Staring richard burton as the character of becket and peter otoole as henry ii the film is a bout the lifelong friendship of henry ii and the archbishop of canterbury, thomas becket. Rent becket 1964 starring richard burton and peter otoole on dvd and bluray. However, the story of thomas becket richard burton and the relationship he has with his king henry ii played by peter otoole has lost none of its poignancy. But it is an even earlier henry who features in becket, only the second king of england to carry the name. Henry shakes the foundations of power in the english church when he appoints becket as the archbishop of canterbury, expecting the appointment allow henry to control both secular and spiritual authority in england. Documentary taking a fresh look at the murder of the medieval bishop, and suggesting that established historical treatments of the killing fall short of explaining why becket was murdered, and on whose orders. This is such a beautiful film, not only the sweeping landscapes and muted colors but the stunning, sometimes stark images throughout of the two men, the scene on the beach toward the end in particular. The activities of thomas becket during his exile in france, by william sylvester adams. The life and letters of thomas a becket, v2 by john allen giles. Thomas becket was the archbishop of canterbury from 1162 until his assassination in 1170. Describe the early relationship between thomas becket and henry ii. A suspenseful reconstruction of one of the most popular stories in history, narrated by sian phillips. Becket is a terrific example of the historical play or novel turned into a cinematic drama crackling with whipsmart dialogue.
What utensil was discussed as being newly introduced to england. Prolific biographerhistorian and husband of fellow biographer julia fox, john guy opens the door to explore who becket truly was in thomas becket. In the year of the incarnation of the lord 1170, henry king of the english, son of empress matilda, held his court in normandy at bur, keeping the day of the lords nativity, saddened and troubled greatly because the archbishop of. Becket full movie online watch full movie blogspot. The character of thomas becket in murder in the cathedral. Peter otoole delivers an electrifying performance as the mischievous henry ii, who surprises england by naming his fellow rogue and trusted confidant thomas becket richard burton in a career defining role as chancellor. Thomas becket definition, archbishop of canterbury. In the film, henry and becket begin as close friends, with becket sharing in much of his kings debauchery.
It is a dramatic film adaptation of the play becket or the honour of god by jean anouilh made by hal wallis productions and released by paramount pictures. The most compelling and gripping scene of the movie. Becket was born about 1119, or in 1120 according to later tradition. The movie tells the story of the conflict between king henry ii and thomas becket. The film shows how these reforms brought him into conflict with the church, and also his relationship with his wife, eleanor of aquitaine, one of the most remarkable women in medieval history. English king henry ii installs his friend thomas becket as archbishop of canterbury, expecting a level of devotion that becket can only offer to god.
A sudden clash made them man and martyr which led to murder. Becket is a 1964 film about the relationship between thomas becket and henry ii directed by peter glenville. Featuring powerful dramatisations and contributions. Written by edward anhalt, based on the play by jean anouilh. Becket is a clash of two titan actors and historical figures. Becket is the true story of the friendship of king henry ii and thomas becket. Thomas becket opposed henry ii over such churchstate quarrels as juridical authority over clerics accused of crimes. The life and martyrdom of saint thomas becket, by father john morris. In a way the 12thcentury events of becket, which is the earlier story and also the earlier play, and the earlier film, play as a kind of dress rehearsal for the more momentous 16thcentury events related in a man for all seasons.
Paramount pictures album r97y3t from alamys library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. His constant cohort in these escapes is thomas becket. Whether that name makes you think of canterbury, martyrs, or richard burton. He was an intelligent child, who also enjoyed playing sports and hunting. Becket films is an independent documentary film company based in ojai, california that makes films about society, culture and the environment. Gilberts father was from thierville in the lordship of brionne in normandy, and was either a small landowner or a petty knight. The life and martyrdom of saint thomas becket by morris, john, 18261893. Becket is a 1964 britishamerican film based on the jean anouilmade play becket or the honour of god.
