The Oscar-winning 1963 biographical drama Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor, airs on Film4 this afternoon. The film, which won four Academy Awards, chronicles the life of the Queen of Egypt, her political turmoil, and ill-fated love affairs.
A Star-Studded Historical Epic
Named after its central character, Cleopatra tracks the queen from 48 BC, when Roman general Julius Caesar arrives in Alexandria and encounters her. A relationship blossoms as she pursues his backing in claiming her brother Ptolemy XIII's throne. With Caesar's support, Cleopatra becomes Egypt's sole ruler, but the relationship sparks political upheaval over the years.
Cleopatra later encounters another significant figure with whom she engages in both a political and romantic liaison, enraging influential figures in Rome and resulting in conflict and fatalities.
A Troubled Production
The production's history was nearly as intricate as the subjects it explores. Initially estimated at $2 million, the final cost soared to $44 million – approximately $470 million in current terms – making it among the most costly films ever made. The budget overruns almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox, compelling the studio to suspend other productions and introduce drastic cost-cutting measures.
Shooting originally began in London, but Elizabeth Taylor developed severe pneumonia and required an emergency tracheotomy. Production halted for months, and because the English weather did not translate well on film, the studio abandoned the costly UK sets and relocated the entire production to Rome, starting completely afresh. Due to the extended schedule, two actors had to be replaced, resulting in scenes being reshot.
On-Set Romance and Historic Pay
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who portrayed Mark Antony, had an infamous affair that garnered extensive publicity, despite both being married to other people. The media coverage was so pervasive that the Vatican intervened to publicly denounce it.
Taylor made history by becoming the first actor to secure a $1 million contract for a single film. Due to protracted filming delays and overtime provisions, she eventually earned closer to $7 million.
Awards and Legacy
Despite the turbulence, the film received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It won in the categories of Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects.
The film's lasting impact was that it effectively ended the golden era of old-Hollywood lavish historical epics, as studios became fearful of allowing individual productions to command such enormous budgets. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics describe it as "absolute cinema. It's four hours that pass in four minutes," and as a "monumental spectacle, with a stirring performance by a radiant Elizabeth Taylor."
Cleopatra airs on Film4 this Monday afternoon at 4:15 pm.
