Anthony Harvey’s 1968 historical epic centering on Henry II (Peter O’Toole) and Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn) features tour de force performances from both leads and one of the most devastatingly witty scripts to ever emerge from Hollywood. The Lion in Winter begins in 1183, with Henry meeting his wife for their annual Christmas reunion--meaning that he has let Eleanor out of her castle (where he keeps her due to her political meddling). Once back in the court, Eleanor rolls up her sleeves and commences to politicking. Her goal is to bypass Henry’s mistress’s (Jane Merrow) plan: which is to have a baby by Henry, and let the king’s three sons wither on the vine. Eleanor won’t have it, although it must be said that the three sons in question--a bully (Anthony Hopkins), an intellectual robot (John Castle), and a pimple-faced brat (Nigel Terry)--are not exactly prime regal material. The domestic war escalates with the arrival of Eleanor’s brother, King Philip of France (Timothy Dalton), as insults fly thicker than arrows, and no one’s pride escapes being brought down a notch or three. Rollicking, grand entertainment, The Lion in Winter was nominated for multiple Oscars (including Best Picture), taking home wins for Best Actress (Hepburn) and James Goldman’s scintillating screenplay. Debuting on Blu-ray, extras include audio commentary by Harvey, and an interview with sound recordist Simon Kaye. Highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. (R. Pitman)
The Lion in Winter
Kino Lorber, 134 min., PG, Blu-ray: $29.99 Volume 33, Issue 3
The Lion in Winter
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