnston, or the numerous other characters and or historical figures that you have respectively played and portrayed, your performance was simply spectacular and worthy of the highest level of praise. If only today's actors could live up to your calibre, but that is another story for another time. Even though your soul has left your body for the afterlife, you live on in this world through your work, archived on videos like this one. My good sir, you will be deeply missed.
Everyone should see this in a theatre with a big screen and a super sound system.. Everytime I hear this music, the mental image is of Lawrence on top of his camel riding full speed across a vast desert landscape with his robes and head dress flying in the wind....the best movie and the best theme song ever.
the 1st time I sat down in a theater and didn't move... nor make a sound... mesmerized by the entirety of it all... it was and still is my favorite of all time...
I saw this movie when it came out and was spellbound from start to finish. I have seen it countess times and it remains fascinating in scope and theme. The acting is perfect as is the cinematography and script. this is one of the greatest movies ever made and a tribute to Director David Lean, and Screenwriter Robert Bolt. It should be required viewing in spite of some historical inacurracies for anyone interested in a history of the Middle East.
I'm a film lover and this movie is the best I've ever seen. I was extremely young when I first saw it in the theatre with my folks. I asked for the soundtrack album for my birthday, and received it.
This movie is by far my greatest movie ever! The acting is superb. The camera angles I mean everything is superb. The setting sun caption is extraordinary. The music, the scenery. I don't ever think there will be another movie quite extraordinary as LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
When I think, and it's not that often, I wondered where my love of film music comes from. I don't remember when I first heard this, I can't say for certain when I watched the film for the first time, but I know that this is the piece that started it all for me.
When this film was shown at the Whalley Theatre in New Haven, CT in 1962 I went to see it so many times that eventually when I appeared at the ticket booth They would just wave me in. As a young boy I thought this was a perfect film and I still do.
I saw this film so long ago I do not remember the year but it was during the sixties. I had forgotten how beautiful the main theme is and it is a joy indeed, to hear it now , so many years later.
Best film n score EVER! I've seen n studied this film about 1000+ xs and ÀLWAYs find something new I've never seen before!!! David Lean IS the MASTER of Director's! Absolutely gorgeous shooting n' eye for narrating a story through a lens!!! ❤
More than anything, this theme makes me think of the incredible relationship between Lawrence and Sherif Ali. In many ways, it’s the heart of the film. O’Toole and Sharif’s chemistry is electric. You watch their bond deepen as they embark on this journey, you witness them rubbing off on each other and influencing each other, and above all, their undying affection for each other. It is Ali who comes to know Lawrence better than anyone, who is still able to reach Lawrence’s humanity in the midst of his breakdown, and it is Lawrence who gives Ali new hope for the future and opens his eyes to the way of navigating this new world plagued with political conflict. Both of their separation scenes are the most heartbreaking moments in the film. “If I fear him, who love him, how must he fear himself who hates himself?” A line that stays with you forever.
I was looking for a video just like this after hearing about the passing of Mr. O'Toole. Thank you and may he rest in peace. The image of him in that white robe on the white sand ... it belongs in a time capsule of our time.
This movie is the first one I've seen that made me look at movies as more than mere entertainment but and an art. Hearing the music and seeing the massive vistas in the movie really affected me as a 14 year old child. Now I'm a huge movie buff because of this film.
Maurice Jarre in composing the main theme of the movie score was inspired by the third movement of Rachmaninov No 2 Piano Concerto. Inspired is an inadequate word here as Jarre copied the main theme of the third movement almost note by note. Jarre honors Rachmaninov, the last of the great romantic composers by including his music.
Thanx Guys. You will always be remembred for all these fine musicals and theme-songs. What in this Beautifull World of ours can be more beautifull?? Only more of it.
I watch this movie today for the first time since 1962 when I was eight years old in the movie house, why and how my parents sent me to see this mature movie at their age is beyond me but I do remember a few scenes, what a fantastic experience almost overwhelming - movie making at its pinnacle unlike today’s current cartoons
I just watched this for the first time the other day and it's amazing. I had a feeling the soundtrack would be amazing even before I watched it. The cinematography is excellent as well and reminded me of why I love movies.
There will only ever be one film about Lawrence of Arabia, and there will only ever be one El Orence, and that is Peter O'Toole! No one else lives that part so truthful and heartfelt than Peter. Oh God, why did you not let time stand still then in 1962 and absorb me into that screen!
