The Lion in Winter (1968 film)

The Lion in Winter
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Anthony Harvey
Screenplay by	James Goldman
Based on	The Lion in Winter 1966 play by James Goldman
Produced by	Martin Poll
Starring	Peter O'Toole Katharine Hepburn Jane Merrow John Castle Timothy Dalton Anthony Hopkins Nigel Stock Nigel Terry
Cinematography	Douglas Slocombe
Edited by	John Bloom
Music by	John Barry
Color process	Color
Production company	Haworth Productions
Distributed by	AVCO Embassy Pictures
Release date	October 30, 1968 (1968-10-30)
Running time	134 minutes
Countries	United Kingdom United States
Language	English
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.