Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Elizabeth Taylor is Cleopatra, Richard Burton is Mark Antony and Rex Harrison is Julius Caesar in this opulent historical epic from 1963 - a throwback to Hollywood's massive-scale productions of the '40s and '50s. One of the most expensive films ever made, Cleopatra is famed for being one of the greatest flops in movie history. Despite being the highest grossing film of 1963, the huge production costs meant a $US 44 million loss on initial release.

The assassination of the would be ruler of Rome at the hands of Brutus and company has tragic consequences for the idealist and the republic.

Bette Davis plays Margo Channing, an ageing Broadway star with a penchant for Martinis and bon mots. Starlet Anne Baxter is Eve Harrington, a wide-eyed ingénue who insinuates herself into Margo's life and social circle, with an eye to taking her throne. From writer/director Joseph L. Mankiewicz, All About Eve scooped the major awards at the 1951 Oscars and BAFTAs.