Cleopatra (1963)
Julius Caesar (Sir Rex Harrison), 48 B.C. pursues Pompey, from Pharsalia into Egypt. After deposing Cleopatra VII (Dame Elizabeth Taylor), Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII(Richard O’Sullivan) is now the supreme ruler. He presents Caesar with Pompey’s head, borne in his hands by Pothinus (Gregoire Alslan), and Achillass (John Doucette). Cleopatra, her older brother’s supporter, hides in a rug and Apollodorus (Cesare danova), her servant presents Caesar with it. Cleopatra is instantly infatuated by the Roman. He exiles Ptolemy and declares Cleopatra Egypt the sole ruler. Their union produces Caesarion (Loris Lombi), a son. Caesar must, however, return to Italy. Caesar, however, is briefly reunited in Rome with Cleopatra at a spectacular reception for Queen Elizabeth. Cleopatra then returns to Egypt. Mark Antony, Caesar’s protégé, is attracted to Cleopatra on her barge at Tarsus years later. He becomes her lover as well as a military ally. Despite their liaison, Antony marries Octavia Marsh (Jean Marsh), the sister of ambitious Octavian McDowall. This marriage is not for everyone. Cleopatra becomes furious and Antony returns to Egypt, tired of his Roman wife. He then shows off his relationship by marring Cleopatra during a public ceremony. Sensing Antony’s weakness, Octavian attacked and defeated his forces at Actium. Alarmed, Cleopatra retreats from her fleet to seek refuge in her tomb. –alfiehitchie
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Actors: Cesare Danova, Elizabeth Taylor, George Cole, Hume Cronyn, Pamela Brown, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton
Country: Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
