“He was the most extraordinary man I ever knew.”

The epic of all epics, British director David Lean‘s triumphant masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia nobly retains its status in the pantheon of cinema as one of, if not the greatest film ever made – and for good reason.

Join us at the Rio Theatre for a screening of this classic (gorgeously restored for its 60th anniversary in 2022), a title which certainly counts among any cinephile’s bucket list of, “films to experience on the big screen.” Based on the life of English archaeologist, military officer and diplomat T.E. Lawrence, this historical drama holds a firm grasp on its audience with nearly four hours of grand scope, brilliant performances, and the kind of beautiful cinematography that can only truly (and properly) be enjoyed and appreciated on a big screen. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, it won seven including Best Director, Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing, and Best Picture.

In what is easily the most venerated performance of his brilliant career, Peter O’Toole is remarkable as the enigmatic British Army lieutenant whose exploits carry him through service in the Arabian Peninsula during World War 1 to guerilla warfare, Turkish combat, and later involvement in the formation of the Arab National Council, pitting his increasing emotional conflict relative to his own conscience and allegiances vs. those of “duty” and “country.” The film also features standout performances from Sir Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and José Ferrer.

“It is O’Toole who continually dominates the screen, and he dominates it with professional skill, Irish charm and smashing good looks.” (Time Magazine)

Sunday, August 6
Doors 12:30 pm | Movie 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
*Please note: This movie screens with a brief intermission.

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean, 1962 / 227 mins / PG) | An epic about British officer T.E. Lawrence’s mission to aid the Arab tribes in their revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. Lawrence becomes a flamboyant, messianic figure in the cause of Arab unity, but his psychological instability threatens to undermine his achievements before uniting and leading the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes against the Turks.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)