becket

Two of the screen's best actors, at the height of their powers, shine in director Peter Glenville's intelligent and thought-provoking spectacle, for which both received Academy Award nominations. Peter O'Toole, fresh from Lawrence of Arabia, plays the lusty and powerful King Henry II in 12th century England. Richard Burton plays Thomas à Becket, his best friend and close advisor. Thomas serves the king well until Henry, against his advice, insists on making Becket Archbishop of Canterbury. Visually and emotionally stunning, this is one of the best historical epics ever made.

“While peripheral elements of Becket do show their age, the core of the film's appeal remains incandescent, and that is the on-screen collaboration between Burton and O'Toole.” (Kenny Turan, L.A. Times)