Lion in Winter, The

In 1183 Henry II summonses his sons Richard, John, and Geoffrey to join him and his prison-bound wife Eleanor at Chinon for a family Christmas, along with King Philip II of France and his sister Alais, Henry's mistress. Philip is insisting Alais now marries John as agreed years before else he wants her dowry, the lands of the Vexen, back.

As Eleanor has already given the province of Aquitaine to Richard, the outcome of this may decide the very future of England. Everyone present except perhaps Alais are masters of double-dealing and deceipt, so it could be a lively Yuletide.

Directed by
Anthony Harvey

Cast
Peter O'Toole - King Henry II
Katharine Hepburn - Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine
Jane Merrow - Princess Alais
John Castle - Prince Geoffrey
Anthony Hopkins - Prince Richard
Nigel Terry - Prince John
Timothy Dalton - King Philip of France
Nigel Stock - William Marshall
O Z Whitehead - Bishop of Durham

Production Co.
Haworth Productions

Produced by
Jane C Nusbaum
Joseph E Levine
Martin Poll

Studio
MGM Studios

Writer
James Goldman

Music
John Barry