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Experience the tumultuous reign of one of history's most captivating figures in "Cleopatra."  Through sweeping romance and epic drama, this biographical tale unveils the complexities of Cleopatra's life, her legendary love affairs, and her unwavering fight for power amidst a changing world.

Experience the tumultuous reign of one of history's most captivating figures in "Cleopatra." Through sweeping romance and epic drama, this biographical tale unveils the complexities of Cleopatra's life, her legendary love affairs, and her unwavering fight for power amidst a changing world.

Does Cleopatra have end credit scenes?

No!

Cleopatra does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Cleopatra

Explore the complete cast of Cleopatra, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Cleopatra

See how Cleopatra is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Cleopatra stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

60

Metascore

6.7

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Cleopatra Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Cleopatra with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Quiz on Cleopatra (1963): Test your knowledge on the historical drama film Cleopatra and its intricate plot and characters.

Who plays the character of Julius Caesar in the film?

Awards & Nominations for Cleopatra

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Cleopatra, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Cleopatra and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


36th Academy Awards 1964

Nomination

Actor

Rex Harrison
Win

Art Direction (Color)

Win

Cinematography (Color)

Win

Costume Design (Color)

Nomination

Film Editing

Nomination

Music (Music Score—substantially original)

Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Sound

Win

Special Effects

21st Golden Globe Awards 1964

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor)

Rex Harrison
Roddy McDowall
Nomination

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actor)

Roddy McDowall
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Nomination

Best Director

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Cleopatra

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Read the complete plot summary of Cleopatra, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


After the pivotal Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) emerges as the undisputed ruler of Rome after defeating Pompey’s forces. At his side is his slave Flavious (George Cole). News comes from Canidius ([Andrew Faulds]), a general in Anthony’s cavalry, that Pompey has escaped, presumably on his way to Egypt. Setting his sights on the land of the Pharaohs, Julius pretends to take up the role of executor for the will of the late father of the young Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII ([Richard O’Sullivan]) and his sister Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor).

Caught in the throes of a fierce rivalry, Ptolemy and Cleopatra are embroiled in a destructive war against one another that endangers the grain supply crucial for Rome. Julius dispatches Mark Antony back to Rome to govern in his absence, while he while traveling to Egypt with Germanicus ([Robert Stephens]), Agrippa (Andrew Keir), and Rufio (Martin Landau).

As Julius arrives in Alexandria, he encounters attempts at indignation from Ptolemy, who insists on humiliating him by forcing him to navigate through crowds to reach the palace. Not surprisingly, Ptolemy relays claims that Cleopatra aimed to kill him, leading to escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Theodotus of Chios ([Herbert Berghof]) serves as Ptolemy’s advisor and Achillas ([John Doucette]), commands his personal guard.

In a playful twist of fate, Ptolemy seeks to prevent Julius from reinstating Cleopatra as co-ruler of Egypt, presenting instead the severed head of Pompey, which only angers Julius; a Roman should never be treated as such, especially by a conquered Egyptian. On her part, Cleopatra attempts to gain Julius’ favor by secretly entering Alexandria and appealing for her throne, claiming her brother is in the thrall of malevolent advisors and promising a steady grain supply to Rome in exchange for her reinstatement. There’s an urgency as Cleopatra warns Julius that Ptolemy may plot against him, obtaining insights into Julius’ own vulnerabilities.

Amidst this political chaos, Cleopatra employs seduction by inviting Julius to an audience during her bathing hours. In a dramatic turn of events, as Achillas mobilizes his forces to crush Julius, the Roman military leader responds by ordering the destruction of the Egyptian fleet, inadvertently causing a fire that engulfs the famed Library of Alexandria.

This incident breeds frustration between the two powerful leaders. In the height of conflict, Cleopatra holds her ground, asserting that Achillas’s armies far outnumber Julius’ forces. However, he successfully fends off the attack using a clever turtle formation.

Seizing control of the kingdom, Julius executes Pothinus ([Grégoire Aslan])—who had planned Cleopatra’s murder—and sends Ptolemy to the eastern desert to fend for himself. Following these events, Cleopatra is crowned Queen of Egypt and nurtures grandiose dreams of ruling alongside Julius. The two eventually marry; Cleopatra persuades him of the necessity of an heir, and their son Caesarion is born, leading Julius to publicly declare him his legal heir.

However, upon returning to Rome, Julius, now dictator for life, finds unrest rising within the Senate, fueled by fears that he wishes to become a king, instigated by Cleopatra’s presence. Recognizing the rising tensions, Antony warns Julius of the potential fallout and the implications of Cleopatra’s ambitions.

In a shocking twist, on the Ides of March in 44 BC, a conspiracy culminates in Julius’ assassination at the hands of former allies, including Brutus (Kenneth Haigh). Cleopatra, angered by Julius’s will, which recognizes Octavian ([Roddy McDowall]) over her son Caesarion, flees back to Egypt amid the ensuing chaos.

As the political landscape shifts, Antony seeks Cleopatra in Egypt and becomes embroiled in a passionate affair, unsure of his footing in the fluctuating alliances. The complexities of love and power intertwine as Antony navigates alliances that leave him at the mercy of Octavian.

The rivalry culminates in the Battle of Actium, where under Agrippa’s command, Octavian achieves a decisive victory over Antony’s forces. In turmoil, Cleopatra devises a plan to secure her son’s future but ultimately faces betrayal from those once loyal to Antony.

As Antony spirals into despair, he succumbs to tragic circumstances, ultimately taking his life in the poignant embrace of Cleopatra. In a final act of defiance, Cleopatra chooses to end her life rather than live as a captive, committing suicide with an asp, leaving a legacy of passion, power, and tragedy. Octavian, sealed within his victory, approaches the deserted tomb too late—a haunting conclusion to an epic saga of love and ambition.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Cleopatra

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Cleopatra. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Cleopatra - Trailer

Cleopatra Blu-Ray - Official® Trailer [HD]

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


egyptqueenepicpeplumsword and sandalancient egyptancient romeroman empirefemale protagonistpolitical intriguefemme fatalefemale nuditymale nuditysuicide by blade1st century b.c.political marriagebattle of actiumhonorable deathlibrary of alexandriatriumviratedepressionmelancholypower hungrystrong female leadstrong female characterwar violenceviolencehand to hand combatcombatswordsword fightroman saluteroman senatorpoliticspoliticianmelodramaemperorantiquitysnake bitesevered headsea battleptolemaic dynastycivil warbrother sister relationshipcaesar augustusblockbusterepilepsybased on true storytitle spoken by characterbigamy

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About Cleopatra

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