Becket is the story of two men king henry ii of england and thomas becket, who was appointed archbishop of canterbury by henry in 1162. I would have gone to war with all englands might behind me, and even against englands interests, to. In other words, what did henry want from the church. Thomas becket was an english priest, and archbishop of canterbury, who was murdered in canterbury cathedral in 1170. Death of thomas becket to be marked with year of events. In the first council scene, what major issue did henry ii and the bishop of lond argue so about. An exhibition at the british museum will feature more than 100 objects associated. Download the quest for becket s bones the mystery of the relics of st thomas becket. With guy henry, rupert wickham, alastair cording, roger monk. Yearning to watch becket on your tv, phone, or tablet. But becket unexpectedly finds his true calling on the ecclesiastical side, and aligns himself against the kings selfish wishes, causing a rift and an.
It contains many historical inaccuracies, which the author acknowledged. You give the lions of england back to me like a little boy who doesnt want to play anymore. King henry ii peter otoole and royal courtier and confidant thomas becket richard burton are the closest of friends. Thomas is not doing what henry asked him to do, thomas is taking his role seriously and henry doesnt like it because he cant have control over the church. The life and letters of thomas a becket, v1 by john allen giles. The starring roles are played by peter otoole as king henry ii and richard burton as thomas becket.
Find video, photos, forums, blogs and shop for some of the best movies ever made only at tcm. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Becket is a 1964 film adaption of the french play becket or the honour of god by jean anouilh, starring peter otoole as henry ii and richard burton as thomas becket, the archbishop of canterbury in 12thcentury england, king henry ii is at odds with the church because he spends most of his time hunting, drinking, and womanizing with his saxon friend thomas becket, who. Looking to watch becket in the comfort of your own home. The roots of conflict, and his attempts to resolve this conflict by appointing thomas becket as archbishop of canterbury. Saint thomas becket, chancellor of england and archbishop of canterbury during the reign of king henry ii. Richard burton character becket thomas becket peter otoole character his king king henry ii john gielgud character king louis of france king louis vii of france. A dramatization of the career of thomas a becket from the time of his appointment to chancellorship of england by king henry ii, through his consecration as archbishop of canterbury, his opposition to henrys efforts to curtail churchly authority, and his assassination in canterbury cathedral on december 29, 1170. Discussion of themes and motifs in jean anouilhs becket. He was well educated and quickly became an agent to theobald, archbishop of. This film takes up more closely henrys conflict with the church as introduced in film 1.
Its visually stunning and there isnt a bad performance in the film. The murder of thomas becket, archbishop of canterbury, 29 december 1170. He was born in cheapside, london, on 21 december, which was the feast day of st thomas the apostle. Jean anouilhs play becket where becket is no longer a norman but a saxon, which was made into a movie with the same title, and paul webbs play four nights in knaresborough. The archbishop of canterbury, thomas becket was exiled from england by king henry ii due to political conflicts which occurred between them seven years before the beginning of the play. Webb has adapted his play for the screen and sold the rights to harvey and bob weinstein. It is a depiction of the conflict between thomas becket and king henry ii of england leading to beckets assassination in 1170.
Tracking down a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or watch the peter glenvilledirected movie via subscription can be confusing. A strong man who wavered for a moment, but then learned one cannot come to terms with evil, and so became a strong churchman, a martyr, and a saintthat was thomas becket, archbishop of canterbury, murdered in his cathedral on december 29, 1170. Turner classic movies presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from one of the largest film libraries in the world. Thoms beckets death to be marked with year of events. Debauched king henry ii peter otoole installs his longtime court facilitator thomas becket richard burton as the archbishop of canterbury. One of the most powerful scene in the film is when the. Debauched king henry ii peter otoole installs his longtime court facilitator thomas becket richard burton as the archbishop of canterbury, assuming that his. Having spent those years in france, becket has decided to return to england and take up his old position in the church.
King henry ii of england peter otoole comes to terms with his affection for his close friend and confidant thomas becket richard burton, who finds his true. An english king comes to terms with his affection for his close friend and confidant, who finds his true honor by observing gods divine will rather than the kings. Watch becket 1964 full movie free online streaming tubi. Where at he climax the friendship is tested and ends in tragedy as becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. Thomas becket biography childhood, life achievements. Becket is a 1964 britishamerican film about the historic, tumultuous relationship between henry ii of england and his friendturnedbishop thomas becket.
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