Becket (1964)

Want to see it?

Seen it?

0
1
2
3
4
5
Rate this movie.

Buy it now on DVD

Starting at $18.82

Want to buy it?

Write a review

Discuss it

Add to lists

Recommend it

Get recommendations

Watch trailer

Directed by Peter Glenville.

Starring John Gielgud, Martita Hunt, Peter O'Toole, Donald Wolfit, Richard Burton.

Watch trailer

A high-class costume drama with a substantive historical basis, Becket is the true story of the friendship between King Henry II (Peter O'Toole) and Thomas à Becket (Richard Burton), a royal courtier and confidant whom Henry appoints as Archbishop of Canterbury. As Becket takes his duties with the Church seriously, he finds himself increasingly at odds with the King, who finally orders the death of his once-close companion when he continues to defy the throne. Burton is very good and O'Toole is even better: both men were nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, while Edward Anhalt's screenplay, based on the stageplay by Jean Anouilh, won for Best Adapted Screenplay. The basic theme of separation of church and state still reverberates today, while the top-notch production values ensure Becket's place as one of Britain's better historical epics. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide

[more]

Reviews and discussions

whom shall i choose,my king or ...
by lukasblu in lukasblu Blog

is neutral about it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"this true story about a king and his friend, or shall we say servant,confidant,loyalist was a great script;Unfortunately ,the movie ran a little toooo long and a weee bit to chatty;too chatty with not much movement or action,etc. goin on.The kings(peter o'toole)heartbreaking performance was something i barely ever see in the movies;Maybe thats why this movie could be called a one-of-a-kind classic movie.The kings emotional heartbreak/heartACHE over losing his friend/confidant is something usually seen only,in cinemas,for the love of a lover/spouse.The king was sooo in love with his friend.BUT his friend/loyalty/confidant,Becke t(richard burton), feels ,he must choose who's loyalty is more important to him.Becket must choose between the king or God.There is no gray area between both choices,and Becket refuses to compromise.This in turn leads to Beckets death and the kings ultimate hearbreak.Becket becomes a martyr and saint upon his death.Sounds a bit like a love story ,But ... " [More]

Review by All Movie Guide

All Movie Guide

liked it.

In 1964, Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton were the two biggest British film acting stars, and they were paired in an historical epic about the friendship between King Henry II (O'Toole) and Thomas à Becket (Burton). The film, directed flawlessly if staidly by Peter Glenville, was based on a bitterly sardonic stage play by Jean Anouilh. The movie is less edgy and features much talk and little action, even though its bloody climax was already well-known from history. Burton and O'Toole are great sparring partners, displaying tremendous acting talent. They and John Gielgud, who played French king Louis VII, were Oscar-nominated but didn't win; screenwriter Edward Anhalt won an Oscar for adapting the play. Becket emblematizes the serious, stagey historical dramas of the 1950s and 1960s. Glenville's short directing career would end a few years later. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide

Tags: bishop , cathedral , church , murder , friendship
View all