“Lawrence of Arabia” is one of the most famous war movies ever made. Released in 1962, it is considered a masterpiece in cinema. The film won many awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director. The American Film Institute ranked it fifth on their list of “100 Years…100 Movies.” In 1991, the movie was selected for preservation in the US Library of Congress National Film Registry. It is a British-American co-production.
“Lawrence of Arabia” is an epic historical war drama with a runtime of over 220 minutes. The story is set during World War I and follows T.E. Lawrence, a British lieutenant. He is sent to Arabia to seek the help of Prince Faisal in the fight against the Turks. The movie is known for its stunning visuals and has inspired many famous filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese. The film captures exotic locations beautifully, and many of the scenes have become iconic. Naturally, people are curious about where this movie was shot.
Filming in Spain
A Major portion of “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed in Spain. Most of the interior scenes were shot there. However, various locations in Spain, especially Seville, were used to represent places in the Middle East. For example, the Jordanian city of Aqaba, seen in the movie, was actually filmed on a specially constructed set at Playa del Algarrobico, a beach in Southern Spain. The set was carefully built to resemble the real city of Aqaba. Filming in the actual city was not possible due to financial constraints and an outbreak of illness among the cast and crew.
The famous train attack scene was filmed at Genovese Beach in Almeria. In Seville, Parque de Maria Luisa was another important filming location. Its Plaza de America and Real Alcazar de Sevilla were used to depict various scenes set in Jerusalem. El Casino in Seville was used to show the Damascus town hall.
Another important location in Seville was Plaza de Espana in Parque de Maria Luisa. This spot was used for scenes set in Cairo. The Alfonso XIII Hotel was also used to film some Cairo scenes. The meeting between Lawrence and Allenby was shot in Casa de Pilatos. Filming also took place on Avenida de Isabel la Catolica.
Additionally, the crew filmed in the Tabernas Desert and Cabo de Gata in Spain, which provided the perfect backdrop for the desert scenes in the movie.
Filming in Jordan
After Spain, Jordan was another important filming location for “Lawrence of Arabia.” One of the most memorable places shown in the movie is Wadi Rum. This location has become iconic since its depiction in the film. Other locations in Jordan, like Jebel Tubeiq and Maan, were also used for shooting. The entry scene of Sherif Ali was filmed at Jafr, which is now a well-known location for fans of the movie.
Other Filming Locations
Spain and Jordan were not the only countries where “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed. Some scenes were also shot in the United Kingdom. For instance, Shepperton Studios in Surrey was used for a few scenes. The funeral scene was filmed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, but the interior part of the scene was shot in a studio in Spain. The scene where Lawrence falls off a motorbike was filmed at Chobham Common in Surrey. The sand dunes in Merthyr Mawr were also used for filming.
Filming also took place in Morocco, mainly in Ait Benhaddou and the desert south of Ouarzazate. Lastly, a few scenes were shot in the United States. The Imperial Sand Dunes in California were used for some desert scenes.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Lawrence of Arabia
Q: Where was “Lawrence of Arabia” filmed?
A: “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed in multiple locations, including Spain, Jordan, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Key locations include Wadi Rum in Jordan, Playa del Algarrobico in Spain, and Ait Benhaddou in Morocco.
Q: When was “Lawrence of Arabia” filmed?
A: Filming for “Lawrence of Arabia” began in May 1961 and continued until September 1962. The production was extensive, spanning over a year, due to the complexity of the scenes and the various locations.
Q: When was “Lawrence of Arabia” released?
A: “Lawrence of Arabia” premiered in London on December 10, 1962. It was then released in the United States on December 16, 1962.
Q: Who are the main cast members of “Lawrence of Arabia”?
A: The main cast of “Lawrence of Arabia” includes Peter O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence, Alec Guinness as Prince Faisal, Anthony Quinn as Auda abu Tayi, Omar Sharif as Sherif Ali, and Jack Hawkins as General Allenby.
Q: Why is “Lawrence of Arabia” considered a significant film?
Q: “Lawrence of Arabia” is considered significant due to its epic storytelling, stunning cinematography, and impactful performances. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has influenced many filmmakers and films over the years.
