Despite differences in rank and background, King Henry II and Thomas Becket are lifelong friends. The King is in constant conflict with the Church, which refuses to contribute financing to his wars in France, and jealously guards the tax-free status granted it by previous monarchs. When the Archbishop of Canterbury dies, Henry has a brilliant idea: rather than another pious cleric loyal to Rome, he will appoint his old friend, Thomas Becket--technically a deacon--to the post. Unfortunately, Becket takes the job seriously, holding devotion to God and the Church above his loyalty to the throne, or the person of its inhabitant. In opposition to Henry, he proves abler than his predecessors do, and the clash of two powerful personalities leads to destruction.

CIRC # 463\\Based upon the play "Becket" by Jean Anouilh, as translated by Lucienne Hill and produced on the New York stage by David Merrick. Special features: Stills gallery [slide show]; Trailer (5 min.); Interview with composer Laurence Rosenthal [featurette] (13 min.); Interview with editor Anne Coates [featurette] (8 min.); TV spot (30 sec.); Richard Burton interviewed by Ludovic Kennedy (1977) [featurette] (13 min.); Richard Burton interviewed by Kenneth Tynan (1967) [b&w featurette] (14 min.); Commentary with Peter O'Toole [audio feature].

Opening credits -- "In the year 1066" -- Noble Thomas Becket -- Thrill of the hunt -- Gwendolen's sweet voice -- Business before pleasure -- Inevitable conflict of interest -- New Archbishop of Canterbury -- Higher loyalty -- Friendship torn -- Excommunication leads to accusations -- Trial of Thomas Becket -- Exile -- Meeting of old friends -- King's heavy heart -- Return from exile -- Posthumous declaration.