Lawrence of Arabia Film Synopsis with Commentary Jordan Sudermann

Film times are approximate and keyed to 2-disc DVD version.

Synopsis: Commentary:

Overture/Credits/Death/Memorial - 0:00:00-00:09:32

The overture plays over a blank screen. T. E. Lawrence rides his ● Lawrence died in this manner in May of 1935. motorcycle on a small road in England. He swerves to miss two ● Generals Allenby and Murray appear in the film, and were bicyclists and crashes. After his memorial service, several figures actual British officers during WWI. offer commentary on his life: Col. Brighton, Gen. Allenby, Jackson ● Col. Brighton is a fictional figure, representing other British Bentley, and Gen. Murray. An unnamed officer offers the only officers involved in the campaign in the . unequivocal support of Lawrence. ● Jackson Bentley is a fictionalization of , an American reporter who helped Lawrence become a celebrity. ● The unnamed officer will reappear late in the film.

Cairo/Interview With Murray & Dryden - 00:09:32-00:17:43

Lawrence is working on maps in a basement office for the British ● Mr. Dryden is a fictional figure, representing a number of military in Cairo. He learns of Bedouin attacks on a Turkish British officials interested in the Middle East during the war. stronghold from an newspaper; notes that most of the British ● The has already started in Arabia. The Arab are ignoring this aspect of the war effort. Lawrence is summoned to fighters are unsuccessful in taking Medina from the Turks, meet with General Murray. In meeting with Gen. Murray and Mr. which adds to Gen. Murray’s skepticism. Dryden, Lawrence is assigned to act as liaison for the Arab Bureau in ● There is no mention in this scene or the entire film that Arabia, and to find out the intentions of Prince Faisal. Murray is Hussein of , the father of Prince Faisal, has any other reluctant to send him, as he does not see the importance of the sons participating in the war effort. Middle East in the war, but Dryden convinces him. ● There is no indication in this scene that Lawrence has been in the Middle East, despite his experience researching his dissertation (on the architecture of Crusader castles) and working on archaeological sites in Syria. Lawrence’s first meeting with Faisal wasn’t even his first trip to the Middle East in connection with the Arab Revolt. He first had ventured out as part of efforts to gauge the progress of the revolt in its early stages. ● The Arab Revolt started in June of 1916, and by October, with lack of success at Medina, prospects were looking bleak. ● In this sequence we get our first understanding of Lawrence as a character: doesn’t always respect authority (behavior in officer’s club, saluting Murray), tests physical limits (putting out match with fingers).

Arabia/Well/Brighton/Faisal - 00:17:43-00:43:38

Lawrence travels through Arabia to find Faisal, accompanied by a ● This sequence enforces the notion that Lawrence is guide named Tafas. Tafas is a Hazimi, and is shot by Sharif , a inexperienced in Arabia, but also establishes him as culturally Harith, because he drank from his well. Sharif Ali offers his assistance open and engaging. to Lawrence, but Lawrence refuses. Travelling alone, Lawrence runs ● The altercation between Tafas and Sharif Ali highlights tribal into Col. Brighton just outside of Faisal’s camp. Turkish forces begin rivalries in Arabia, and brings Lawrence to comment that so an air raid of Faisal’s army. The raid causes many of Faisal’s men to long as the continue such rivalries they will be “a little desert, and the remaining to retreat south towards Yenbo. During people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel.” this retreat outcasts Daud and Farraj first appear. ● Sharif Ali is a fictionalized character, perhaps a combination of guides/leaders Lawrence encountered during the revolt.

