In 1962, Lawrence of Arabia was released to overwhelming praise. This film portrayed the World War I experiences of British officer T. E. Lawrence during his time with the Arab Rebellion. The movie won 7 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Score, and Best Cinematography. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest movies of all time.

The movie borrows a twist from Citizen Kane, opening with the death of Lawrence in 1935. He was riding his motorcycle in England and was killed avoiding a collision with two bicyclists. Reporters try to gather some understanding from the people who were most acquainted with him. The film then cuts to Cairo during World War I. Then a lieutenant, Lawrence is sent to appraise the situation with Prince Faisal and his chances of succeeding in his struggle with the Turks. Lawrence urges Faisal to mount an attack on Aqaba and participates in the attack. This is the beginning of Lawrence’s involvement with the Arab Rebellion, which sometimes brings him into conflict with his superiors. As the war unfolds, Lawrence discovers some disturbing elements in his own nature.

Ironically, most actors who starred in the film were not the first ones chosen. Lawrence is portrayed by Peter O’Toole, but the part was passed on by Albert Finney and Marlon Brando first. When Laurence Olivier dropped out, the part of Prince Faisal then went to Alec Guinness. The producer wanted Cary Grant for the part of General Allenby, but the director persuaded him to sign Jack Hawkins for the role. Sherif Ali was portrayed by Omar Sharif after the part was refused by Horst Buchholz and then Alain Delon. Some scenes had already been shot with Edmond O’Brien as Jackson Bentley when he became ill and had to leave. Arthur Kennedy was then offered the role of the American reporter. However, Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains, and Jose Ferrer were not among the second choices.

In addition to Lawrence, several characters were based on historical people. Prince Faisal, General Allenby, Auda abu Tayi, and General Murray were all real figures in the war. Also based on real people were the Arabs Daud and Farraj, who were Lawrence’s servants. Gasim, who Lawrence rescues and then executes, was real, as was Talal, who charged the Turks at Tafas.

Other characters were composites. Sherif Ali was modeled primarily after Prince Faisal’s cousin. The character of Colonel Brighton seems to have been based largely on Stewart Newcombe. Lowell Thomas, who actually covered Lawrence’s story and played a large part in his fame, was the inspiration for reporter Jackson Bentley.

As often happens when art interprets life, some points were inaccurate, such as the weakness of the Arab Council. Nor did the Arab army desert Lawrence as the screenplay depicts. Bentley, in an incident that occurred in late 1917, states that America had not joined the war when it had, historically.

How accurately the film reflects the character of T. E. Lawrence has been debated since the film was released. Some hold the position that he was an egotist, while others state that the facts do not bear this out. Others debate whether Lawrence was a masochist and whether he was asexual or homosexual. Two of the most vocal critics have been Lawrence’s brother and reporter Lowell Thomas. The arguments, however, have failed to detract from the film’s popularity.

The film has been shown in several different lengths since its release. When it debuted, its length was 222 minutes if one excluded the overture, exit music, and intermission. The next version cut twenty more minutes, and then a release in the 1970s came in at 187 minutes. Most recently, a 216 minute cut was released in 1989.

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