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Lawrence of Arabia takes epic gong

Cinema classic "Lawrence Of Arabia" has been named as the best epic film in a new Total Film top 50.

David Lean's 1962 film beat off stiff competition from the likes of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings to claim top spot in a Total Film magazine list.

As well as winning multiple Oscars, the film also propelled actors Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif into the limelight.

O'Toole was nominated for his first Oscar for his performance, before going on to be in contention for six more gongs to date. He was honoured with a special award last year, and will appear in this year's blockbuster epic "Troy".

"Ben Hur", which opened in 1959, comes second in the list, while the "Star Wars" trilogy is named third.

The most recent entrant in the top ten is Peter Jackson's blockbusting "Lord of the Rings" series, which is fourth ahead of "Gone With the Wind" and "The Godfather Part II".

"When you think epic, Lawrence Of Arabia is easily the first film that springs to mind," Total Film features editor Dan Jolin said.

"Not only is it a gripping war drama played out on the grandest scale, but it deals with all the big themes - heroism, friendship, ambition and hubris."

The full top ten is:

1. Lawrence Of Arabia
2. Ben-Hur
3. Star Wars trilogy
4. The Lord Of The Rings trilogy
5. Gone With The Wind
6. The Godfather Part II
7. Spartacus
8. Once Upon A Time In The West
9. Ran
10. Malcolm X

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