Two of the finest actors of their generation, Burton and O'Toole, square off in this splendid production of Jean Anouilh's 1959 play. The lifelong friendship of Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, is tested and ends in tragedy as Becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. Academy Award Nominations: 12, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor- Richard Burton, Best Actor--Peter O'Toole. Academy Awards: Best (Adapted) Screenplay (Edward Anhalt).

Classic struggle between Church and Monarchy. Thomas Becket and King Henry Plantagenet engage in one of the most famous power struggles in English history. When Becket first becomes chancellor and later Archbishop of Canterbury, a rift grows between Henry II and his old friend. Some eager drunken knights trying to please the disgruntled monarch assassinate the cleric in the cathedral.

Color by Technicolor

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary: Peter O' Toole 0 Actor

Richard Burton: Welsh Actor, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, CLEOPATRA
Peter O'Toole: Actor, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
John Gielgud: British Actor/Author, ARTHUR (1981)
Donald Wolfit: British Actor, BECKET (1964), LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
Martita Hunt: British Actress
Pamela Brown: British Supporting Actress
Sian Phillips: British Actress
Paolo Stoppa: Italian Character Actor

Peter Glenville: British Director

Hal B. Wallis: Producer of over 400 Hollywood movies

Laurence Rosenthal: American Composer

Anne V. Coates: Editor

"The real fascination here is the pairing of Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton, both of whom give superb performances."