United Kingdom, 1968
Director: Anthony Harvey
Producer: Martin Poll, Jane C. Nusbaum, Joseph E. Levine
Cast: Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton
Screenwriter: James Goldman
Based on the play by James Goldman
Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe
Music: John Barry
Genre: Drama, History
Color
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Language: English
Running Time: 134 minutes
Synopsis:
The most royal of the cycle of '60s films dealing with the history and palace intrigues of medieval England, Anthony Harvey’s The Lion in Winter returns in a new restoration by Studiocanal. At Christmas Court in 1183 King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) argues with his estranged wife, Eleanor (Katharine Hepburn) over whether Prince John (Nigel Terry) or Richard the Lionheart (Anthony Hopkins in his film debut) shall inherit the throne. Complicating matters is King Philip II of France (Timothy Dalton, also his debut) who seeks his own fortune by demanding his half-sister Alais (Jane Merrow), currently Henry’s mistress, be betrothed to Richard.
Awards and Recognition:
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Katharine Hepburn (Academy Awards, 1969)
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Academy Awards, 1969)
Best Music, Original Score for a Motion Picture (Academy Awards, 1969)
Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Director, and Best Costume Design nominations (Academy Awards, 1969)
Best Motion Picture - Drama (Golden Globes, 1969)
Best Actor - Drama, Peter O'Toole (Golden Globes, 1969)
Best Director, Best Actress - Drama, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score nominations (Golden Globes, 1969)
Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music (BAFTA Awards, 1969)
Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Track nominations (BAFTA Awards, 1969)
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (Directors Guild of America Awards)
Top Ten Films (National Board of Review, USA 1969)
Best Film (New York Film Critics Circle Awards, 1968)
Restoration:
Following a 4K scan, a new digital restoration was completed by Studiocanal from the original negative and IP due to the poor condition of the elements.
