It would be five years before Lean returned to the screen with the film that has come to define him. Indeed, this biopic of T.E. Lawrence, the British Army officer who played a significant role in the Arab Revolt during WWI, still sets the standard for epics. Filmed and screening on 70mm, it recounts Lawrence’s (Peter O’Toole) progression from adviser to Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness) to active, participating advocate for the cause. With a supporting cast including Omar Sharif and Claude Rains, and indelible, breathtaking cinematography, the film won Lean his second Oscar and remains the quintessential big screen experience.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of The Films of David Lean season.