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The Lion in Winter Overview:

The Lion in Winter (1968) was a Drama - Historical Film directed by Anthony Harvey and produced by Joseph E. Levine, Martin Poll and Jane C. Nusbaum.

The film was based on the play of the same name written by James Goldman performed at the Ambassador Theatre, NY from Mar 3, 1966 - May 21, 1966.

Academy Awards 1968 --- Ceremony Number 41 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorPeter O'TooleNominated
Best ActressKatharine HepburnWon
Best Costume DesignMargaret FurseNominated
Best DirectorAnthony HarveyNominated
Best Music - ScoringJohn BarryWon
Best PictureMartin Poll, ProducerNominated
Best WritingJames GoldmanWon
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The Lion in Winter BlogHub Articles:

The Lion in Winter (1968)

By Beatrice on Jan 14, 2020 From Flickers in Time

The Lion in Winter Directed by Anthony Harvey Written by James Goldman from his play 1968/UK IMDb link Repeat viewing/Amazon Instant This movie holds up so damn well to a re-watch. The plot is kind of convoluted.  It takes up the dual tasks of conveying some history of the Plantagenets of England... Read full article

25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968)

on Dec 8, 2017 From Journeys in Classic Film

Originally published December 2nd, 2014 The Lion in Winter was an eleventh-hour addition to the list simply because I wanted one more Christmas movie I’ve never seen.  I would say this is probably the strangest Christmas movie out there for its ability combine historical drama and soap opera ... Read full article

25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968)

on Dec 5, 2016 From Journeys in Classic Film

Originally published December 2nd, 2014 The Lion in Winter was an eleventh-hour addition to the list simply because I wanted one more Christmas movie I’ve never seen.  I would say this is probably the strangest Christmas movie out there for its ability combine historical drama and soap opera ... Read full article

25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968)

on Dec 8, 2015 From Journeys in Classic Film

Originally published December 2nd, 2014 The Lion in Winter was an eleventh-hour addition to the list simply because I wanted one more Christmas movie I’ve never seen.  I would say this is probably the strangest Christmas movie out there for its ability combine historical drama and soap opera ... Read full article

25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968)

on Dec 2, 2014 From Journeys in Classic Film

The Lion in Winter was an eleventh-hour addition to the list simply because I wanted one more Christmas movie I’ve never seen.  I would say this is probably the strangest Christmas movie out there for its ability combine historical drama and soap opera antics within a Christmas package.  Wat... Read full article

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The Lion in Winter Quotes:

Eleanor: We're jungle creatures, Henry, and the dark is all around us. See them? In the corners, you can see the eyes.
Henry II: We're in the cellar and you're going back to prison and my life is wasted and we've lost each other... and you're smiling.
Eleanor: It's the way I register despair. There's everything in life but hope.
Henry II: We're both alive... and for all I know that's what hope is.
Eleanor: I adored you. I still do.
Henry II: Of all the lies you've told, that is the most terrible.
Eleanor: I know. That's why I've saved it up until now.
Eleanor: Well, every family has their ups and downs.
Eleanor: You don't dare go!
Henry II: Say that again at noon, you'll say it to my horse's ass! Lamb, I'll be rid of you by Easter: you can count your reign in days!
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The Lion in Winter Facts
This was the second time that Peter O'Toole played King Henry II. The first time was in Becket. He received Academy Award nominations for both performances.
The original Broadway stage production written by James Goldman opened at the Ambassador Theatre in New York on March 3, 1966 and ran for 92 performances. The cast included Rosemary Harris as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Robert Preston as Henry II, and Christopher Walken as King Philip of France. Rosemary Harris won the 1966 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Drama. A 1999 revival starred Stockard Channing as Eleanor and Laurence Fishburne as Henry II.
According to Anthony Harvey, the director of The Lion in Winter, Katharine Hepburn kept the Oscar she received for the film in a paper bag and in a cupboard for years after he'd delivered it to her.
Although Peter O'Toole plays the father of Anthony Hopkins, John Castle and Nigel Terry, he is only five, seven and thirteen years older than them respectively. Moreover, O'Toole is twenty-five years Katharine Hepburn's junior but plays her husband. It should be noted, however, that there was quite a substantial age gap between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine - she was approximately eleven years his senior. At the time frame set for this film, Christmas 1183, Eleanor of Aquitaine, born 1122, would have been 61 years old, as played by Katherine Hepburn, who was born May 12, 1907, also 61 years old at the time of production (1968). Henry II, born March 5, 1133 was 50 years old during Christmas 1183, as played by Peter O'Toole, born August 2, 1932, only 35-36 at the time of production, approximately 15 years younger than the character he was playing.
While filming close-ups of Richard (Anthony Hopkins) in his jousting costume, the horse was spooked and bolted. Hopkins fell off and broke his arm. Filming the scene with his sword raised above his jousting opponent was very difficult due to this.
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