Lawrence of Arabia (re-release)

The cinematic narrative unfolds in two distinct chapters, punctuated by an intermission that serves as a breath of fresh air amidst the unfolding drama.

Part I

In 1935, T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), a man of enigmatic proportions, meets his untimely demise in a motorcycle accident. As the memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral reverberates with tributes and eulogies, reporters scramble to unravel the mystique surrounding this remarkable individual, only to find their efforts foiled by the very people who knew him.

Flash back to the tumultuous First World War, where Lawrence finds himself a misfit British Army lieutenant stationed in Cairo. His reputation precedes him for his impertinence and fluency in Bedouin dialects. General Murray (Donald Wolfit) is skeptical of Lawrence's involvement, but Mr. Dryden (Claude Rains) of the Arab Bureau sees potential in this unconventional officer. He dispatches Lawrence to assess Prince Faisal's (Alec Guinness) rebellious campaign against the Turks.

The journey unfolds with Lawrence encountering his Bedouin guide, whose life is tragically cut short by Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) for a seemingly trivial infraction - drinking from an ancient well without permission. This harrowing incident sets the tone for Lawrence's future encounters, as he meets Colonel Brighton (Anthony Quayle), who cautions him to remain discreet and complete his assessment of Faisal's camp before departing.

However, Lawrence is drawn to the prince's vision, ignoring Brighton's warnings and instead proposing a daring surprise attack on Aqaba. His plan, if successful, could provide a vital port for offloading much-needed supplies. With Faisal's approval, Lawrence convinces the prince to commit fifty men, led by Sherif Ali, who remains skeptical.

As they traverse the unforgiving Nefud Desert, considered impassable even by the Bedouins, Lawrence forms an unlikely bond with two young orphans, Daud (John Dimech) and Farraj (Michel Ray), who attach themselves to him as his loyal servants. The grueling journey is marked by moments of tension, as Gasim (I.S. Johar) succumbs to exhaustion and falls from his camel unnoticed during the night. In a selfless act of devotion, Lawrence risks his own life to rescue Gasim, earning Sherif Ali's respect in the process.

Lawrence then convinces Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn), the formidable leader of the Howeitat tribe, to join forces against the Turks. However, their fragile alliance is almost shattered when one of Ali's men kills an Howeitat warrior due to a blood feud. To maintain unity, Lawrence declares that he will personally execute the perpetrator, only to discover with shock that the culprit is none other than Gasim. Undeterred, Lawrence carries out his promise, setting the stage for the next chapter in this epic tale.

As Lawrence arrives in Cairo, he bears witness to the culmination of his desert odyssey, sharing news of his triumph with Dryden and General Allenby (Jack Hawkins). The weight of victory is tempered by personal loss, however, as Daud's untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of war. Promoted to major, Lawrence is entrusted with arms and resources to aid the Arabs, yet his own moral compass remains troubled by the execution of Gasim, an act he had previously justified as necessary for the greater good.

General Allenby's assurances that the British have no designs on Arabia serve only to heighten Lawrence's unease, as he becomes increasingly aware of the complexities and contradictions of war. His own role in the conflict begins to take a toll on his psyche, leaving him grappling with the morality of guerrilla warfare.

Lawrence's reputation as a dashing freedom fighter spreads far and wide, thanks in part to the publicity afforded by American war correspondent Jackson Bentley (Arthur Kennedy). This newfound fame is tempered, however, by the harsh realities of war, including the devastating injury sustained by Farraj during one particularly brutal raid. In a heart-wrenching display of compassion, Lawrence is forced to take drastic action to spare his friend from certain torture at the hands of their Turkish enemies.

Lawrence's own capture and subsequent mistreatment at the hands of the Turkish Bey (José Ferrer) serve as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can be inflicted upon even the most valiant warriors. His ordeal leaves him battered and bruised, both physically and emotionally, prompting him to reassess his role in the conflict.

As he navigates the complexities of war, Lawrence finds himself torn between his duty to support General Allenby's "big push" on Damascus and his own growing disillusionment with the brutal nature of war. His eventual decision to recruit a new army of mercenaries, rather than true believers in the Arab cause, marks a profound shift in his own perspective, as he becomes increasingly willing to participate in the very atrocities he had once sought to prevent.

The fateful capture of Tafas, where Turkish soldiers slaughter innocent civilians, serves as a turning point for Lawrence and his men. The subsequent massacre that ensues, with Lawrence himself participating with an unsettling degree of relish, marks a dark moment in the war, one that will forever change the course of his life.

As the Arab administration of Damascus crumbles, leaving the city to be reclaimed by the British, Lawrence's own star begins to wane. Promoted to colonel and ordered home, he is left feeling defeated and demoralized, his usefulness at an end to both Faisal and the British diplomats. A dejected Lawrence is ultimately driven away in a staff car, his future uncertain as he looks out upon the ruins of war.