Probably the greatest match up in Oscar history, unfortunately only one person could get the Oscar. Gregory Peck's performance was brilliant. I couldn't choose between them.
Maybe it should have been like when Streisand won the Best Actress Oscar for Funny Girl but judges still couldn't deny Katherine Hepburn winning it for the movie she was in the same year, so it was the only time two Oscars at one Academy Award were given for Best Actress. They should have done a similar thing for Gregory Peck and Peter O'Toole.
Le plus bel héritage de Peter O'Toole.... Lawrence d'Arabie.... merci à ce grand Monsieur.... magnifique duo avec Omar SHÉRIF. J'espère que vous vous êtes retrouvés là haut. Reposez en paix ☮️
Ever since I first read The Seven Pillars as a teenager I have been fascinated by Lawrence whose life - even compared to men with remarkable lives - was utterly remarkable. David Lean was very fortunate not to get his first choice for the role - Simon Ward - who was busy on other projects at the time. On the plus side, Ward was a similar physical type to Lawrence; on the minus side, Ward was a two dimensional actor at best and the role of Lawrence required a few more dimension than that. How he stumbled across O'Toole I am not sure but he must have been glad he did because this more than partially bonkers actor was able to bring some of Lawrence's own madness and mystery to life on screen. O'Toole looked nothing like Lawrence who was so small his normal sized head always looked too big for his puny body but in the film O'Toole possess the role so completely that for a while he becomes Lawrence. Certainly one of the best films of all time - some say the greatest.
willie otoole I'm not sure about Simon Ward having been considered for the role. He hadn't done any work in film or television, his professional stage debut didn't take place until the year after the film came out - and he was only 20 years old when filming began. I don't think he looked, even in 1961, like Lawrence. His features were closer to those of Winston Churchill, who he eventually played. Ward did, eventually play Lawrence onstage in Terrence Rattigan's play, "Ross." That was in 1984. Co-incidentally, Alec Guiness played Lawrence in the original 1960 production of "Ross." Lean and his producer, however, felt he was too old to do the film role. Lean saw O'Toole in the 1960 film "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England," gave him a screen test, and was thrilled by what he saw. Lean's first choice for the role was Albert Finney. The film is one of those rare things: an inarguable masterpiece. The odd portrayal of the American journalist is one of the film's few screwy riffs.
O'Toole brought an innocent charm to his performance that no actor will ever be able to replicate. The scene were he confesses to his commanding officer that he killed a man, and was terrified at the prospect of having to kill again because he enjoyed it so much, is one of the most touching scenes in film history. I admit I got a little misty eyed, and I'm something of a stoic.
+willie otoole I wasn't Simon Ward first it was Marlon Brando but he didn't want to sign a long term contract with Speigel then it was Albert Finney that was rejected
Steven Spielberg watches this movie once a year. To me, I think it’s the best movie ever made. If anyone reads this go see the desert in Arabia. It is one of the most beautiful sites you can behold. Even in Jordan or just anywhere in the Middle East.
One of the finest composition of all time.Maurice Jarre worked wonderful.All time favourite movie.Great direction,photography n performances.Perhaps the debut movie of great Peter O’toole.👍👍👍
I think you are another of these desert-loving English...No Arab loves the desert. We love water and green trees, there is nothing in the desert. No man needs nothing...my father made this war upon the Turks. My father, Mr. Lawrence, not the English. Now my father is old. And I, I long for the *vanished gardens of Cordoba.*
Thank you for sharing that monologue, such beautiful and evocative language! The relationship between Lawrence and Ali, the modern West meeting the modern East, is one of my favourite aspects of the film.
oldmoviemusic No doubt, the beauty of the language in these dialogues can no longer be found in today's movies but the reason that it stands out as one of my favorite movie lines is because it so beautifully expresses the thoughts and dreams of the Bedouin Arabs and this very line just echoes in your mind when you look at the luxuries of modern Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.
love the music for this, we played the theme as a part of our latest performance and I had to break out my old German bow for the double bass to really nail home this piece
Something about Peter O'toole in that outfit just makes me melt. It was a fantastic movie. They don't make them like this anymore. You feel everything the character feels.
It may not be totally true to life re. T.E Lawrence but the acting of Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, the cinematograph and the music make it an epic in it's own right.
Saw the movie once more! Fantastic story and performance by Peter O'Toole one of British TRIO of actors who were exceptional...the others were Richard Burton and Richard Harris. The musical score of this film is fantastic as well as the desert scenes . Loved it !
