I Watch Films: Lawrence Of Arabia
Lawrence Of Arabia In England in 1932 T E Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) crashes his motorcycle and dies. At a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral* various people recall him, remembering him as not the national hero he was made out to be. The film moves back to the first world war where Lawrence is a lieutenant; something of a misfit; well educated and knowledgeable about the Arabs, also with not much respect for army tradition and hierarchy. Dryden of the Arab Bureau sends Lawrence out to see what the Arab Revolt of Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness) is up to. Lawrence’s guide is killed by Ali, as he’s from a different tribe and using the well, Lawrence calls him a barbarian, then learns he’s a close adviser of Prince Feisel, so is taken to their camp. What they’re up to is being a bit ineffective; without artillery they are vulnerable to Turkish counter attack. The British won’t give them artillery as that would make them independent. Colonel Brighton, the British liaison, has o...
