Lawrence of Arabia
Year: 1962
Director: David Lean
Cast: Peter O'Toole , Omar Sharif, Arthur Kennedy, Jack Hawkins , Donald Wolfit, Claude Rains, Anthony Quayle , Alec Guinness , Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, Michel Ray, Zia Mohyeddin.
Set Locations:
Wales: Some filming was done amongst the sand dunes of Merthyn Manor, nr Bridgend in South Wales
David Lean's 1962 epic 'Lawrence of Arabia' tells the story of T.E.
Lawrence , described as 'one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th
century' and stars Peter O'Toole in the title role. The film also
features Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn and Jose Ferrer.
The film begins by showing Lawrence's tragic death in a motorcycling
accident in Dorset . Reporters are seen at the memorial service trying
to find out about the man behind the legend, but with little success.
We are then taken back to a scene earlier in his life, in Cairo during
World War I . The film proceeds to tell the story of this complex man,
from his time as an intelligence officer in 1916, through his
involvement in the Arab uprising against the Ottoman Empire right up
to his untimely death.
Following his glorious years in the Arab countries, Lawrence tried to
achieve anonymity by joining the ranks of the army under an assumed
name. Few people knew Lawrence well, or the conflict of interests with
which he struggled during his life and work. Lean's film has been
acknowledged as a masterpiece and highly influential in the world of
film making.
The Dorset fatal motorcycle accident was actually filmed at Chobham
Common in Surrey. It would indeed be sad to remember Dorset for the
accident, as this beautiful English county has so much to offer.
Dorset is a popular tourist destination famous among fossil and
dinosaur hunters for the Jurassic Coast . The coastline is also loved
by those who enjoy the beach and water sports. Large sections of
Thomas Hardy country are also in Dorset. Fans of the classic novelist
will enjoy the picturesque country villages and towns that inspired
Hardy's writings.
Also featured is St Paul's Cathedral, one of the many famous landmarks
popular with tourists who are visiting London. The memorial service
which opens the film is shot at the cathedral, which was designed by
the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century. It is
believed to be the fifth incarnation of St Pauls Cathedral to have
stood on the site at Ludgate Hill in the City of London.
Some of the desert scenes were filmed at the sand dunes at Merthyr
Mawr, near Bridgend in South Wales. The beach there boasts the largest
sand dune in Europe, known as the Big Dipper. Ogmore Castle and
Candleston Castle are both within walking distance of the village.
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