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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: [to the king] If you're broken it's because you're fragile.
Henry II: I found out the way your mind works and the kind of man you are. I know your plans and expectations - you've burbled every bit of strategy you've got. I know exactly what you will do, and exactly what you won't, and I've told you exactly nothing. To these aged eyes, boy, that's what winning looks like!
Eleanor: If you're broken it's because you're brittle... I've lost you, and I can't ever have you back.
Eleanor: He had a mind like Aristotle and a form like mortal sin.
Henry II: More Brandy wine? They were boiling it in Ireland before the snakes left!
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The Lion in Winter Facts
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.
Katharine Hepburn is the only movie star to win four Academy Awards (2009) for her leading roles in Morning Glory, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, and On Golden Pond.
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.
Eleanor greets King Philip by telling him that she could have been his mother. This is in fact, true. Eleanor's first husband, Louis VII, later fathered Alais by his second wife and Philip by his third. Eleanor's marriage to Louis was annulled by the Pope when she was unable to bear him sons. She gave Henry five boys, two of whom died before the action of the movie takes place.
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.
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