1183 A.D.: King Henry II’s three sons all want to inherit the throne, but he won’t commit to a choice. When he allows his imprisoned wife Eleanor of Aquitaine out for a Christmas visit, they all variously plot to force him into a decision.
The most royal of the cycle of ‘60s films dealing with the history and castle intrigues of Medieval England, Anthony Harvey’s THE LION IN WINTER returns in a new 4K restoration by Studiocanal. At Christmas Court in 1183 King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) argues with his estranged wife, Eleanor (Katharine Hepburn), over whether Prince John (Nigel Terry) or Richard (Anthony Hopkins in his film debut) shall inherit the throne. Complicating matters, King Philip II of France (Timothy Dalton, also his debut) seeks his own fortune by demanding his sister Alais (Jane Merrow), currently Henry’s mistress, be betrothed to Richard, all the while stirring insurrection among all of Henry’s sons toward their father. Five popcorns for a great classic that jumps into the Movie Vault.
