Cleopatra (1963)
Biography | Drama | Romance

-- 2-Disc Set --

Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison star in this sweeping tale of power and betrayal -- the legendary story of the Queen of the Nile and her conquest of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Here is the truly unforgettable portrayal of the beguiling beauty who seduced two of Rome's greatest soldiers and changed the course of history. Breathtaking in scope and grandeur, the picture won Oscars® for cinematography, art direction, costumes, sets and special effects. In the tradition of epic romantic adventures like Braveheart and Titanic comes the greatest spectacle of all…Cleopatra.

Storyline: In 48 B.C., Caesar pursues Pompey from Pharsalia to Egypt. Ptolemy, now supreme ruler after deposing his older sister, Cleopatra, attempts to gain favor with Caesar by presenting the conquerer with the head of Pompey, borne by his governors, Pothinos and Achillas. To win Caesar's support from her brother, Cleopatra hides herself in a rug, which Apollodorus, her servant, presents to Caesar. The Roman is immediately infatuated; banishing Ptolemy, he declares Cleopatra Egypt's sole ruler and takes her as his mistress. A son, Caesarion, is born of their union. Caesar, however, must return to Italy. Although he is briefly reunited with Cleopatra during a magnificent reception for the queen in Rome, Caesar is assassinated shortly thereafter, and Cleopatra returns to Egypt. When Mark Antony, Caesar's protégé, beholds Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus some years later, he is smitten and becomes both her lover and military ally. Their liaison notwithstanding, Antony, to ... Written by alfiehitchie

User Comment: Christopher Mulrooney Los Angeles • One of those films (like Beat The Devil) that left at least some of its star performers in the dark as to its purpose, and (like Beat The Devil) one of the best. In spite of all the legendary vicissitudes, Mankiewicz created a superbly effectual dimension of beauty that, like the great poem it really is, culminates in a deathless image.

Summary: An absurdly underrated visual poem.

--- JOYA ---

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