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
.

BlogHub Articles:

The Lion in Winter (1968) (3)

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) (5)

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 a... Read full article


25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968) (4)

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 a... Read full article


25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968) (3)

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 a... Read full article


25 Days of Christmas: The Lion in Winter (1968) (2)

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. ?Watch... Read full article


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Quotes from

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: Henry?
Henry II: Hmmm?
Eleanor: I have a confession.
Henry II: Yes?
Eleanor: I don't much like our children!


Henry II: My life, when it is written, will read better than it lived. Henry Fitz-Empress, first Plantagenet, a king at twenty-one, the ablest soldier of an able time. He led men well, he cared for justice when he could and ruled, for thirty years, a state as great as Charlemagne's. He married out of love, a woman out of legend. Not in Alexandria, or Rome, or Camelot has there been such a queen. She bore him many children. But no sons. King Henry had no sons. He had three whiskered things but he disowned them
Henry II: [to his sons] You're not mine! We're not connected! I deny you! None of you will get my crown, I leave you nothing and I wish you plague! May all your children breach and die!
Henry II: [storms out the corridor, turns and looks back] My Boys are gone
Henry II: [he starts unsteadily down the corridor] I've lost my boys
Henry II: [he stops, glares towards the Deity] You dare to damn me, do You? Well, I damn you back
Henry II: [like a biblical figure, shaking his fist to the sky] GODDAMN YOU!
Henry II: [moving blindly down the corridor again] My boys are gone. I've lost my boys. Oh, Jesus, all my boys...
[collapses, weeping on the stairs]


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Facts about

Katharine Hepburn affectionately referred to Peter O'Toole as "pig" during filming. Every day at five o'clock the two would unwind over a cigarette and a glass of white wine.
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.
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.
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Best Actress Oscar 1968






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