I was aware that this movie had won many awards...but a a teen I to "busy" to appreciate this epic, I checked the magazine rack at the local drug store and low and behold there is was MADD Magazine with Alfred of Arabia on the cover!
I personally think that was the toughest Best Actor/Best Picture race of all time, between Lawrence and To Kill A Mockingbird. I mean, who do you pick? The young upstart who's nominated for his first movie and a stunning, nuanced tour de force performance, or the veteran actor who gave the performance of his career with such subtlety and grace and feeling - both are two of the most memorable and remarkable performances ever put to screen.
The same goes for their respective films - one is a triumph of the epic genre, as big as a film can go visually and resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. The other is a masterclass portrayal of morality, family, society, and race, the things that divide us, and the things that unite us - it too is resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character.
I think it was an impossible choice, and in many ways, I think the outcome was as fair as the situation allowed. Gregory Peck won Best Actor for To Kill A Mockingbird, highlighting that film's success at its deep character study, whereas Lawrence of Arabia won Best Picture, acknowledging its stunning overall achievement on all levels as a film. Where Mockingbird is a very personal film carried by Gregory Peck, Lawrence is every bit the epic achievement, and so it seems fitting in retrospect to give the smaller film the performance Oscar and the epic film the Best Picture Oscar. I don't envy them that choice, though.
Yes, both performances are brilliant; however I will lean towards Peter O'Toole's work as he carried that epic the entire time. Maestro O'Toole's work led me to my Arab studies.
At last, a thoughtful comment on TH-cam.
oldmoviemusic Gregory peck was brilliant in to kill a mockingbird but I would give both awards to Lawrence because Peter O’Toole was very impressive, and I find lawrence of Arabia to be a much better film. Not that Oscars mean anything, this is the Academy that gave crash and the shape of water a best picture win
Just...WOW! What a review.
I've despised "To Kill a Mockingbird" ever since. Liberal feel-good tripe.
You can't see a desertscape without hearing this score in your head.
Ummm
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly theme.
@@takeurpills6024 That's the theme for American Deserts.
Truth
This year Hans Zimmers Dune joined the desert playlist
this and arabian nights from aladdin
One of the most beautiful films ever made--period.
My first time seeing it was in 1988 right after the restoration AND I saw it in an IMAX theater. It REALLY was a life changing experience for me.
Truly!!!! Peter O'toole was a once in a lifetime talent. Even better in "Tho Lion in Winter if that is possible
"One of the most beautiful films ever made--period." Dead wrong. " The most beautiful film ever made--period."
@@BruxaPumpkin I won't disagree with you at all!
And the greatest soundtrack ever in composed. Maurice Jarre is among the greatest composers who ever lived. Which is saying a lot.
My grandfather fought with Lawrence and arrived in Damascus, the capital of Syria. 🇬🇧🇸🇦
Shame on him!
@@medusastochter87Thanks to this, the Turkish has become a servant in the Arabian Gulf, and i am are an investor and tourist in Turkey and the whole world
@@medusastochter87It must have been a great honour for him to fight along side such a great man
What a Honor 🫡🏜️🇸🇦🇬🇧
@@OctoGaming-gv4vrthe British man that faced the arabian culture and language, the beauty of the desert and the war.
Movies used to be such a mesmerizing experience. Grand tales of larger-than-life figures portrayed by stellar actors, fantastic scripts and fabulous music. Special effects, if any, were old-school and realistic, and the scale was breathtaking.
I'm sorry, but the modern experience pales in comparison.
Man, this tune is timeless. I am fascinated with deserts. Some people see it as vast nothingness, but I see a majestic beauty. Man in the desert is left alone with himself and his thoughts. You feel small, insignificant and powerless against the nature. Walking through sand - the last stepping stone of story of the earth.
I doubt you would say that if you lived in the desert your whole life
LOOO REDOOOOO
The desert is a place of deep solitude and spirituality. There's a reason it is so often associated with divinity and is commonly seen as the place where man communes with God in various religious texts. Not religious myself, but find the dynamic fascinating. I agree, the desert is beautiful.
I feel the same, I got what he meant when he said "It's clean."
@@peterapazidis7561 I don't like sand. It's all coarse, and rough, and irritating. And it gets everywhere.
This film was easily one of the most enchanting and epic cinematic experiences I have ever had
that make us two !!!
It's so unrealistic it has to be a true story. No one would believe it otherwise!
