Review of The Lion in Winter (1968) by Monsieur R — 26 Dec 2010

While a, bit on the dry side for many, this film, nominated for 7 Academy Awards in 68, was the talk of the town in its day. The critically acclaimed film won three Academy Awards, including one for Hepburn as Best Actress (she and Funny Girl's Barbra Streisand tied that year, the only time this has happened for actresses in Academy history). There was a remake in 2003.

Taken from the excellent Broadway play (a financial flop), this is a superb historical drama, very well acted by O'Toole and Hepburn. English history abounds as Henry II searches for a successor. This film presents one of film history's most facinating pairs of emabattled lovers.

A must see for any serious student of cinema.

Directed by Anthony Harvey.

Produced by Joseph E. Levine.

Written by James Goldman.

Starring.

Peter O'Toole.

Katharine Hepburn.

Anthony Hopkins.

John Castle.

Nigel Terry.

Timothy Dalton.

Music by John Barry.

Cinematography Douglas Slocombe.

Editing by John Bloom.

Distributed by Avco Embassy Pictures.

Release date(s) October 30, 1968.

Running time 134 min.

Country United Kingdom.

Language English.

Budget $10 million.

Gross revenue $22,276,975.