The Plot Thickens: Episode "Joe" – A Deep Dive into Joe Mankiewicz's Life and Legacy
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Plot Thickens
- Host/Author: TCM (Ben Mankiewicz)
- Season: Sixth (Focus: Cleopatra)
- Episode: Joe
- Release Date: July 24, 2025
1. Introduction
In the second episode of the sixth season of The Plot Thickens, titled "Joe," host Ben Mankiewicz delves into the tumultuous life of his great uncle, Joe Mankiewicz. A celebrated writer and director in Hollywood, Joe's career was marked by both monumental successes and personal tragedies. This episode intricately weaves through Joe's early beginnings, his rise in the film industry, his complex personal relationships, and the catastrophic production of the film Cleopatra.
2. Early Life and Entry into Hollywood
a. Family Background
Joe Mankiewicz was born into a family with a strong foothold in the entertainment industry. His father, Franz Mankiewicz, was a stern and domineering figure, while his older brother, Herman, was a successful screenwriter known for his talent and tumultuous personal life. Growing up under a father who had little regard for Hollywood, Joe found himself seeking solace and identity outside his family's shadow.
Notable Insight:
"I was a midget in a family of giants, all highly articulate, opinionated, extroverted, argumentative and given to much bellowing." – Joe Mankiewicz [14:07]
b. Entering Hollywood
At 19, fresh out of college and battling depression, Joe wrote to his brother Herman for help. Herman, already a successful screenwriter at Paramount Pictures, welcomed Joe into Hollywood, albeit with a condition tied to his sobriety.
Key Moment:
"And Herman sent a telegram to Joe that said, for Christ's sake, come to Hollywood." – Nick Davis (Biographer) [12:26]
Joe's arrival in Hollywood was marked by enthusiasm and awe, attending lavish parties and immersing himself in the bustling world of film production.
3. Rise in the Film Industry
a. Early Career and Challenges
Joe's initial role in Hollywood involved writing title cards for silent films. However, as the industry transitioned to "talkies," his talent for dialogue became evident. Demonstrating his dedication, Joe penned six versions of a single script, showcasing his versatility and commitment.
Highlight:
"He plays the politics of Hollywood very well." – Scott Iman [21:16]
b. Directorial Success
Joe's breakthrough came with the screenplay for Skippy (1931), which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay when he was just 22. This success propelled him into the limelight, allowing him to write numerous screenplays over the next few years.
Significant Achievement:
"A Letter to Three Wives" opened at Radio City Music Hall in January of 1949 to rave reviews. – Narrator [28:15]
"Joe won two Oscars that night, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director." – Narrator [28:46]
4. Personal Relationships and Marriages
a. Affairs with Hollywood Actresses
Joe's charisma and intelligence made him a desirable figure among Hollywood's leading ladies. He had notable affairs with icons such as Joan Crawford and Judy Garland, often forming deep emotional connections with these talented yet troubled women.
Reflective Quote:
"He would talk to them about their mothers, about psychiatry, and about how difficult it must be to have grown up with your mother." – Scott Iman [38:25]
b. Marriage to Rosa Stradner
In 1939, Joe married Austrian actress Rosa Stradner. Their marriage was a blend of love and turmoil, marked by Rosa's severe mental health issues. Despite attempts to support her, including sending her to the esteemed Menninger Clinic, their relationship was fraught with challenges, leading to Rosa's tragic suicide in 1958.
Emotional Insight:
"She was schizophrenic. I mean, in the sense that with a couple of drinks, which was usually the trigger, she became a totally different human being and one that was at times violent and could be cruel. And yet she was a loving, wonderful mother." – Joe Mankiewicz [40:07]
Impact of Loss: Joe's reaction to Rosa's death was complex. Contrary to expectations of relief, he was devastated, leading him to make impulsive decisions such as selling his apartment and embarking on a solitary journey to Europe to heal.
Diary Entry Reflection:
"Should the ship sink, I can think of no one aboard this dreary vessel who will leave the world emptier." – Joe Mankiewicz [45:11]
5. The Cleopatra Crisis
a. Contract and Relocation to London
In January 1961, at 52, Joe secured a lucrative contract with 20th Century Fox to direct Cleopatra, a project seen as Fox's make-or-break endeavor to reclaim audiences lost to television.