ITS was boring, i get it IT was amazing in the 60s But for me as Millenium is so overrated all this Hype because He raided a train?
@@stevensamuels4041 nope your just don't know what a good movie is
He really loved Arab. But he has his fantacy. It is not in the course of Arab people. Certainly, different from his own country, UK, nor from Arab politicians.
"But Lawrece, these are not ordinary men.. I DON'T WANT ORDINARY MEN!" My favorite line in the film. My 14 year old granddaughter is absolutely mesmerized by this epic film, it's characters, the landscape and music. Guess there is still hope.
👁
@@CauaSN Hopefully grandpa is still with us
❤
A great movie indeed. Amazing that despite the long running time, there is not a single spoken line by a woman in the whole film.
I’m 12 and I love the film
One of the most monumental film scores ever written.
The music is so beautiful!
Who wrote it?
What's so amazing about this movie is it looks like it was done today. No blue screen. No fake back ground's. No fake movie projector back ground scene's. So special effects are A+. The story is A+. Even though it's a movie almost all is accurate which even makes it more appealing A-. The music is A+. Nothing I can add more except without question the best real life story ever put to film.
They certainly don't make movies that look this good anymore. So I wouldn't say it looks like it was done today.
Drackkor this movie would never be done today half wit. its a 70 mm epic with methodical trained stage actors that dont exist today.
Those were the days of really epic movies!
Such was David Lean
Well there were Matte Paintings in this move
It's funny how I remember exactly where I was when I saw this movie. There was a solar eclipse on July 20 1963. I was 15 years old, and I had gone downtown in Montreal to see this movie. I also happened to bump into one of my best my elementary school teachers. There were hardly any people in the theatre in the afternoon, and it was as if I had the whole theatre to myself. I felt like I has a special viewing of the movie. It is one of my most memorable movies of all time!
RIP to the spectacular Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif. One of the great films of any time period.
As a boy of 5 yrs old onwards,I've always been fascinated with amazing movies particularly from the 50s and 60s,the aura ,the brilliant acting, filming,, the timlesssnes,.This is one such film.Amazing.
Amazing
Give me a story set in a wasteland,..and Cinemascope!
I loaned my DVD copy of this film to a young woman from Martinique with whom I worked. She was not familiar with the film or Lawrence as an historical figure. When she returned it to me she told me that she watched it and when it ended she returned to the start and watch it again in its entirety. That's an incredible compliment to a masterpiece.
Only watched twice, that doesn't really rate - it only begins to rates as something special once you exceed a minimum of 10 views.
Absolute masterpiece. That theme is a haunting classic. It actually sounds like you're in the desert.
I must go and buy this good old classic . I first saw this in the good old late 70s
Peter O'Toole has left us, but his talent will be remembered forever.
Thank you, Peter!! REST IN PEACE
Two of the most handsomest men that ever walked the planet. Peter and Omar. Thanks for grazing us with your presence. Thank you.
One word........majestic. Thank you, Sir David Lean, Peter O'Toole, and the magnificent Maurice Jarre, the composer. I hope you all are having a wonderful journey.
Best film ever made!
The music to this film is actually visual itself. You hear the music and you see the desert. A picturesque epic for all time
Peter O’Toole’s greatest performance was his acceptance speech for the Oscar he was awarded. Hollywood today is incapable of discovering and nurturing talented actors like Peter O’Toole and Omar Shariff.
This movie is so far beyond ordinary movies that I believe it was lucky to win the Academy Awards it did win, because the fact that Peter O'Toole's performance as Lawrence did not win means to me that it was too good for the Oscars. It was one of the great performances of the 20th century!
I agree, this movie went way beyond anything I've ever seen , O'Toole becomes T.E. Lawrence, his acting is brilliant beyond compare, but always has been. The cast beside him were magnificent, I was 12 when this movie was made , I have never seen anything to compare to it, with all the modern tricks these days this movie out does all.
I was mesmerised by O'Toole's acting , the inner self of Lawrence , he was a man born in the wrong place, he was demented in some ways, depressed, confused , but stuck to his duty until he became an Arab in his heart.
The final outrage the betrayal of the Prince and his trying to build a nation , and the almost "I should have known it" from Lawence it was a betrayal to him too.
In drive away from his quarters to leave and return to England , desolation surrounded him but even that was held in brilliantly by O'Toole , and the music , well if it doesn't conjure up huge emotions not only about the history itself but the skill in acting and movie making then you may as well be dead.
