Most epic films have a great look to them, and the story is long and plodding. Lawrence of Arabia is a film that follows that pattern to a point. It is a beautifully photographed film, with terrific desert scenes. The story of the British officer, T.E. Lawrence, who unites the Arabs in their fight against the Turks, during World War I, does manage to stay afloat.
T.E. Lawrence, nicknamed Lawrence of Arabia, by the press, is recruited by Mr. Dryden, a British diplomat, played by Claude Rains, to unite the Arabs. He does this successfully with his charm and cooperation from Chieftans, Adar Abu Tari, played by Anthony Quinn, and Sherif Ali, played by Omar Shariff. The chieftains respect Lawrence so much that they give him the garb of a chieftain, as well as a ceremonial dagger. It is very impressive on the big screen. Although Lawrence comes to love the lifestyle of the Arabs, it is not without hardship. When Lawrence and his Arab brothers are trekking across the desert, one of them drops from exhaustion. His fellow Arabs simply say its his time, but Lawrence can’t accept this. He goes back and rescues him. Unfortunately, the same man later murders a member of another tribe, and Lawrence executes him. In another scene, Peter O’Toole, goes across the desert to get money and arms at the British fort. Along the way, he encounters a sandstorm, and a young man who has come along, perishes in it. He reaches the fort, but its been abandoned, but comes across a freighter, on the Suez Canal and is taken to British headquarters. Lawrence is then given most of what he needs, to continue the war.
With the armaments and money, that he needs, Lawrence continues the war. He mainly blows up railroads, keeping the Turks from transporting supplies to the front. He also is involved in a few key battles, driving the Turkish forces back. While on a reconnaissance mission, in a town held by the Turks, Lawrence is captured. He is beaten by the Turks, and told by the commanding officer, that he is European and will never be an Arab. This fact gets into his head and never leaves. After his ordeal, he recovers, with the help of his friend, Sherif Ali. After this he goes back to the war, and the Turks are defeated.
T.E. Lawrence goes back to British headquarters, and is hailed as a hero by all, and dressed in his officers uniform. He has not only achieved notoriety in the British army, but worldwide fame. This is due to a newspaper reporter named, Jackson Bentley, played by Arthur Kennedy.
While Lawrence is in the headquarters in Cairo, he is summoned to a meeting by his superior, General Allenby, played by Alex Hawkins. In this meeting is Mr. Dryden. He thanks Lawrence for his help in the war, and tells him that the British and the French have reached an agreement. They are taking over from the Turks and will administrate Arabia. Lawrence is crestfallen, that everything that he did for the Arabs was for naught, but realizes that he is above all else, a British soldier.
Even though the film is very long, it is carried by the fine acting of Peter O’Toole in his first major film role as T.E. Lawrence. He is helped along by Anthony Quinn and Omar Shariff. Quinn does well in his somewhat comedic role as Abar Abu Tari. Omar Shariff playing Lawrence’s ally and friend, Sharif Ali, is exceptional and gives the film quality acting, as well as his character guiding Lawrence in Arab ways. David Lean has given the film a very good look, which earned the film an academy award for best picture. It also earned him a best director award.
Even though this movie is an epic film, that could have used more editing, it does stay close to the truth about T.E. Lawrence. That alone is an achievement, because many biographical films play fast and loose with the truth.