BECKET **

Among the most intelligent of all historical epics. Edward Anhalt did a splendid job of adapting Jean Anouilh's play, (he won an Oscar), and Peter Glenville did an equally splendid job in opening it up. It's the story of the conflict between Thomas Becket and King Henry 11 of England which lead eventually to Becket's martyrdom in Canterbury Cathedral.


It's a long film and a wordy one, but such is the quality of Anhalt's script it's a film that is well worth listening to. It's also splendidly acted. This was the first great part Burton had in the movies and he was wonderful. It was the closest Burton had come on screen up to that point in showing what he was capable of on the stage. O'Toole, of course, was simply magnificent as Henry. (He was to reprise the role four years later in "The Lion in Winter"). It's a grand-standing performance that comes perilously close to ham on occasions but it's far too intelligent for ham and O'Toole is far too intelligent an actor to over-indulge himself. In a splendid supporting cast John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit and Martita Hunt are outstanding. It is also superbly photographed and designed.