King Henry II needs to appoint an Archbishop of Canterbury when the current incumbent dies. To temper the influence of the Vatican, he selects his lifelong friend Thomas Becket for the position, only to end up engaged in a fierce battle of wills as the priest proves more loyal to the Church than to the throne. Historical drama, starring Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud and Donald Wolfit.

Thomas Becket, Henry II's longtime advisor, finds his friendship with the debauched king corroding when he is unwillingly appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury in an attempt to gain absolute loyalty from the Church.