BUT... inexplicably, the famous scene from Act III of the original play where Cleopatra is smuggled to the beseiged Caesar rolled in a carpet has been cut out, despite the DVD having a scene entitled "A gift for Caesar"! This is like Macbeth without "Out damned spot" or Gone With the Wind without "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!"; and it is for this reason that I award 3 stars rather than 5.


"by george" bernard shaw, it's cleopatra   December 6, 2002
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

i came across this DVD after seeing "cleopatra" (taylor, burton et alia) + so bought it out as a curio. based on the george bernard shaw play of the same name it is theatrically based ~ as opposed to cinematic.

there is much artistic licence with the script vis-a-vis reality ~ "cleopatra" the DVD is nearer the truth. but this DVD has its merits. its sets are pared down allowing you to concentrate on the dialogue ~ and its damn good too. vivien leigh plays cleopatra as a coquettish young girl, growing in stature as the film progresses towards it inevitable conclusion. and although i dont find her 'cleopatra' authentic enough, its true to the GBS script.

claude rains is a kindly patrician and this too has its comic moments and is certainly emblematic of the caesar, as played by rex harrison 18 years later in the definative "cleopatra"

it is unfair to compare the two films. suffice to say the "caesar and cleopatra" is most definately in the genre of british theatre making it to the big screen, whilst "cleopatra" is most definately epic.

my recommendation is get both and judge for yourself. each has its place and both are deserving


Beautifully directed, classic film.   April 7, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

As Cleopatra, Leigh is, as always, wonderful. This film is very enjoyable, however cannot be considered on the same level as the later 'Cleopatra' starring Liz Taylor, which goes deeper in its more epic proportions. However, standing apart from this later film, 'Caesar and Cleopatra' is a wonderful film and will be enjoyed by all those who are interested in older films.