Strategic Move:
"It was basically a guy in Vegas down to his last $20,000, betting everything." – Scott Iman [06:40]
b. Challenges on Set
Shortly after beginning work, the production faced significant setbacks. The original director, Reuben Mamoulian, had shot only minimal footage under his brief tenure. Joe assessed the disorganized sets and chaotic production environment, leading him to advocate for a complete restart.
Determined Decision:
"We’re going to have to get up for a complete new start on this thing." – Joe Mankiewicz [08:43]
c. Elizabeth Taylor's Illness
On March 4, 1961, Elizabeth Taylor, the star of Cleopatra, fell gravely ill with pneumonia and slipped into a coma. Joe, deeply connected both professionally and personally, stood by her side during the harrowing hours of her medical crisis.
Heartfelt Moment:
"I pushed them out of the way. I tried to stop them from taking pictures. It was absurd. My wife was dying and I was protecting her from the media." – Joe Mankiewicz [01:11]
Despite the chaos and media frenzy, Elizabeth survived the operation but remained in critical condition, delaying the production indefinitely.
Press Misreporting:
"The press had mistakenly reported Liz's death, a fact that always amused her." – Narrator [52:24]
6. Balancing Personal Grief and Professional Duties
Joe's handling of Elizabeth Taylor's medical emergency showcased his resilience and dedication. While the production of Cleopatra was on hold, Joe grappled with his uncle's personal loss and the project's precarious status.
Emotional Fortitude:
"Elizabeth's life had all the twists and turns of a great soap opera plot, but it was bigger and more complicated. And it was real." – Joe Mankiewicz [53:22]
This period was a testament to Joe's ability to maintain composure amidst personal and professional upheavals, a recurring theme throughout his career.
7. Joe's Directorial Philosophy and Legacy
Joe Mankiewicz was renowned for his sophisticated storytelling, particularly his ability to craft compelling female characters. His films, such as A Letter to Three Wives and All About Eve, are celebrated for their sharp wit, strong female leads, and intricate character dynamics.
Creative Passion:
"Anybody will ever write a foil film or a book about a remarkable woman in which everything will be known. I think you do it about a man, but you can't do it about a woman." – Joe Mankiewicz [32:01]
Joe's commitment to authentic storytelling and character development not only earned him multiple Academy Awards but also left an indelible mark on Hollywood's cinematic landscape.
Critical Acclaim:
"All About Eve became an immediate hit. It earned a record breaking 14 Oscar nominations." – Narrator [33:09]
8. Conclusion and Reflections
Joe Mankiewicz's life was a blend of artistic brilliance and personal tribulations. From his meteoric rise in Hollywood to his struggles with personal relationships and the catastrophic Cleopatra production, Joe's story is a poignant reflection of the complexities faced by those behind the silver screen. His legacy endures through his acclaimed films and the indomitable spirit he exhibited in both triumph and adversity.
Final Thoughts:
"Joe was absolutely wonderful. He sat when I was in this coma, he sat in my room. Evidently, day after day, he just sat there." – Ben Mankiewicz [51:27]
As The Plot Thickens continues to unravel the layers of Cleopatra's production, the intricate tapestry of Joe Mankiewicz's life serves as a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence.
Upcoming in "The Plot Thickens"
In the next segments of the episode, listeners will explore the further complexities of Cleopatra's production, Joe Mankiewicz's casting decisions, and the intertwining personal lives that ultimately contributed to the film's infamous legacy.
Notable Quotes and Attributions:
- "Der Tag. It means the day Joe was fluent in German..." – Joe Mankiewicz [04:07]
- "And I knew what I had to do. I just didn't know how to do it." – Joe Mankiewicz [02:02]
- "He was always the person who saw all of his work first, the scripts." – Joe Mankiewicz [41:48]
- "My husband. Joe is insane." – Ben Mankiewicz [48:35]
- "A Letter to Three Wives. Joe won two Oscars that night, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director." – Narrator [28:46]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "Joe" episode, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of Joe Mankiewicz's multifaceted life and his pivotal role in one of Hollywood's most notorious film productions.