Cleopatra
Belgian movie poster (titled "Cléopâtre") for the
1963 historical epic Cleopatra. The film is famous for being one of the most expensive productions in Hollywood history and for the off-screen romance between its lead stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the life of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
While the film follows the general historical timeline of her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, it blends historical fact with romanticized drama:
Historical Foundation: The screenplay was based on historical accounts by ancient writers like Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian, as well as the 1957 book The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero.
Key Truths: Real events depicted include Cleopatra's struggle for the throne, her alliance and child with Caesar, her later romance with Mark Antony, and their eventual defeat by Octavian.
Hollywood Liberties:
The "Carpet" Scene: The famous scene of Cleopatra being smuggled to Caesar in a rug is a historical anecdote (though some sources say it was a laundry bag, not a carpet).
Visual Inaccuracies: The costumes and makeup are heavily influenced by 1960s fashion rather than authentic ancient Egyptian or Greek attire.
Appearance: The real Cleopatra was of Macedonian Greek descent and likely did not look like Elizabeth Taylor.
Cast and Artwork
The poster features the film's three primary stars:
Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra.
Richard Burton as Mark Antony.
Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar.
The original painted artwork for this poster was created by the renowned American artist Howard Terpning.
1963 historical epic Cleopatra. The film is famous for being one of the most expensive productions in Hollywood history and for the off-screen romance between its lead stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes, it is based on the life of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
While the film follows the general historical timeline of her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, it blends historical fact with romanticized drama:
Historical Foundation: The screenplay was based on historical accounts by ancient writers like Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian, as well as the 1957 book The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero.
Key Truths: Real events depicted include Cleopatra's struggle for the throne, her alliance and child with Caesar, her later romance with Mark Antony, and their eventual defeat by Octavian.
Hollywood Liberties:
The "Carpet" Scene: The famous scene of Cleopatra being smuggled to Caesar in a rug is a historical anecdote (though some sources say it was a laundry bag, not a carpet).
Visual Inaccuracies: The costumes and makeup are heavily influenced by 1960s fashion rather than authentic ancient Egyptian or Greek attire.
Appearance: The real Cleopatra was of Macedonian Greek descent and likely did not look like Elizabeth Taylor.
Cast and Artwork
The poster features the film's three primary stars:
Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra.
Richard Burton as Mark Antony.
Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar.
The original painted artwork for this poster was created by the renowned American artist Howard Terpning.
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