Becket - Production & Contact Info

Becket (1910)
Short | Drama, Short

Becket (1910)

Short | Drama, Short

Thomas à Becket was born in London. In 1155 he was made Chancellor of England by Henry II. Upon the death of the Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, in 1162, at the time of this tragedy, he was elected, through King Henry's influence, to ...See moreThomas à Becket was born in London. In 1155 he was made Chancellor of England by Henry II. Upon the death of the Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, in 1162, at the time of this tragedy, he was elected, through King Henry's influence, to the vacant see. This exceptional film starts with a scene in the palace of King Henry II, showing Henry and Becket playing chess. The game is won by Becket, greatly provoking the King, who becomes angry. While in the midst of this tantrum, a messenger enters and presents Henry with the announcement of the death of the Archbishop Theobald, together with the bishop's cross. Henry is shocked, and, as he looks at the cross, half in jest and a desire to ridicule, he offers the jewel to Becket, and then places the cross with chain attached around Becket's neck, hoping it will prove a yoke to the wearer in his efforts to sustain the dignity and piety of the church, which, of course, he things is quite impossible for Becket to do. In this he is mistaken. Becket feels his unworthiness, but, inspired by the holiness of the office and its great responsibility, he at once, by prayer and castigations, prepares himself for its duties, which he devoutly and reverently accepts. While at devotion in the palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket is surprised by King Henry and his courtiers, who rudely interrupt him by their cruel and coarse laughter when they see him in his priestly robes in the attitude of humility and abnegation. Filled with majesty and divine spirit of his office, and aroused by a righteous indignation, Becket commands Henry and his followers to mend their ways and flee the wrath of God, lest they be destroyed. With cowering glances and slinking tread they leave his presence, shamefaced and abashed. Henry is now at enmity with the clergy. The scenes which follow show the incidents which lead to the attempted assassination of Father Gerard, the King's confessor, for the denunciation of the King's paramour, Rosamond. Henry, smarting under the opposition of the church, drafts a constitution which makes it possible for the King alone to put to death without court trial any member of the clergy whom he may accuse. This sounds the death knell of Becket, against whom the King bears great enmity. The Archbishop realizes his position, and his fears and soon brought to a reality. He is pursued by the minions of the King, who proceed to the Cathedral of Canterbury and slay him while he kneels in prayer before the crozier. The murderers carry the news to the King, apprising him of the execution of his dictate. He and his court tremble as they appreciate the enormity of their crime against the head of the church. Scarcely do they recover their nerve when retribution follows the King in the announcement that his own sons have seized the Kingdom of France; the Scots have crossed the border, and general uprisings in the midland. Crushed and half-crazed, Henry falls, a tottering wreck, against the throne, while the vision of the murdered Archbishop Becket, in beatific attitude, appears before him. The King, with conscience aflame with fear and remorse, collapses, a helpless and wretched mass, while the vision fades away. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
4 cast members

Name	Known for
Charles Kent Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury See fewer	As You Like It (1912)
William Shea King Henry II King Henry II See fewer	Davy Jones' Parrot (1910)
Hal Reid Cardinal Wolsey Cardinal Wolsey See fewer	The Deerslayer (1913)
Maurice Costello Actor Actor See fewer	The Man Who Couldn't Beat God (1915)