Way beyond Oscar winning , far above it all.
People may view all Oscar nominees as "good enough" for the Oscars, and the winners as just that, winners. But I don't think the Academy Award is the top honor for a movie. The top honor for a movie is to become a classic. The top honor for an acting performance is to be enjoyed and admired by later generations. The top honor for a movie music score is to be played in concert halls and recorded half a century later. Some movies make it to that rarefied realm without winning a single Oscar. Peter O'Toole made it to that rarefied realm without winning a single Oscar--until, shortly before he died, he was awarded a special Oscar for all his movie performances, but guess what music was played as he came out to receive that Oscar. Yes, it was LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. It was way too late, of course, for the Academy to award him for his performance as Lawrence, but leaving it without any Oscar just made it look too good for the Oscars.
Thanks, but I have the DVD I can view on my big TV screen!
Indeed. This movie was filmed over 50 years ago, and it looks like it could have been shot yesterday and compete with any of the best movies made in the last 15 or 20 years. David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" is in every serious movie critic's list of the top 100 movies ever made, if not in their top 10. If you can find it, I seriously recommend watching Steven Spielberg's commentary on this movie and the influence it had on him as a future director and producer of some of the greatest movies ever made.
I personally think that was the toughest Best Actor/Best Picture race of all time, between Lawrence and To Kill A Mockingbird. I mean, who do you pick? The young upstart who's nominated for his first movie and a stunning, nuanced tour de force performance, or the veteran actor who gave the performance of his career with such subtlety and grace and feeling - both are two of the most memorable and remarkable performances ever put to screen.
The same goes for their respective films - one is a triumph of the epic genre, as big as a film can go visually and resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character. The other is a masterclass portrayal of morality, family, society, and race, the things that divide us, and the things that unite us - it too is resoundingly challenging in its historical and thematic scope, whilst still being a deeply personal portrait of one man's character.
I think it was an impossible choice, and in many ways, I think the outcome was as fair as the situation allowed. Gregory Peck won Best Actor for To Kill A Mockingbird, highlighting that film's success at its deep character study, whereas Lawrence of Arabia won Best Picture, acknowledging its stunning overall achievement on all levels as a film. Where Mockingbird is a very personal film carried by Gregory Peck, Lawrence is every bit the epic achievement, and so it seems fitting in retrospect to give the smaller film the performance Oscar and the epic film the Best Picture Oscar. I don't envy them that choice, though.
Peter O'Toole and David Lean Thanks for the Epic memory. I skipped school way back in the 60''s was it , to see this movie the only time I have done this Was well worth it to bag my school clothes and get changed and leave my clothes at a shop.for 5 hours and then head home after it as if I had come back home from school. Now I'm living in the desert near Dubai. So what goes around comes around.
welcome to Arabia ,,,
Mesmerizing. If you don't own a David Lean movie (neither do I, yet), this is one you should have. A restored masterpiece.
A family favorite. My dad and I spent many happy hours watching the film and listening to the score. They are both monumental, worthy of the vast majesty of the desert. David Lean and Maurice Jarre were geniuses.
Perhaps the most breathtaking piece of old film music ever. You can hear the desert, and the scale of the events that Lawrence follows.
My dad who has passed on worked for Tesco’s and listened to this in lunch break .
I have to say even though I'm an 18 year old teen, I love films like these that my dad makes me watch. Great music and it ain't even that bad... better than a lot of common films made today
Just saying, it's so lovely to hear the stories here in the comments of the teenagers and kids of yore, recalling how seeing this film blew them away - and how the teenagers and kids of today are being blown away in just the same way.
Rest in peace, Mr. O'Toole. Whether as Lawrence of Arabia, Henry II, Sir Reginald Johnston, or the numerous other characters and or historical figures that you have respectively played and portrayed, your performance was simply spectacular and worthy of the highest level of praise. If only today's actors could live up to your calibre, but that is another story for another time. Even though your soul has left your body for the afterlife, you live on in this world through your work, archived on videos like this one. My good sir, you will be deeply missed.
AMEN----Maestro O'Toole.
Pu Yi You forgot Don Quixote in “The Man of La Mancha”! That is a great movie with the beautiful Sophia Loren!
Two of the best: Peter O'Toole and Omar Shariff !!!!!!! The song, beautiful !!!!!
An british picture based on a welsh in arabia carried by a french composer. What an international adventure ! =)
One of the great movies that was made in part by the music, such great music !
