A reminder of the history of Catholic England, when Catholics were willing to stand against the State if need be to protect the Honor of God. Becket (1964), although inheriting the historical howlers that existed in the play, and were known by the playwright Jean Anouilh who wisely preferred a poetic story to prosaic fact, (Becket was Norman not Saxon, Henry II was not a crowned juvenile delinquent, the armor, as is usual in medieval epics, is all wrong for the period, etc.), this classic film helped awaken in me a desire to learn about the history of the Church. With masterful performances by Richard Burton as “the holy blessed martyr” and Peter O’Toole as Henry II, the film brought alive to me as a child the High Middle Ages. The installation sequence brought home to me the important role of ceremony, tradition and symbolism in our Faith, a lesson I have never forgotten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCN38rwQk7s&t=3s
I have also never forgotten the value, in human and spiritual terms, of a Church that can stand against the State:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p9CiBJfbik
It was no accident that I chose Thomas Becket as my Confirmation saint.
Henry II: There’s nothing more certain to win them over than the sight of a king doing penance and humbling himself under the lash.
The honor of God, gentlemen, is a very good thing and all things considered one gains by having it on one’s side.
Thomas Becket our friend, always used to say so.
Tonight in council, we will determine what punishment his murderers should receive.
One of the Barons who murdered Becket: Sire, they are unknown.
Henry II: Our justice will seek them out, you may be sure.
It is a time my dear Barons, for all of us to do penance.
Henry II to the vast crowd outside of Canterbury Cathedral: Hear me!
People of Canterbury and citizens of England.
As I have submitted myself to the lash, so have I petitioned the Pope.
And this day, I have received his answer.
Thomas Becket, former Archbishop of Canterbury, and martyr to the cause of God and his church shall henceforth be honored and prayed to in this kingdom as a saint.
(Huge Cheers.)
Henry II (sotto voce): Is the honor of God washed clean enough?
Are you satisfied now, Thomas?
A great movie. Two of may all-time favorites are Becket and A Man for All Seasons, two Henry’s and two Thomases. Two tyrants and two saints. Henry II per history, seems to have repented. Questionable whether his successor Henry VIII did likewise. Anyway, a stark reminder that the devil hates the Church and Christ’s faithful and will use worldly power to persecute them.
Donald- thanks to your annual posting about this movie on this day, I was first introduced to the movie Becket several years ago, and immediately loved it. It has quickly skyrocketed up to one of my top two favorite movies, switching places with A Man for All Seasons depending on which I happen to be watching at the time. One thing I especially appreciate about this film is how tight the writing and dialogue is; there are no throwaway lines or filler, which keeps the story moving forward at a brisk pace without the need for many action sequences. Both films are great, but Becket has some truly memorable lines that my wife and I quote at each other when the situation calls for it. Truly outstanding film.