Cleopatra is a 1963 American epic historical drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, with a screenplay adapted from the 1957 book “The Life and Times of Cleopatra” by Carlo Maria Franzero, and from histories by Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian.
The film chronicles the struggles of Cleopatra, the young queen of Egypt, to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor in the eponymous role. She was still married to Eddie Fisher at the time, but began a highly public affair with Richard Burton on set while filming.
Three weeks into its theatrical release, Cleopatra became the number-one box office film in the United States, grossing $725,000 in 17 key cities. It held the top position for the next twelve weeks before being dethroned by The V.I.P.s, which also starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. It recaptured the number-one spot three weeks later, and proved to be the highest-grossing film of 1963.
The film won four Academy Awards and was nominated for five more. It also earned Elizabeth Taylor a Guinness World Record for the most costume changes in a film (65).
Elizabeth Taylor from the film Cleopatra via
Elizabeth Taylor from the film Cleopatra via
Elizabeth Taylor from the film Cleopatra via
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1962 on the set of Cleopatra, by Paul Schutzer The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock via
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on the set of Cleopatra via
Richard Burton, Joseph L. Mankiewicz & Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Cleopatra via
Cleopatra director Joseph L. Mankiewicz chats with Liz Taylor on set. Paul Schutzer The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock via
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