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Lawrence of Arabia (movie) facts for kids

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Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of arabia ver3 xxlg.jpg
Theatrical release poster by Howard Terpning
Directed by David Lean
Produced by Sam Spiegel
Screenplay by
Starring
Music by Maurice Jarre
Cinematography F.A. Young
Editing by Anne V. Coates
Studio Horizon Pictures
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date(s) 10 December 1962 (1962-12-10)
Running time 222 minutes
Country
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
Budget $15 million
Money made $70 million

Lawrence of Arabia is a famous 1962 epic historical drama film. It tells the true story of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer. The movie was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel. The story was written by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson.

Peter O'Toole plays T. E. Lawrence in the film. The movie shows Lawrence's adventures in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. It highlights his attacks on places like Aqaba and Damascus. It also shows his work with the Arab National Council. The film explores how Lawrence felt about war and his own identity. It also looks at his loyalty to both Britain and the Arab tribes he fought alongside. Besides Peter O'Toole, other famous actors like Alec Guinness and Omar Sharif are in the movie.

Lawrence of Arabia is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It won many awards, including seven Oscars in 1963. These included Best Picture and Best Director. The film also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Its music, created by Maurice Jarre, is very famous. The amazing way it was filmed by Freddie Young using Super Panavision 70 is also highly praised.

In 1991, the film was chosen for the US Library of Congress National Film Registry. This means it is important to keep for future generations. The American Film Institute has listed it as one of the top films of all time. The British Film Institute also named it the third-greatest British film ever.

The Story of T. E. Lawrence

The film follows the real-life story of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer. He was sent to the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. His mission was to help the Arab people in their fight against the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was a large empire that controlled much of the Middle East at the time.

Lawrence's Role in the War

Lawrence became a key leader for the Arab tribes. He helped them unite and fight together. He led daring attacks across the desert. One famous attack was on the port city of Aqaba. This victory was very important for the Arab revolt.

Challenges and Loyalty

The movie shows Lawrence facing many challenges. He struggled with the violence of war. He also felt torn between his British background and his new loyalty to the Arab people. He became very close to the desert tribes. This made him question where he truly belonged.

Making the Movie

Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in amazing desert locations. These included places in Jordan and Morocco. The director, David Lean, was known for making very grand and detailed films. He wanted the movie to look as real as possible.

Filming in the Desert

Filming in the desert was very difficult. The crew had to deal with extreme heat and sandstorms. They used special cameras to capture the vast desert landscapes. This helped make the film look so impressive on the big screen.

The Cast and Their Roles

Peter O'Toole played Lawrence, making him a global star. Omar Sharif played Sherif Ali, an Arab leader who becomes Lawrence's friend. Other famous actors like Alec Guinness also played important roles. They helped bring this historical story to life.

Why the Film is Important

Lawrence of Arabia is important for many reasons. It is known for its stunning visuals and powerful story. It also explores deep themes like identity, war, and leadership.

A Classic Film

Many people consider it a masterpiece of cinema. It set new standards for how epic historical films could be made. Its influence can still be seen in movies today.

Historical Significance

The film also teaches us about a key part of World War I. It shows the Arab Revolt and the complex politics of the Middle East. It helps us understand the role of figures like T. E. Lawrence in history.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lawrence de Arabia (película) para niños

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