Cleopatra is a sweeping historical drama starring Elizabeth Taylor as the Egyptian Queen and Richard Burton as the Roman officer sent to conquer her. This 1963 film, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz ("All About Eve") was the most expensive film production to date. The film begins in 48 B.C., when Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) charms Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) into helping her wrest control of Egypt from her brother, Ptolemy. He wins the campaign, naming Cleopatra the sole ruler of Egypt and takes her as his mistress. But Rome demands Caesar's return to Italy, where he is assassinated. A few years later, Marc Antony (Richard Burton) now rules the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, sharing power with Octavian (Roddy McDowall). When Antony and Cleopatra meet, they begin a passionate affair. Antony refuses the Senate's call to return to Rome, so Octavian devises a plan to permanently vanquish his political rival and consolidate power in his own hands.moreless