Cleopatra was released in 1963 and has gone on to herald the end of the golden age of the historical epic in Hollywood. Known as one of the most expensive films to ever be made, its troubled production and the on screen connection between Taylor and Burton have both cemented its place in cinematic history.

A Troubled Production

We have a look at some of the issues that led to production delays and there were a lot! From tricky weather conditions, Taylor’s health troubles, to issues with the script, there wasn’t an issue that this film didn’t face in the journey to release. Dr Rad delves into the details of the factors that influenced the production including:

• the monetary problems
• the challenges into Twentieth Century Fox in this period
• the increasing pressure to write and shoot for Mankiewicz
• and Taylor’s public aura in the early 1960s

A Foray into Roman and Egyptian History

The historical pedigree of Cleopatra is based on a few different sources including credit given to Plutarch, Appian, and Suetonius! The impetus for the film was also based on the book published in 1957, The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero. There’s a depth of references throughout the film that have support in the ancient sources. Dr G considers:

• the representation of Ptolemy and his advisors
• The divided representation of Cleopatra as a savvy politician and a seductress
• The burning of the library of Alexandria
• The history of where Alexander the Great’s body ends up after death

Things to listen out for

• The life and significance of Caesarion
• The importance of Mankiewicz in bringing this project to life
• Shifting to French hours
• What’s up with Mithridates?
• Caesar’s winding journey through the Mediterranean
• Our historical sources for Cleopatra’s life
• Julius Caesar in Egypt versus Cleopatra in Rome
• Cleopatra’s complex Mediterranean identity
• The powerful representation of motherhood
• Elizabeth Taylor’s requirements for this film

Keen to delve more into Cleopatra? Check out our conversation with Yentl Love about the reception of Cleopatra over time.

Further reading

• Brodsky, Jack; Weiss, Nathan (1963). The Cleopatra Papers: A Private Correspondence (Simon and Schuster)
• Cooney, Kara (2018). When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt (National Geographic Society)
• Lucan De Bello Civili
• Wagner, Walter and Hyams, Joe (2013). My Life with Cleopatra: The Making of a Hollywood Classic (Knopf Doubleday)

For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/

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