Cleopatra (1963) had Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, and Elizabeth Taylor in the title role, how could it fail? Well, in my opinion, it turned out to be a four hour fashion show for Liz Taylor's costumes, and not much else.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed this high budget turkey and it is a good example of how not to edit a film. The story plods, with the viewer desperately hoping for something, anything to happen!

Despite a great, but too brief, performance by renowned British stage actor Rex Harrison, as Julius Caesar, the movie was a colossal bore. Harrison was captivating as Caesar and his part is easily the best in the movie. Following Caesar's exit, the drunken Antony (played by Liz's off-screen lover Richard Burton) becomes the focus, along with Cleopatra. His Mark Antony was one of Burton's poorest showings when contrasted to his many great performances captured on film.

Liz, although nice looking, was putting on weight and her personality was not powerful enough to bring the ancient Egyptian queen to life. Her portrait of Cleopatra is very unsympathetic and adds to the boredom already created by the slowness of the l-o-n-g film.

The sets and costuming were spectacular and well worth seeing, especially Cleopatra's entry into Rome riding her huge golden Sphinx pulled by thousands.

For anyone familiar with the historical Cleopatra, the movie was much too tame. There should have been action, violence, and torrid love scenes. Remember, as "Egypt", Cleopatra had the world at her feet, for a short time, while the rival Roman factions sought to, alternately woo, and, conquer her!

Much better from a movie lover's perspective is the Cleopatra produced by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Claudette Colbert. She is much more the sexy vamp than pudgy Liz, and Caesar and Antony are much better portrayed by the actors in that version.

For those who want Egyptian entertainment, I recommend "Land of the Pharaohs", "The Egyptian", "Ben Hur", and "Valley of the Kings".



Recommended: No