Interview with Faisal/Lawrence’s Plan - 00:43:38-00:57:45

Faisal, Brighton, Lawrence and a servant/Quranic reader meet in ● The film simplifies the events leading up to the taking of Faisal’s tent. Sharif Ali joins them. They discuss strategy, with Aqaba significantly. The British and Faisal were far more Lawrence impetuously injecting his opinion despite Brighton having interested in taking Aqaba than Lawrence, who feared that a told him to keep quiet. The Arabs must continue south to Yenbo if joint venture on Aqaba would provide the British with a they want the British to supply them; this far north they must take foothold in the region, and thus would risk an independent Aqaba. Faisal demands more guns and artillery. The Arabs want to Arabia. press north in order to reach , which holds the promise of ● Thematically, this scene is more important for showing an independent Arabia. The British would rather focus on the Suez Lawrence’s divided loyalties, and his interest in supporting Canal, which does not interest Faisal. Lawrence feels that the Arabs the Arabs in their quest for independence, rather than for should continue fighting as they are accustomed, rather than adapt any historical accuracy or inaccuracy. to European styles of warfare, and that to fall back on Yenbo would be a mistake.

In a private conference with Faisal, Lawrence suggests that Faisal push north and deny the British control of Arabia. It is suggested that to take Aqaba would require the English or a miracle.

Frustrated, Lawrence spends the night outside in the desert thinking. His plan: to take Aqaba with a small group of men by crossing the Nefud desert and attacking it by land. This would forestall the need for British involvement by sea, as the large guns at Aqaba face the water and are difficult to turn around. Faisal assents to let Lawrence lead this charge, although Lawrence does not inform Brighton of his departure. In the meantime, Faisal and the rest of his men will fall back on Yenbo.

Crossing the Nefud - 00:57:45-01:22:54

Lawrence and Sharif Ali lead their group across the Nefud. Daud and ● Daud and Farraj both appear in Lawrence’s account in The Farraj, who have secretly followed the men, are found out, but . Lawrence takes them on as his servants. While crossing the worst ● Lawrence going back for Gasim may not have been as part of the desert, Lawrence realizes that Gasim has gotten off his well-received as presented in the film. camel and lost the group. Despite Sharif Ali’s insistence, Lawrence goes back and successfully saves Gasim.

Auda Abu Tayi - 01:22:54-01:46:48

Sharif Ali and Lawrence discuss Lawrence’s name, family. Lawrence’s ● Lawrence’s father gave up his inheritance to live with his mother wasn’t his father’s wife. Sharif Ali suggests that Lawrence lover, Lawrence’s mother. thus gets to choose his name, and insists that the best is the one the ● Auda Abu Tayi is a real tribal leader who joined the Arab Arabs have adopted: El-Aurens. Revolt. Other tribal groups not mentioned in the film also joined. Sharif Ali burns Lawrence’s uniform and fits him with Arab robes. While trying out his new clothing, Lawrence is found by Auda Abu Tayi, head of the Howeitat. The men had been drinking at his wells. ● In actuality, Lawrence was given Arab robes by Faisal in order Auda Abu Tayi initially threatens them, but then is won over with to blend in better. This sequence does provide a primary their connection to Faisal. He invites them to feast with him, at which example of Lawrence’s showmanship, however. point they play on his pride to convince him to join them in taking ● Lawrence did execute a man in order to prevent tribal Aqaba with promises of gold and honor. warfare, but it was not Gasim, and happened earlier than presented in the film. The larger group of warriors heads out. In a camp above Aqaba, the night before the attack, Lawrence must execute a man who killed a Howeitat in order to avoid a blood feud. The man he must execute turns out to be Gasim, the man he saved from the Nefud.

Aqaba/Sinai - 01:46:48-END OF DISC 1-00:08:00

Arab forces take Aqaba. The town is looted. Auda Abu Tayi is upset ● The attack at Aqaba is more exciting in the film than it was in that they only have paper money rather than gold. Lawrence real life. The entire sequence starting with Lawrence meeting promises to bring back more gold after he goes to Cairo to tell the Faisal to the taking of Aqaba is greatly streamlined, and does British that they’ve taken Aqaba. not reflect the other skirmishes between Arab forces and the Turks, Lawrence’s additional travels/expeditions, and initial Lawrence, Daud, and Farraj cross the Sinai to reach Cairo. Daud is strikes on the Turkish railway. killed when he falls into some quicksand. Lawrence and Farraj reach ● Aqaba is taken early July 1917. an abandoned post on the canal, but see a motorcyclist on the other side.