An exceptionally great movie, made even greater by the music.
Such an unforgettable movie; one of my most beloved movies of all time.
vaaaamooo, vamooo los redoooondoooo !!! grande willy crook !!!
Grandeeee
jajaja sos un genio vos y wily
A Great movie ,with a memorable cast, and a brilliant musical score by Maurice Jarre
Everyone should see this in a theatre with a big screen and a super sound system.. Everytime I hear this music, the mental image is of Lawrence on top of his camel riding full speed across a vast desert landscape with his robes and head dress flying in the wind....the best movie and the best theme song ever.
the 1st time I sat down in a theater and didn't move... nor make a sound... mesmerized by the entirety of it all... it was and still is my favorite of all time...
I saw this movie when it came out and was spellbound from start to finish. I have seen it countess times and it remains fascinating in scope and theme. The acting is perfect as is the cinematography and script. this is one of the greatest movies ever made and a tribute to Director David Lean, and Screenwriter Robert Bolt. It should be required viewing in spite of some historical inacurracies for anyone interested in a history of the Middle East.
I watched this movie today; a true masterpiece of cinema. What an extraordinary achievement.
I'm a film lover and this movie is the best I've ever seen. I was extremely young when I first saw it in the theatre with my folks. I asked for the soundtrack album for my birthday, and received it.
It took me 10 Years to watch it and i'm so happy that is the 600 movie i've watched
This movie is by far my greatest movie ever! The acting is superb. The camera angles I mean everything is superb. The setting sun caption is extraordinary. The music, the scenery. I don't ever think there will be another movie quite extraordinary as LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
Agreed. There is nothing like it.
When I think, and it's not that often, I wondered where my love of film music comes from. I don't remember when I first heard this, I can't say for certain when I watched the film for the first time, but I know that this is the piece that started it all for me.
When this film was shown at the Whalley Theatre in New Haven, CT in 1962 I went to see it so many times that eventually when I appeared at the ticket booth They would just wave me in. As a young boy I thought this was a perfect film and I still do.
I still believe the cinematography of this movie is better than the movies today and will be for next 50 years.
The first film in my life i see with my mother in an open cinema in Ivory coast in Bouaké i will ever remember untill my last breathe
One of if not the greatest epic movies of all time certainly my favorite. The score gives me chill bumps.
I saw this film so long ago I do not remember the year but it was during the sixties. I had forgotten how beautiful the main theme is and it is a joy indeed, to hear it now , so many years later.
Best film n score EVER! I've seen n studied this film about 1000+ xs and ÀLWAYs find something new I've never seen before!!! David Lean IS the MASTER of Director's! Absolutely gorgeous shooting n' eye for narrating a story through a lens!!! ❤
More than anything, this theme makes me think of the incredible relationship between Lawrence and Sherif Ali. In many ways, it’s the heart of the film. O’Toole and Sharif’s chemistry is electric. You watch their bond deepen as they embark on this journey, you witness them rubbing off on each other and influencing each other, and above all, their undying affection for each other. It is Ali who comes to know Lawrence better than anyone, who is still able to reach Lawrence’s humanity in the midst of his breakdown, and it is Lawrence who gives Ali new hope for the future and opens his eyes to the way of navigating this new world plagued with political conflict. Both of their separation scenes are the most heartbreaking moments in the film. “If I fear him, who love him, how must he fear himself who hates himself?” A line that stays with you forever.
I was looking for a video just like this after hearing about the passing of Mr. O'Toole. Thank you and may he rest in peace. The image of him in that white robe on the white sand ... it belongs in a time capsule of our time.
This movie is the first one I've seen that made me look at movies as more than mere entertainment but and an art. Hearing the music and seeing the massive vistas in the movie really affected me as a 14 year old child. Now I'm a huge movie buff because of this film.
One of my very most favorite movies. Drama, excitement, the theme song, cinematography is spectacular!
This gives me chills, an absolutely sublime piece of music from an outstanding film about a remarkable man :)
Maurice Jarre in composing the main theme of the movie score was inspired by the third movement of Rachmaninov No 2 Piano Concerto. Inspired is an inadequate word here as Jarre copied the main theme of the third movement almost note by note. Jarre honors Rachmaninov, the last of the great romantic composers by including his music.
@@patrickvalenzuela3709 Not even just rachmaninoff, this is almost a direct plagiarism of ricardo castro's piano concerto.
