Episode Summary: Le Scandale - The Plot Thickens Season 6

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Plot Thickens
• Host: Ben Mankiewicz (Turner Classic Movies)
• Episode: Le Scandale
• Release Date: August 7, 2025
• Season: 6 (Focus: Cleopatra)

Introduction

In the fourth episode of the sixth season of The Plot Thickens, titled Le Scandale, host Ben Mankiewicz delves deep into the chaotic production of the 1963 epic film Cleopatra. This episode explores the intersection of Hollywood glamour, personal turmoil, and monumental filmmaking challenges that ultimately led to one of the most infamous productions in cinematic history.

Elizabeth Taylor's Marital History

Ben begins by providing context on Elizabeth Taylor's tumultuous personal life, highlighting her multiple marriages and the public's intense fascination with them.

Key Points:

• Early Marriages: Taylor's first marriage to Conrad Hilton Jr. ended disastrously after six months due to his gambling and abusive behavior, including causing a miscarriage (02:45).
• Second Marriage to Michael Wilding: Described as a safer, more stable relationship compared to her first, but ultimately unfulfilling as Taylor craved more adventure and strength (05:30).
• Third Marriage to Mike Todd: A passionate yet volatile relationship that ended abruptly with Todd's tragic death in a plane crash (08:15).

Notable Quote:

"Populations have always cared about the personal lives of celebrities, but Elizabeth Taylor's marriages were a particular fascination." — Ben Mankiewicz (01:50)

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's Affair

The episode transitions to the central scandal involving Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of Cleopatra.

Key Points:

• Secret Affair: Taylor and Burton's relationship was referred to by the French term le scandale, indicating the secretive and scandalous nature of their romance (15:20).
• Impact on Taylor's Marriage: The affair led to significant tension with Taylor's husband, Eddie Fisher, culminating in their separation and eventual divorce (18:40).
• Public and Media Scrutiny: The press relentlessly pursued evidence of the affair, culminating in a leaked photograph confirming their relationship (27:10).

Notable Quote:

"This was no love triangle or even a love square. This was a love pentagon." — Ben Mankiewicz (17:55)

Production Challenges of Cleopatra

Ben provides an in-depth look at the myriad of production issues that plagued Cleopatra, exacerbated by the personal dramas of its stars.

Key Points:

• Budget Overruns: Initial budget estimates of $11 million ballooned to $30 million due to various delays and mishaps (35:50).
• Location Difficulties: Filming in Italy presented unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical nightmares (40:15).
• Technical Issues: Problems such as non-functioning props (e.g., Herbert Berghoff’s walking stick) and unexpected delays caused significant financial strain (45:00).

Notable Quote:

"Every single thing that's happened has happened to me. This is all about me." — Joe Mankiewicz (56:30)

The Fallout and Scandal

The affair between Taylor and Burton not only disrupted personal lives but also significantly impacted the film's production and the studio's reputation.

Key Points:

• Vatican's Condemnation: The Vatican published a scathing opinion piece labeling Taylor's affair as "erotic vagrancy," intensifying local tensions and public backlash (50:25).
• Threats and Pressure: Taylor received death threats, and production pressures mounted as the scandal overshadowed the filmmaking process (52:10).
• Studio Intervention: 20th Century Fox’s management, particularly Spyros Skuros, sought to blame producer Walter Wanger for the runaway production costs and turmoil (55:00).

Notable Quote:

"It's impossible not to feel bad for the guy." — Matthew Bernstein on Walter Wanger’s predicament (59:45)

Impact on Production and Studio

The culmination of personal scandals and production woes led to significant changes in the film's trajectory and the fate of those involved.

Key Points:

• Walter Wanger’s Dismissal: Under immense pressure, Skuros fired Wanger, despite his original role in envisioning the project, leading to further instability (60:30).
• Final Shoots and Emotional Exhaustion: The final days of filming saw Joe Mankiewicz breaking down, highlighting the immense personal toll the production had taken on him (62:15).
• Completion of the Film: Despite the chaos, Cleopatra was eventually completed, but not without lasting scars on those involved and the studio’s finances (65:00).

Notable Quote:

"She was crying from relief. But then it dawned on her. The shot was ruined." — Ben Mankiewicz on a pivotal scene (48:20)

Conclusion

Le Scandale paints a vivid picture of how personal indiscretions and professional missteps can intertwine to create a perfect storm in film production. Through family anecdotes and archival insights, Ben Mankiewicz underscores the human vulnerabilities behind Hollywood’s grand productions.

Notable Quote:

"There was big old gruff Joe and he was. He was as moved as I had been amid all of this." — Cousin reflecting on Joe Mankiewicz’s emotional state (58:10)

Notable Quotes Summary

• On Public Fascination with Celebrities:

  "Populations have always cared about the personal lives of celebrities, but Elizabeth Taylor's marriages were a particular fascination." — Ben Mankiewicz (01:50)

• On the Complexity of the Affair:

  "This was no love triangle or even a love square. This was a love pentagon." — Ben Mankiewicz (17:55)

• On Joe Mankiewicz’s Breakdown:

  "Every single thing that's happened has happened to me. This is all about me." — Joe Mankiewicz (56:30)

• On Walter Wanger’s Struggle:

  "It's impossible not to feel bad for the guy." — Matthew Bernstein (59:45)

• On the Ruined Shot:

  "She was crying from relief. But then it dawned on her. The shot was ruined." — Ben Mankiewicz (48:20)

• On Joe’s Emotional State:

  "There was big old gruff Joe and he was. He was as moved as I had been amid all of this." — Cousin (58:10)

Episode Credits

The Plot Thickens is produced by Angela Caron, with story editing by Rob Rosenthal and senior production by Yaakov Friedman. Special thanks to the American Film Institute, Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, and Boston University’s archivists. The episode features contributions from family members, including the late Tom and Chris Mankiewicz.

Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week as we explore the final battles of Cleopatra’s production and the tragic end that left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.