*BECKET 1964 Release Dialogue Script Richard and 20 similar items

Vintage original 8.5 x 14 in. "Release Dialogue Script" from the classic 1960's historical biopic drama, BECKET, released in 1964 by Paramount Pictures and directed by Peter Glenville. Based upon the play by Jean Anouilh and Lucienne Hill, King Henry II of England (Peter O'Toole) comes to terms with his affection for his close friend and confidant, Thomas Becket (Richard Burton), who finds his true honor by observing God's divine will rather than the King's. This is a vintage original "Release Dialogue Script" that was prepared after the film was fully completed. It consists of 104 pages, which includes the title page and the last page, which is blank. It breaks the film down by reel and lists the dialogue as well as notes the use of music and sound effects. It is complete with one blank page at the end and is in overall fine+ condition with a light vertical crease on the cover page to the right of the two staples that bind the script together. There is a tiny tear on the cover page near the bottom left corner and light creases on the first 20 or so pages. There are also signs of wear on the other corners. The film's title was written along the spine in black number with the film's production number. Richard Burton claimed to have been offered either of the main roles. However, according to the producers, this was not true, since Peter O'Toole had already been cast as King Henry II and Thomas Becket had to be the older man. Burton was seven years older than O'Toole. Burton initially turned this movie down because he felt the idea of him playing a saint would cause the press to have a field day. He also said he would be more suited to playing Henry II. The closeness between King Henry II and Thomas Becket was depicted as being a purely platonic one. Homosexuality was still illegal in the U.K. when this movie was made in 1963, and any suggestion of that would have fallen afoul of the censor. However, it was still implied that Henry is in love with Becket. This is an interesting piece of LGBTQ film history.