The Plot Thickens

Ben Mankiewicz dives into intriguing voicemails about Cleopatra, revealing Richard Burton's complex feelings about the film's release. He explores Judy Garland's fascinating connection to Joe Mankiewicz, sharing personal stories from Joe's diaries. Discover the fate of the massive sets and costumes, and the ambitious but elusive six-hour cut of the movie. Ben also reflects on family anecdotes and classic Hollywood moments, making for a rich, entertaining journey through cinema history.

The host invites listeners to submit their burning questions about Cleopatra and the actors from the movie. There's an exciting call to action for voicemails, promising a chance to hear fans' voices. They express enthusiasm for engaging directly with the audience and tackling intriguing inquiries in an upcoming special segment. The energy is vibrant as they build anticipation for the upcoming Q&A.

The fate of 20th Century Fox hangs in the balance as Cleopatra premieres. Critics and audiences weigh in, Elizabeth and Richard face momentous life decisions, and Joe sinks into a deep depression.  For years to come, Joe and the Mankiewicz family reckon the difficult legacy of Cleopatra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe’s body reaches its breaking point, and he’s forced to film the last few scenes from a wheelchair.  But when production wraps, Fox installs a new studio head, Darryl F. Zanuck, who undercuts Joe’s authority and takes over the edit of Cleopatra.  Soon, Joe and Zanuck wage a very public battle for control of the movie, just months before it’s finally released.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s love affair becomes a tabloid sensation.  Richard drinks and Elizabeth cries, they fight and make up, all while trying to keep the affair from their spouses and the public. When the press infiltrates the set and reports on every ugly development, Joe struggles to hold the production together. But as the budget balloons, Joe starts taking the blame for everything that’s gone wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Burton, the iconic Welsh actor renowned for his magnetic performances, shares the chaotic behind-the-scenes tales of filming 'Cleopatra' in 1961. The podcast uncovers the challenges of casting major stars and the spiraling budget as filming moved to Italy. Burton's romantic entanglement with Elizabeth Taylor ignited tensions on set, creating a scandalous love triangle that captivated the public. Listeners will enjoy peaks into the glamorous yet tumultuous life of Hollywood, filled with unexpected relationships and the high-stakes drama of cinematic production.

Elizabeth Taylor's hospitalization due to pneumonia puts the production of 'Cleopatra' in a tight spot. Joe Mankiewicz faces the daunting task of revamping a disastrous script and navigating high-maintenance actors. The podcast delves into Mankiewicz's Hollywood journey, exploring his complex family dynamics and personal struggles. It also highlights the duality of his character, showcasing his relationships with iconic actresses and his creative legacy, particularly in 'All About Eve.' Emotional turmoil and industry challenges intertwine throughout this captivating narrative.

Alex Bankowitz, daughter of legendary director Joe Mankiewicz, shares behind-the-scenes insights into the chaotic production of 'Cleopatra.' She reveals the enormous pressures on her father and the film crew, discussing Elizabeth Taylor's health crises in London and their impact on the filming schedule. They dive into the film’s groundbreaking budget and the swirling emotions that surrounded its infamous reputation. Alex also touches on her family's Hollywood legacy, intertwining personal memories with the turbulent history of cinema.

His studio was collapsing. His budget was skyrocketing. And his two stars were making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Those were just some of the headaches facing Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the director of one of the most expensive and infamous movies ever made: Cleopatra. With Mankiewicz calling the shots and the luminous Elizabeth Taylor in the title role, Cleopatra should have been a smash. Instead, it was a shoot plagued by medical emergencies, climate disasters and nervous breakdowns… not to mention Taylor's scandalous love affair with Richard Burton. This season, Ben Mankiewicz digs through his own family stories to understand how it turned out so badly for his Oscar-winning uncle. Cleopatra, a six-episode limited series, begins July 17. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After being removed from a film and ruining his friendship with Henry Fonda, John Ford begins to openly challenge his previous work. He deconstructs the Western and, for the first time, makes films specifically about Indians and women. But his power in Hollywood dwindles, and he soon finds himself out of work, a living legend living off his savings. As Ford enters his 70s, his movies are rediscovered and he is showered with honors and accolades, even as he denies his own artistry every chance he gets. Though he does accept one major award... from none other than the President of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices