The First Time I Saw Lawrence Of Arabia.....

First, I'd like to say that I consider myself an active 'movie person', which I define as someone who enjoys movies and watches them on a regular basis.  I've seen a whole spectrum of movies -- many bad ones, many good ones, some very old ones, and some very recent ones -- in several genres -- comedies, dramas, musicals, sci-fi, horror, action, etc.  And I am the first to admit that there are many movies I haven't seen, and I am sure there are some great ones I have missed.  I just want you to know that I am not one of those people who have only seen a half-dozen movies which I watch over and over, or that I don't like movies.  In fact, I am open to seeing many more movies, and even crave to see some that can top Lawrence of Arabia.  All I am saying is that of the many, many movies I *have* seen, Lawrence of Arabia is, to me, The Greatest Movie Ever Made.

I was looking for a good movie.  Looking through a list of titles, I saw 'Lawrence of Arabia'.  I had heard about this movie, only in so far as it is a 'very good movie', 'an epic', 'an adventure'.  I had no idea what this movie was about, although I assumed it must have something to do with Saudi Arabia. But who is the heck is Lawrence?

Lawrence of Arabia, as a person,  sounds like a hero.  As a movie, it sounds like an epic, like The Odyssey.  Or maybe an action-adventure like Indiana Jones. I had heard bits and pieces of the soundtrack and it sounded like a grand movie.  So, I made up my mind to see it. I borrowed the video tapes from my local library -- not even bothering to read the description on the back or so much as examine the cover.  I get that way when I already intend to do something.

While I was putting the first tape in and searching for the beginning of the movie, I started wondering who would be playing the lead role.  I knew the film was made before I was even born, but tried to imagine what kind of character Lawrence would be. I was thinking of a Harrison Ford-like actor, and finally had my hopes for someone like Charlton Heston.  Imagine my surprise when I saw it was Peter O'Toole!  Or, as I recognized him, Peter Plunkett -- that lanky, amusing fellow from Highh Spirits (a silly comedy that I secretly enjoy from time to time).  I laughed and thought to myself, 'This is going to be a very interesting movie!'

When the movie ended, I was a bit tired -- it's over three hours long -- and a bit overwhelmed.  I hadn't expected it to be so awe inspiring.  I rewound the tapes and put them in their box. I read the back of the box and examined the cover, which dons a photo of Peter O'Toole that I probably would not have recognized as such.  It was late, and as I got ready for bed, I realized that I could not stop thinking about this movie:  about Lawrence, about the desert, about Damascus.  I couldn't sleep.  So, I popped the tape into the VCR, and watched the entire movie again (never, had I watched a movie twice in the same week, let alone the same night).  I loved it even more.  It's one of those movies that can do that.  But, suffice it to say, I was finally able to sleep.  Since then, I have purchased my own set of tapes and continue to enjoy this film, though I hope to see it on the 'big screen' someday.

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