Cairo/First Interview with Allenby/Intermission - 00:08:00-00:28:20

Lawrence and Farraj arrive in Cairo. Lawrence brings Farraj into the ● Allenby replaced Murray after Murray failed to take Gaza officer’s club and orders lemonades. As both are dressed in Arab twice. robes, there is controversy over their appearance until Lawrence ● This scene is important in showing the impact of the war on informs Brighton that they’ve (the Arabs) taken Aqaba. Lawrence is Lawrence and the underlying conflict between Lawrence’s brought to see General Allenby, who has been given the post to goals for the Arabs and British goals in the region. replace General Murray.

Lawrence, Allenby, Brighton, and Dryden in Allenby’s office. Lawrence does not want to go back--he’s been affected by the deaths of Gasim and Daud, especially the disturbing pleasure he got in killing Gasim.

On the patio of the officer’s club, Allenby convinces Lawrence to go back with promises of money, weapons, and a lack of British interest in Arabia. Lawrence has already promised the Arabs that their suspicions of the British are unfounded. Lawrence is congratulated by the officers in the club, finding acceptance due to his victory at Aqaba.

Allenby and Dryden converse apart from Lawrence, suggest the promises made may not be easily kept.

Intermission.

Bentley/Railways - 00:28:20-00:51:48

American journalist Jackson Bentley interviews Faisal in Jerusalem. ● Lawrence was followed by an American journalist, but only Bentley is looking for Lawrence in order to find a hero he can use to for about eight days. help galvanize American support for the war. Faisal discusses the lack ● Lawrence and the Arab forces did work extensively to disrupt of artillery from the British, the efforts to destroy the Turkish and immobilize the Turks by destroying the railways. railways, and the practices of war in the revolt. Bentley warns him However, they began this activity before taking Aqaba. not to trust Allenby.

Lawrence and Arab troops blow up a Turkish train. Lawrence puts on a performance for Bentley and is wounded by a Turkish soldier. Brighton criticizes the Arabs for looting. Sharif Ali and Bentley discuss democracy. Auda does not yet feel he has gained any honor from the latest ventures and seeks a more honorable gain.

They take a Turkish train carrying horses. Auda is pleased with this bounty, takes the horses and his men home. Brighton criticizes this mercenary spirit.

While trying to blow up another train, Farraj is mortally wounded by a detonator. Lawrence shoots him so that he doesn’t fall prey to the Turks.

Brighton & Allenby/Deraa - 00:51:48-01:06:58

Brighton and Allenby discuss Lawrence’s equivocations, the coming ● Lawrence has given multiple accounts of his experience in winter, whether or not Lawrence has “gone native”, and the price the Deraa. The subtext of the film supports some kind of sexual Turks have placed on his head. undertone if not outright experience. The question of whether or not Lawrence was actually raped in Deraa has not Sharif Ali and Lawrence argue about next steps and the lack of a been decidedly answered. This scene may require some success on the level of Aqaba. Lawrence plans an expedition into the delicacy in presenting in a high school setting. Turkish garrison of Deraa; only Sharif Ali will go with him.

Lawrence is picked up by Turkish soldiers in Deraa. He tries to pass for a Circassian. When provoked by the Turkish bey, Lawrence attacks him and is subsequently beaten. He leaves Deraa physically and emotionally broken. He wants to leave Arabia and is frustrated by the determining quality of one’s skin.

