Title: Cleopatra
Date: 1963
Type: Drama
Rating: 4/5
Colour: Yes
Director: Joseph L Mankieweicz
Producer: Walter Wanger
Comment
Historical drama of Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) and her relationship with the Romans Caesar (Rex Harrison) and Mark Anthony (Richard Burton). Whilst in many ways this is an overly long and slow version of this story that stifles the abilities of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, it is still a good example of the abilities of both Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The production was beset with all sorts of problems (filming stared in England and then moved to Italy), delays, cost over runs, changes to directors (started under Rouben Mamoulian) and actors. The version that went on general release was just over 3 hours, though the original cut was 6 hours as two 3 hour films. There are massive sets and hundereds of extras at a time before CGI these were all real sets and people. The massive costs nearly bankrupted the production compamy (Fox) and changed the studio system.
Actors
Elizabeth Taylor
Richard Burton
Rex Harrison
Martin Landau
Roddy McDowell
Francesca Annis
Pamela Brown
George Cole
Hume Cronyn
Cesare Danova
Kenneth Haigh
Andrew Keir
Oscars
Won - Costumes, Sets, Special effects
Nomination - Best Picture
Nomination - Best Actor - Rex Harrison