This is the most beautiful movie theme I have ever heard. And... Peter O'Toole was one in a million. I will miss him. Rest in Peace, Sir Peter.
Thanx Guys. You will always be remembred for all these fine musicals and theme-songs. What in this Beautifull World of ours can be more beautifull?? Only more of it.
I watch this movie today for the first time since 1962 when I was eight years old in the movie house, why and how my parents sent me to see this mature movie at their age is beyond me but I do remember a few scenes, what a fantastic experience almost overwhelming - movie making at its pinnacle unlike today’s current cartoons
I just watched this for the first time the other day and it's amazing. I had a feeling the soundtrack would be amazing even before I watched it. The cinematography is excellent as well and reminded me of why I love movies.
Just an amazing film with an amazing cast, and the score is unbelievable... sorry... I stand in awe. ...
There will only ever be one film about Lawrence of Arabia, and there will only ever be one El Orence, and that is Peter O'Toole! No one else lives that part so truthful and heartfelt than Peter. Oh God, why did you not let time stand still then in 1962 and absorb me into that screen!
Lisa Eiltest
Oh mon Dieu, pourquoi n'as-tu pas laissé le temps s'arrêter en 1962 et m'absorber dans cet écran! YESSS!!!!
Aurence
Where do I begin? The greatest masterpiece in the history of movies. The most overwhelming cinematic experience I've ever had. 10/10.
RIP Peter O'Toole.
He was the sharpest o'toole in the shed, somebody once told me
Just watched 'My Favorite Year' a few months ago, loved it. Been meaning to watch 'The Ruling Class' soon. Great actor.
❤❤❤
always in memories
A classic theme song! One of the best of all time! I love this movie a lot too!
One of the best soundtracks
Why this man didn't get an Oscar in his life?
VAAAAAMO VAMO VAMO REDOOOONDOOOO
vos si sabes papaaa
Magnificent, breathtaking score! The best of all times for me! Greetings from Argentina!
The fact that this theme was reincorporated into the movie Troy (2004) as a tribute is what led me to Lawrence of Arabia. Both great films.
Which song in Troy has it?
Surprised this doesn't have more views
Peter O’Toole’s eyes. What more can I say.
1:03 was heard in "The Spy Who Loved Me" 1977 as Bond and Anya were walking in the desert towards a nearby oasis after that clunker van broke down.
Perfect use of the song! They also used it on an episode of TopGear. ;)
Probably the greatest match up in Oscar history, unfortunately only one person could get the Oscar. Gregory Peck's performance was brilliant. I couldn't choose between them.
Maybe it should have been like when Streisand won the Best Actress Oscar for Funny Girl but judges still couldn't deny Katherine Hepburn winning it for the movie she was in the same year, so it was the only time two Oscars at one Academy Award were given for Best Actress. They should have done a similar thing for Gregory Peck and Peter O'Toole.
@@marcusjames9499 Good point.
17 years back when I was in SFO enjoyed this movie from SFO library archive.. What a throwback...
Driving into Riyadh was absolutely magical
Will never forget it
Love Saudi Arabia
Le plus bel héritage de Peter O'Toole.... Lawrence d'Arabie.... merci à ce grand Monsieur.... magnifique duo avec Omar SHÉRIF. J'espère que vous vous êtes retrouvés là haut. Reposez en paix ☮️
Majesty acting and music - don't think it will ever be duplicated.
Ever since I first read The Seven Pillars as a teenager I have been fascinated by Lawrence whose life - even compared to men with remarkable lives - was utterly remarkable.
David Lean was very fortunate not to get his first choice for the role - Simon Ward - who was busy on other projects at the time. On the plus side, Ward was a similar physical type to Lawrence; on the minus side, Ward was a two dimensional actor at best and the role of Lawrence required a few more dimension than that.
How he stumbled across O'Toole I am not sure but he must have been glad he did because this more than partially bonkers actor was able to bring some of Lawrence's own madness and mystery to life on screen.
O'Toole looked nothing like Lawrence who was so small his normal sized head always looked too big for his puny body but in the film O'Toole possess the role so completely
that for a while he becomes Lawrence. Certainly one of the best films of all time - some say the greatest.
willie otoole I'm not sure about Simon Ward having been considered for the role. He hadn't done any work in film or television, his professional stage debut didn't take place until the year after the film came out - and he was only 20 years old when filming began. I don't think he looked, even in 1961, like Lawrence. His features were closer to those of Winston Churchill, who he eventually played.