Second Interview with Allenby - 01:06:58-01:15:32

Lawrence, wearing an ill-fitted British uniform, meets with Allenby. ● In November of 1917, the Bolsheviks in Russia published a Faisal and Dryden are present; Faisal is upset about a secret treaty copy of Sykes-Picot that they had found in Russian files. between Britain and France to divide up Arabia. After Faisal leaves, Lawrence had known of this agreement prior to this Dryden explains the Sykes-Picot agreement to Lawrence. Lawrence publication, and had likely informed Faisal of it already as cites personal reasons regarding not wanting to return to Arabia, but well. The story of who knew what and when is far more Allenby insists on having him help the push for Damascus. Allenby complicated that presented in the film, and speaks to the ultimately convinces Lawrence to return; Lawrence promises him political aspects of the Arab Revolt and Lawrence’s dual role Damascus. in it. ● Again, Allenby convinces a distraught Lawrence to return to Arabia in a rather manipulative fashion. Compare to the earlier interview with Allenby. Return to Arabia/Moving Towards Damascus - 01:15:32-01:30:22

Lawrence triumphantly returns to Arabia with a mercenary entourage ● Lawrence did hire bodyguards after his experience in Deraa, of bodyguards. Lawrence and Sharif Ali observe the British shelling although this may have had more to do with the price on his the Turks; Lawrence is less sympathetic towards the Turks than the head than anything else. British. The British and the Arabs continue on their march towards ● The massacre of the Turkish column took place on 27 Damascus, though a Turkish column lies in the way of Lawrence and September 1918. the Arabs.

Lawrence and the Arab forces massacre the Turkish column after the Turks destroy an Arab village. Inspired by an Arab who was from this village, Lawrence charges “No prisoners!” Sharif Ali and Bentley are aghast at Lawrence’s bloodlust.

A scout brings grapes back from Damascus; they are close.

Damascus - 01:30:22-END OF DISC 2

Allenby and the British arrive in Damascus to discover that the Arabs ● Damascus was taken at the end of September 1918. The have already arrived and set up a provisional government of sorts. British shortly beforehand decided to allow the Arabs to Faisal remains two days away from Damascus. enter first. ● Lawrence deftly took advantage of the situation to install an Lawrence tries to run the Arab National Council, despite tribal interim ruler of Damascus before the British could take arguments over the various municipal utilities. Lawrence works to control. emphasize a collective Arab identity over tribal identity. That evening, ● In Damascus Faisal was informed of the plan to have French as the electricity goes out, most of the tribes leave Damascus. Auda guidance in governing Syria; the film neglects this as well as leaves as well, while Sharif Ali remains to try his hand in politics. Faisal’s stand against the French, who finally took control in 1920. The next morning, Lawrence is notified of the poor state of the ● Lawrence would attempt to influence the peace process in Turkish army hospital, which had been neglected by the Arab Paris and push for Arab independence, but was unsuccessful. National Council. Lawrence visits the hospital in his Arab robes, and is slapped by a British officer who thinks he is responsible for the deplorable conditions.

Faisal meets with Dryden and Allenby. Lawrence is commended and sent home. On his way out, Lawrence is recognized by the British officer who slapped him, who is pleased to meet him, and is unaware of their previous encounter. (This is the unnamed officer who praises him after the memorial service).

Both Faisal and the British are relieved to be rid of him. They negotiate over control of utilities in Damascus. Brighton rushes out to say goodbye to Lawrence, but is too late. Lawrence is driven out of Damascus in a Jeep. He is conflicted about going home. A passing motorcyclist reminds the viewer of his ultimate fate.

Resource List:

Anderson, Scott. Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East. New York: Anchor Books, 2014. Caton, Steven C. Lawrence of Arabia: A Film’s Anthropology. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1999. Cleveland, William L. and Martin Bunton. A History of the Modern Middle East, 4th ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2009. Fromkin, David. A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East. New York: Henry Holt, 2009. Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World. PBS. 2003. DVD. Lean, David, dir. Lawrence of Arabia. 1962. DVD. 2008.