Peter O'Toole delivers an electrifying performance as the mischievous Henry II, who surprises England by naming his fellow rogue and trusted valet Thomas Becket (Richard Burton in a career defining role) as Chancellor. But when Henry next appoints him Archbishop Of Canterbury, Becket shocks the world by openly defying the King with his newfound faith and compassion. Will a desperate ruler now destroy a beloved friend to save his splintering kingdom? John Gielgud co-stars in this stunning epic based on the Broadway sensation and brought to the screen by Hal Wallis, the legendary producer of "True Grit" and "Casablanca."
Classic struggle between Church and Monarchy. Thomas Becket and King Henry Plantagenet engage in one of the most famous power struggles in English history. When Becket first becomes chancellor and later Archbishop of Canterbury, a rift grows between Henry II and his old friend. Some eager drunken knights trying to please the disgruntled monarch assassinate the cleric in the cathedral.
Two of the finest actors of their generation, Burton and O'Toole, square off in this splendid production of Jean Anouilh's 1959 play. The lifelong friendship of Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, is tested and ends in tragedy as Becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. Academy Award Nominations: 12, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor- Richard Burton, Best Actor--Peter O'Toole. Academy Awards: Best (Adapted) Screenplay (Edward Anhalt).
Color by Technicolor
Becket Reviews:
"The real fascination here is the pairing of Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton, both of whom give superb performances."-- Geoffrey Macnab, Sight and Sound
Inciteful Period Film One of my favorite period pictures. I am of course a huge fan of Richard Burton and Peter O'toole. Their performances are truly their own & not easily if ever replicated! Richard Burton, Fantastic in Anne of A Thousand Days as was Genevieve Bujold. Peter O'toole in Lawrence of Arabia, another awesome film!! Submitted by Dia (San Diego, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
THE GREATEST ACTING EVER BY TWO GIANTS This is with out a doubt the greatest acting tour de force ever set to film.
these two actors will never be equalled
For me it is on a par with some of the greatest recorded performances of certain operas by certain cast's.
If this movie is ever remade it will never equal this tour de force performance.
We in this lifetime will never see their equal again, I suggest if you are interested in classic performances,then by all means acquire this film.Do not fail to add this to your library.
I certainly did,
Submitted by broosa (Great Valley New York) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Want it! Maybe one of the best films ever done. O´Toole, again, excelent. If only history films today were as this one...I´ve got a VHS bad copy, and never seen it on TV/Cable here in Spain.Is there a DVD edition?? Submitted by Martin (Madrid, Spain) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Old but still going strong First I thought that this is too old to be good beacuse of the lack of special effects but that film was really worth of looking. I don not wonder why they nominated that film for 12 academy awards. Good byu for the peoples who are interested about the well told stories from the past. Submitted by juhani.hujanen (Helsinki, Finland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Great acting and a well told drama from the past. A few decades ago,it was my first encounter with the dazzeling dimensions of acting by the giant Peter O Toole.even the real Henery would have loved to ape a few tricks from him. Burton, though belonging to the old school of acting, was no less great.An all time great. But where are they? Great films like Becket, the Good Earth, Anne of 1000 days [another great Burton]!Why are they not on the DVD yet? Submitted by sahaysanjay (India) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Additional Release Material: Audio Commentary: Peter O' Toole 0 Actor
Inciteful Period Film
THE GREATEST ACTING EVER BY TWO GIANTS
Want it!
Share this Product