Review:Lawrence of Arabia

British Army lieutenant TE Lawrence (Peter O’Toole in the role that propelled him to stardom) is stationed in Cairo during the First World War.

An Arab Bureau chief dispatches Lawrence to observe Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness), who is gathering forces in an attempt to rebel against the Turks.

En route, Lawrence meets Colonel Brighton (Anthony Quayle), who urges restraint around the Prince, but the lieutenant ignores his superior and makes a bold impression
on Faisal with his forthright views. Friendship is forged between the two men and Lawrence suggests that the Prince should launch a surprise attack on Aqaba by sending his men across the seemingly impassable Nefud Desert.

Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) and a platoon of 50 men accompany Lawrence on the arduous trek and as he crosses the sea of baking hot sand, the British military man shows extraordinary courage and determination to protect the Prince’s men from the elements.

Although the film has been broadcast on television many times over the years, this is really well worth seeing on the big screen.