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Title: Cleopatra


Date: 1963
Type: Drama
Rating: 4 Stars 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 TaylorElizabeth Taylor
Ricahrd BurtonRichard Burton
Rex HarrisonRex Harrison
Martin LandauMartin Landau
Roddy McDowellRoddy McDowell
Francesca AnnisFrancesca Annis
Pamela BrownPamela Brown
George Cole
Hume Cronyn
Cesare DanovaCesare Danova
Kenneth Haigh
Andrew Keir

Oscars

Won - Costumes, Sets, Special effects
Nomination - Best Picture
Nomination - Best Actor - Rex Harrison


Cleopatra