A timeless masterpiece: Lawrence of Arabia"

Lawrence of Arabia

"Lawrence of Arabia" is a 1962 British epic historical drama film directed by David Lean. The film is based on the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film stars Peter O'Toole as Lawrence, along with Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif in supporting roles.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film tells the story of Lawrence's experiences in the Middle East during World War I, as he becomes involved in the Arab Revolt and leads a guerrilla campaign against the Ottoman Empire.
The film portrays Lawrence as a complex and conflicted figure, torn between his loyalty to the British Empire and his sympathy for the Arab cause. "Lawrence of Arabia" is known for its stunning cinematography, with many scenes shot on location in Jordan and Morocco. The film's score, composed by Maurice Jarre, is also highly regarded and features the memorable "Main Theme" which has become iconic.

"Lawrence of Arabia" is considered a classic of cinema and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its epic scope, memorable performances, and stunning visuals have made it a timeless masterpiece.

Is Lawrence of Arabia a true story?

Lawrence of Arabia was the name given to a British Intelligence Officer, Thomas Edward Lawrence, who fought alongside Arab guerrilla forces in the Middle East during the First World War.

Thomas Edward Lawrence was born in Tremadoc, Caernarvon in north Wales in 1888. Before the outbreak of the First World War he worked as an archaeologist and photographer in the Middle East. He became very familiar with the region and strongly identified with the Arab people. Lawrence joined the Army in 1914 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October, working in the geographical section of the War Office until he was posted to Cairo, Egypt in December 1914 as a liaison and map officer. He stayed in Cairo for almost two years. Two of his younger brothers were killed while serving in France in 1915. Their deaths affected him deeply and he felt guilty for staying in such a relatively safe, office-based position. However, the start of the Arab Revolt in June 1916 led Lawrence to undertake dangerous missions inside enemy territory in Arabia.
Before the war, Britain had maintained a long-standing policy of support for the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East. However, this ended with Turkey's support of Germany in November 1914. Looking to take advantage of the growing Arab nationalism in the area, certain British elements encouraged and supported leading Arabs to revolt against the Ottoman colonial rule. These complex negotiations were still underway when Grand Sherif Hussein, ruler of the Hejaz province (now part of Saudi Arabia), started an uprising with an expectation of British support. This uprising would become the Arab Revolt and it was led by and fought by Sherif Hussein's four sons, Ali, Abdullah, Feisal and Zeid.
Lawrence had been dispatched to Arabia to identify which of the sons would be the most successful leader, and so the most use to the British. He was very impressed by Sherif Feisal and was formally assigned to him as an advisor. 

Lawrence stayed with Feisal for two years and helped him to lead the Arabs north from the Hejaz to Syria. Feisal was advised and influenced by Lawrence and successfully seized the city of Akaba on 6 July 1917. From Akaba, Lawrence went to Cairo and met with the newly arrived General Sir Edmund Allenby, the leader of Britain's Egyptian Expeditionary Force. They agreed that Feisal's Arab forces would be very valuable in supporting Allenby's campaign in Palestine. 
Feisal's Arab forces separate actions against the Turks did prove very useful to Allenby's forces. They attacked the Turkish lines of communication and sabotaged the railway that led to Palestine, a crucial Turkish supply route. They also cut telephone wires, forcing the Turks to send wireless messages which the British could intercept. By harassing and pinning down thousands of Turkish troops, they prevented them from concentrating against Allenby's advance. Lawrence was involved in many of these activities and at the forefront of many vital victories. He was with the Arab troops that entered Damascus along with Allenby's forces on 1 October 1918. 
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/who-was-lawrence-of-arabia

The film was nominated for ten Oscars at the 35th Academy Awards in 1963, winning seven including Best Picture and Best Director. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the BAFTA Awards for Best Film and Outstanding British Film.