The Lion in Winter (1968 film)

The Lion in Winter
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnthony Harvey
Screenplay byJames Goldman
Based onThe Lion in Winter
1966 play
by James Goldman
Produced byMartin Poll
Starring
CinematographyDouglas Slocombe
Edited byJohn Bloom
Music byJohn Barry
Color processColor
Production
company
Haworth Productions
Distributed byAVCO Embassy Pictures
Release date
  • October 30, 1968 (1968-10-30)
Running time
134 minutes
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$4 million[1]
Box office$22.3 million[2]

The Lion in Winter is a 1968 historical drama centred on Henry II of England and his attempt to establish a line of succession during a family gathering at Christmas 1183. His efforts unleash both political and personal turmoil among his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their three surviving sons, the French king, and the king's half-sister Alais, who is Henry's mistress. The film stars Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn, was directed by Anthony Harvey, written by James Goldman, and produced by Joseph E. Levine, Jane C. Nusbaum, and Martin Poll. Actors John Castle, Anthony Hopkins (in his first major film role), Jane Merrow, Timothy Dalton (in his film debut) and Nigel Terry appear in support.

Based on Goldman's play The Lion in Winter, the film was a commercial and critical success, winning three Academy Awards (including Hepburn's tie with Barbra Streisand for Best Actress, making Hepburn the first three-time winner in the category). A television remake of the film was released in 2003.

  1. ^ "Joseph, Robert. "Films Come to the Emerald Isle: Emerald Isle Welcomes Films"". Los Angeles Times. 17 March 1968. p. q26.
  2. ^ "The Lion in Winter (1968)". The Numbers. Retrieved February 13, 2016.