Last night saw a rare screening of a new feature length documentary which asks the question: was one of Britain's greatest war heroes Lawrence of Arabia (T. E. Lawrence) murdered or did he die in a tragic motorbike accident?
The documentary assesses Lawrence's character, the events before and after the crash that would take his life six days later, the motives as to why Lawrence might of been removed and who might want to remove him.
Using excerpts from the feature film from 2021 "Lawrence : After Arabia" , the documentary shows the events before and after the crash and then provides input from experts - filmed incidentally in TE Lawrence's old room at Jesus College Oxford - to analyse and add weight to the plethora of evidence presented.
The crash is graphically portrayed and the inquest shows the incredible flaws in the final verdict of "accidental death". Motives and the suspects are discussed convincingly.
The film has already won "Best Documentary" at five film festivals and the production values defy the small budget. It is clear where director/writer Mark J. T. Griffin's opinion lies - possibly the first state-sponsored murder by the British Secret Service.
The documentary is compelling viewing seemingly solving the puzzle with very few loose ends.
The relevance of Lawrence to current events in the Middle East are shown underlining the brutality of his end and how, had he lived, he would have not allowed events in the Middle East to take the course that they have.
The film is an impressive documentary debut by Mark J. T. Griffin, whose passion rooted in the story and solving the mystery.
The film is being shown at selected venues through November and is expected to reach streaming platforms shortly afterwards. It is well worth seeking out.
