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Poster for Cleopatra

Cleopatra

Seen it?

1963 | 251 min | Drama, History, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It won 4 Oscars and people are still talking about it. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Ben-Hur or The English Patient, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 4 hr 11 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 4 hr 11 min.
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.

Determined to hold on to the throne, Cleopatra seduces the Roman emperor Julius Caesar. When Caesar is murdered, she redirects her attentions to his general, Marc Antony, who vows to take power—but Caesar’s successor has other plans.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    56% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 4 Oscars: Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color, Best Art Direction, Color. Also nominated for 5 more Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $58 million worldwide on a $36 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 523K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

  • Elizabeth TaylorCleopatra
  • Richard BurtonMarcus Antonius
  • Rex HarrisonJulius Caesar
  • Pamela BrownHigh Priestess
  • George ColeFlavius
  • Hume CronynSosigenes
  • Cesare DanovaApollodorus
  • Kenneth HaighBrutus
  • Andrew KeirAgrippa
  • Martin LandauRufio