Classic Movies on Sky Arts - Series 5 Episode 5 - The Story of The Lion in Winter

 

This was the last in the current series of Classic Movies on Sky Arts. The Lion in Winter was released in 1968 and is the story of King Henry II and the succession to the crown. Set during a cold Christmas time in the 12th century, Neil Norman says it's a "complicated family saga about succession". In those days the king could choose who would be his successor. Henry's three sons arrive for the holiday, as does his queen. Eleanor of Aquitaine has been locked away and only released for Christmas. Peter O'Toole plays Henry, and Katherine Hepburn plays the queen. Christina Newland tells about her history.

So, according to Steven Armstrong, there starts a "vicious bout of politicking". Ian Nathan explains that the film is actually fairly accurate historically, especially how much the crown dominated this country and France. Then it's Steven who explains how "they behave like a twentieth-century family", with all the plotting, backbiting and deals that are so familiar on TV these days. Ian says how the story is adapted by James Goldman from his own Broadway play and that the script "is a thing of wonder". Christina tells us that the play was not that successful.

Neil Norman talks a lot about how the film came about. When one movie that was to star Peter O'Toole fell away, its replacement was partly influenced by the actor. This time directed by Anthony Harvey. Neil continues with how the film has a Shakespearean sound but with a contemporary edge. Ian adds for a historical epic it is "very talky". We hear about the cast: the brothers are Anthony Hopkins in only his second film as Richard, Nigel Terry as John and John Castle as Jeffrey. Timothy Dalton plays the King of France who gets caught up in this family squabble. Christina adds how the family are all in this "complex game" of succession. Neil thinks it has "unbelievable authenticity".

We are then on to the stars. Ian talks about the career of Peter O'Toole and how he played the same role in Becket, then Katherine Hepburn's history. The team agreed that she had the spirit that was exactly right for Eleanor, and she won the Oscar. Ian tells us about all the locations and that it was "the most claustrophobic movie ever made". He gives a special mention for the costumes that matched the cast's personalities by Margaret Furse, who was nominated for an Oscar. And the score by John Barry that won the Oscar for best original score. Steven added towards the end that there were "an awful lot of silences" in the film with long single shots. Ian tells us the film was a great success critically and at the box office. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including winning for best adapted screenplay. Neil Norman concludes, "You could put two older stars together and make it box office."