Although there’s a fascination for celebrity right now, it’s not as it was. Today you can get a following for posting TikTok videos about putting make up on, which is probably a skill of some sort, but one that possibly shouldn’t be celebrated as it is.

Before the internet, stars were stars for a reason. Names like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, who shone on the big screen to become idolised by millions around the world.

This film, released in 1968, saw Peter O’ Toole star as Henry II, for the second time on screen, in this adaptation of the 1966 play, written by James Goldman who also wrote the screenplay.

It saw him play opposite Hollywood legend Katherine Hepburn, who came out of retirement at O’Toole’s request, to play his Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in this intelligent and often witty historical drama.

1183, and Henry II (O’Toole) and his staff are preparing for Christmas. Of course his family are all attending: his three sons John (Nigel Terry), Geoffrey (John Castle) and Richard the Lionheart (Anthony Hopkins), but they are not there for the celebrations, as Henry is keen to announce who he wants to succeed him onto the throne.

He also ‘invites’ his wife Eleanor (Hepburn), by which is meant that he releases her from the captivity of the castle in which she is essentially imprisoned.

But as most family gatherings at this time of year go, it doesn’t go by without its fair share of arguments, as everyone makes a case as it why they should be king, despite Henry seemingly making up his mind. It doesn’t stop him locking horns with all of his family members however, especially Eleanor, who is keen to not only express her opinions, but also make them valid options going forward, making for a family reunion like no other.

As it had previously been a play, that sense of the theatrical still prevails within director Anthony Harvey’s lavish production. Of course that’s only to be expected with O’Toole on board, who is captivating as the king. It is a film that often features him exchanging heated dialogue, as he does with Hepburn, who won an Oscar for her impressive performance; although at its heart they are a married couple in bitter discussions, there’s the added weight of them also being king and queen. And the time they share on screen is truly magical.

But she’s not the only one he butts heads with, as there is also a sense of the old guard taking on the new; not only does it feature a debut for a young Timothy Dalton, but also that of Hopkins, both of whom are riveting in their respective roles.

What it is, essentially, is a medieval version of Succession, with all the king’s sons eager to replace him on the throne, with their mother interjecting too. It’s just as acerbic as the show too, with Goldman’s script a thing of sheer beauty, and deserving of the Oscar it received; quite a talented family too, with his younger brother being William Goldman, who had an astounding career, writing screenplays of classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Marathon Man and All the President’s Men.

It is a smart, intelligent, funny and amusing film, with a cast relishing every second they are on screen.

It also looks mightily impressive, with this 4K restoration, meaning it has never looked as good since its initial release.

It features a number of extras, but the best has to be an intimate interview with Sir Anthony Hopkins on his experience of shooting his first film with a couple of legendary actors.

It is a film that has stood the test of time supremely well, no doubt aided by its clean restoration, with some sizzling dialogue and stunning performances by some true cinema royalty that simply shouldn’t be missed.