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 started 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 scene on Cleopatra's barge where Burton and Taylor kiss goes on very long and well after the director said cut. This led to a scandal as they were still both married to other people. It was directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz, but he hated it and it had a negative effect on his career. The film did make a lot of money, but not enough to cover the costs. The massive costs nearly bankrupted the production compamy (Fox) and changed the studio system. Fox had to sell part of their lot to cover the costs. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were the big stars at the time but it was Rex Harrison that had the Oscar nomination.
4/5 
Elizabeth Taylor
Richard Burton
Rex Harrison 
Martin Landau
Roddy McDowell
Francesca Annis 
Pamela Brown
Hume Cronyn
Cesare Danova