A historical drama set in 12th Century England, "A Lion in Winter" centers on King Henry II (Peter O'Toole), an aging king who must choose the heir to his kingdom. Henry brings together his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), and three sons (Richard (Anthony Hopkins), Geoffrey (John Castle), and John (Nigel Terry)) to spend Christmas with him as he makes his decision. Also present are his mistress, Princess Alais (Jane Merrow), and her brother, King Philip of France (Timothy Dalton). As the sons compete against one each other to win the throne, Prince Philip demands that Henry make good on his promise to marry Alais.