Genre: Drama / History Director(s): Anthony Harvey Release Date: 01 January 1968 Movie rating: 8.1

“The Lion in Winter” is a fictionalized historical drama about the lives of English King Henry II, his wife Eleanor and his sons Richard, John and Geoffrey, and all the surrounding intricacies of the court life in medieval England. It was directed by Anthony Harvey and written by James Goldman, adapted from his own Broadway play of the same name. The film boasts a star studded ensemble cast, including Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins as Richard the Lionheart in his big screen debut. The events of the film are set around the Christmas of 1183 at King Henry’s residence in Anjou. Henry (O’Toole) favors his youngest son John as his successor, while his estranged and imprisoned wife Eleanor (Hepburn) prefers their oldest son Richard. The two independently weave their webs of intrigue, but their sons also have plans of their own. The whole situation becomes a perfect mess of spurned lovers, numerous mistresses, arranged marriages and family ties, proving once again that anything goes when it comes to royalty. Disappointed with all three of his sons, King Henry locks them up and plans to have his marriage annulled so he could father new, better sons, but ultimately realizes that he cares too much for his offspring. In the end, the things go back to the same old status quo, proving to be much ado about nothing.

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