BECKET (1964) The Crown vs. the Church in 12th Century England

The year is 1162. King Henry II of England is at odds with the Church, and when the Archbishop of Canterbury dies, he appoints a cleric he believes will be more sympathetic to the Crown – oh, and it’s his former drinking and wenching buddy, Thomas Becket. Unfortunately for Henry, Becket takes the job seriously and provides tougher opposition than did his predecessor. This leads to the King’s famous musing, "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?" which leads to Becket’s assassination, plus a development Henry didn’t bargain for – Becket’s martyrdom. Richard Burton is Becket and Peter O’Toole his King, and the well-awarded BECKET is a beautifully directed, written and acted film about friendship and Old English politics.