Ward did, eventually play Lawrence onstage in Terrence Rattigan's play, "Ross." That was in 1984. Co-incidentally, Alec Guiness played Lawrence in the original 1960 production of "Ross." Lean and his producer, however, felt he was too old to do the film role.
Lean saw O'Toole in the 1960 film "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England," gave him a screen test, and was thrilled by what he saw.
Lean's first choice for the role was Albert Finney.
The film is one of those rare things: an inarguable masterpiece. The odd portrayal of the American journalist is one of the film's few screwy riffs.
willie otoole Great review and info about this great movie.
Is your name a mere coincidence or are you a relative of the great Peter O'toole?
+willie otoole Maybe it's just me, but I think Peter looked almost EXACTLY like Lawrence.
O'Toole brought an innocent charm to his performance that no actor will ever be able to replicate. The scene were he confesses to his commanding officer that he killed a man, and was terrified at the prospect of having to kill again because he enjoyed it so much, is one of the most touching scenes in film history. I admit I got a little misty eyed, and I'm something of a stoic.
+willie otoole I wasn't Simon Ward first it was Marlon Brando but he didn't want to sign a long term contract with Speigel then it was Albert Finney that was rejected
This film showed me my passion. After watching this , I bought a book Seven pilars of wisdom
Omar Shariff, uno de los mas grande actores de todos los tempos.
What a wonderful piece of music, fits the film perfectly.
Steven Spielberg watches this movie once a year. To me, I think it’s the best movie ever made. If anyone reads this go see the desert in Arabia. It is one of the most beautiful sites you can behold. Even in Jordan or just anywhere in the Middle East.
One of the finest composition of all time.Maurice Jarre worked wonderful.All time favourite movie.Great direction,photography n performances.Perhaps the debut movie of great Peter O’toole.👍👍👍
This will be playing in my head all throughout the heatwaves during this summer season.
As brilliantly bright as the desert sun - surely the greatest movie ever made
The great O'Toole and Sir Alec Guinness wow
Omar Sharif too.
...and Anthony Quinn...actually this film is full of magnificent actors.
And Claude Rains.
Im so gratefull we have already a big desert in our country where first Stars wars was filmed 🇹🇳🇹🇳🇹🇳
I think you are another of these desert-loving English...No Arab loves the desert. We love water and green trees, there is nothing in the desert. No man needs nothing...my father made this war upon the Turks. My father, Mr. Lawrence, not the English. Now my father is old. And I, I long for the *vanished gardens of Cordoba.*
Thank you for sharing that monologue, such beautiful and evocative language! The relationship between Lawrence and Ali, the modern West meeting the modern East, is one of my favourite aspects of the film.
oldmoviemusic No doubt, the beauty of the language in these dialogues can no longer be found in today's movies but the reason that it stands out as one of my favorite movie lines is because it so beautifully expresses the thoughts and dreams of the Bedouin Arabs and this very line just echoes in your mind when you look at the luxuries of modern Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.
Indeed, the symbolic contrast of West vs East represented by Lawrence and Ali in that line is present even today.
Arabs still pay the price of betrayal, they will continue to pay, this will continue unless the Turks come back🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷
@@yns5068 Ngl thats true
love the music for this, we played the theme as a part of our latest performance and I had to break out my old German bow for the double bass to really nail home this piece
love this music. timeless. thank you for sharing.
👍
Something about Peter O'toole in that outfit just makes me melt. It was a fantastic movie. They don't make them like this anymore. You feel everything the character feels.
It may not be totally true to life re. T.E Lawrence but the acting of Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, the cinematograph and the music make it an epic in it's own right.
Saw the movie once more! Fantastic story and performance by Peter O'Toole one of British TRIO of actors who were exceptional...the others were Richard Burton and Richard Harris. The musical score of this film is fantastic as well as the desert scenes . Loved it !
Immortal. Timeless.
I was aware that this movie had won many awards...but a a teen I to "busy" to appreciate this epic, I checked the magazine rack at the local drug store and low and behold there is was MADD Magazine with Alfred of Arabia on the cover!
"It's Clean." Well said, T. E. Lawrence. Well said, sir.
Such rich culture, history, and civilization.
Rest in Peace, Peter. You will be missed dearly!
As salaam u aleikoum ! Peter O Toole, Maurice Jarre's music - a classic for all time ! P.S. I worked 20 years in Saudi, Qatar and Oman, lol !