2025 FILM SERIES: The Epic David Lean

Lawrence of Arabia (1962, 227min)

Linda DeLibero, senior lecturer and special advocate for alumni and outreach, and former director of the JHU film and media studies program

The story of T.E. Lawrence—legendary British soldier, archaeologist, writer, and all-around exotic man of mystery— was movie material from the moment journalist Lowell Thomas introduced “El Aurens” to the world in 1918 via an early version of a multimedia show. But the task of bringing the tale to the screen bedeviled filmmakers for decades, and project after project failed before producer Sam Spiegel secured the rights to Lawrence’s autobiography, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, for David Lean in 1959. When the director’s first choice to play Lawrence, Marlon Brando, bowed out, novice Irish actor Peter O’Toole (so beautiful that Noël Coward dubbed him “Florence of Arabia”) stepped into the role that would change his life, and in 1961 shooting finally began. The fabled production (shot on location in Jordan, Spain and Morrocco) was lengthy, dangerous, and very, very hot. But Lean’s monomaniacal perfectionism and unwavering commitment to every frame yielded a masterpiece well worth waiting for. Justly considered one of the greatest films of all time, Lawrence of Arabia is a testament to Lean’s daring, his towering ambition, and his passionate devotion to filmmaking on the grand scale. Like his protagonist, he was sui generis. 

The summer film series is created in partnership with The Renaissance Institute.

$10 fee for guests or $40 for six films (No fee for ASG/RI members, or ASG subscribers)