Podcast Summary: “Ask Ben Your Cleopatra Questions!”

The Plot Thickens – TCM
Host: Ben Mankiewicz
Episode Date: August 26, 2025

Overview

In this brief interlude between seasons, host Ben Mankiewicz invites listeners to participate in a special Q&A episode following the sixth season of The Plot Thickens, which covered the legendary Hollywood production of Cleopatra. With the comprehensive documentary series wrapped, Ben opens the floor for audience questions about all things Cleopatra—from behind-the-scenes chaos to his own family’s legacy in the making of the film.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Q&A Announcement

• Ben introduces this episode as a prompt for listeners to get involved ([00:01]):
  • “Now that our Cleopatra season is over, we want to hear from you. We're doing a Q and A episode. You ask the questions, I answer them. Or try to anyway.”
  • Ben encourages curiosity, assuring listeners: “Don’t hold back.”
• Topics open for questions include:
  • The film Cleopatra and its notorious production
  • Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Ben’s great-uncle and director of Cleopatra)
  • The stars (Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, etc.)
  • Family stories and industry anecdotes

2. Submission Details

• Ben invites listeners to submit questions via voicemail, emphasizing a personable, direct interaction:
  • “It’s kind of old fashioned. You’ll need a phone and then you’ll have to make a phone call.” ([00:31])
  • Sharing the hotline number multiple times for clarity: “404-885-0013.”
• Ben’s playful instruction:
  • “Tell us your name and the city or town you’re calling from.”
  • “I may well answer your question in the episode and if I do, your voice will be included, so keep it moderately clean.” ([00:41])

3. Tone and Community Engagement

• Friendly, informal, and a bit tongue-in-cheek:
  • “Or try to anyway.”
  • “Keep it moderately clean.”
  • “I’m curious about your questions.”
• The announcement both invites and empowers the audience, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the podcast.
• Repeats thanks to loyal listeners, reinforcing the show's community-building ethos ([00:52]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Listener Invitation:
  • “Now that our Cleopatra season is over, we want to hear from you. We're doing a Q and A episode. You ask the questions, I answer them.” – Ben Mankiewicz ([00:01])
• Behind-the-Scenes Openness:
  • “You can ask about Cleopatra, my great uncle Joe Mankiewicz, the stars of the movie. Whatever you want me to weigh in on, within reason.” – Ben Mankiewicz ([00:10])
• Community Details:
  • “Tell us your name and the city or town you’re calling from. I may well answer your question in the episode and if I do, your voice will be included, so keep it moderately clean.” – Ben Mankiewicz ([00:41])
• Encouragement:
  • “Don’t hold back.” – Ben Mankiewicz ([00:47])
• Thanks to Listeners:
  • “And as always, thanks so much for listening to The Plot Thickens.” – Ben Mankiewicz ([00:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–00:10 – Introduction and Q&A announcement
• 00:10–00:41 – Explanation of submission process, topics open for discussion
• 00:41–00:52 – Request for listener info, playful warnings, repeated number, closing thanks

Summary

This episode is an energetic, open invitation from Ben Mankiewicz for listeners to shape the next edition of The Plot Thickens. With a tone both personal and playful, Ben calls on the audience to send their questions on the wild history of Cleopatra, the colorful cast, and family lore. Clear instructions and friendly encouragement set the stage for a highly interactive follow-up to one of Hollywood’s most infamous epics.