Becket (1964)

Synopsis of Becket

A high-class costume drama with a substantive historical basis, Becket is the true story of the friendship between King Henry II (Peter O'Toole) and Thomas à Becket (Richard Burton), a royal courtier and confidant whom Henry appoints as Archbishop of Canterbury. As Becket takes his duties with the Church seriously, he finds himself increasingly at odds with the King, who finally orders the death of his once-close companion when he continues to defy the throne. Burton is very good and O'Toole is even better: both men were nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, while Edward Anhalt's screenplay, based on the stageplay by Jean Anouilh, won for Best Adapted Screenplay. The basic theme of separation of church and state still reverberates today, while the top-notch production values ensure Becket's place as one of Britain's better historical epics. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

150 mins

Director(s):

Peter Glenville

Writer(s):

Jean Anouilh, Edward Anhalt

Producer(s):

Hal B. Wallis

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG13(Questionable for Children, Adult Situations, Violence)

• 1964 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Color Cinematography
• 1964 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
• 1964 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
• 1964 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1964 - National Board of Review - Best Picture

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