The Plot Thickens: Episode "Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Plot Thickens
• Host/Author: TCM
• Episode: Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck
• Release Date: August 14, 2025
• Season: 6 (Cleopatra Series)

Introduction: The Turbulent Production of "Cleopatra"

In the sixth season of The Plot Thickens, host Ben Mankiewicz delves into the tumultuous production of one of Hollywood's most infamous films, Cleopatra. This six-episode series unpacks the myriad challenges that plagued the project, from medical emergencies and climate disasters to internal power struggles and scandalous affairs. The episode titled "Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck" focuses on the fierce conflict between Joe Mankiewicz, the film’s director and Ben’s uncle, and Darryl F. Zanuck, the powerful president of 20th Century Fox.

Section 1: Joe Mankiewicz’s Descent Under the Egyptian Sun

[00:32] Ben Mankiewicz sets the stage by recounting a particularly distressing period in June 1962 when Joe Mankiewicz reached his breaking point during the filming of Cleopatra in the harsh desert outside Alexandria, Egypt. The extreme heat—often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit—coupled with relentless work hours, took a severe toll on Joe’s physical and mental health.

Joe Mankiewicz: "The nurse hit the sciatic nerve and I just couldn't walk. And I was in agony." [01:53]

Exhausted from ten months of directing and writing without adequate rest, Joe’s reliance on Dexedrine shots became excessive, turning him into a "walking pin cushion." An accident where a Dexedrine shot was administered incorrectly left him wheelchair-bound, further complicating the already grueling filming conditions.

Section 2: 20th Century Fox’s Financial Crisis and Zanuck’s Ascendancy

Amidst Joe’s personal struggles, 20th Century Fox was grappling with its own dire financial situation. Profits had plunged by 53% from the previous year, and ticket sales were plummeting, pushing the studio to the brink of collapse. Spiro Skouris, the then-head of 20th Century Fox, faced mounting criticism for the company's substantial $70 million production losses over five years.

[04:54] Ben Mankiewicz: "And that didn't include the budget for Cleopatra, which was still climbing."

Enter Darryl F. Zanuck, a seasoned Hollywood producer renowned for his ability to "motivate, produce, and direct writers and directors". Zanuck harbored a personal vendetta against Skouris and saw an opportunity to take control of the faltering studio.

Section 3: The Clash Over "Cleopatra"

With Zanuck's takeover, he immediately set his sights on Joe Mankiewicz and Cleopatra. Joe, determined to see his vision through despite his crippled condition, embarked on the arduous task of editing the film. He contended with a bloated screenplay of 466 pages and 600,000 feet of footage.

[08:46] Darryl F. Zanuck: "I am Caesar. Only one."

Joe worked tirelessly with an editor for nine weeks, striving to distill the sprawling epic into a coherent masterpiece. However, the looming shadow of Zanuck’s intervention made the process increasingly fraught.

In October 1962, Zanuck demanded a viewing of Joe’s rough cut in Paris. The screening was disastrous:

[13:54] Darryl F. Zanuck: "If any woman ever acted to me the way you have her act to him, I'd cut her balls off."

Zanuck vehemently opposed Joe’s vision of releasing Cleopatra as two separate films, arguing that audiences would balk at paying twice to witness Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s on-screen chemistry a second time. Instead, Zanuck insisted on consolidating the epic into a single, albeit extensive, four-hour film.

Section 4: Public Fallout and the Battle for Control

Zanuck's rejection of Joe's dual-film concept led to a severe rift. Without informing Joe directly, Zanuck began re-editing the film behind his back, a move considered "the ultimate betrayal in Hollywood." Joe, left in the dark, began suspecting Zanuck’s intentions.

Faced with mounting tension, Joe went public to defend his work, with support from Elizabeth Taylor, who criticized Zanuck's interference:

Elizabeth Taylor: "He [Zanuck] took Cleopatra over when it was nothing, when it was rubbish, and he made something out of it. He certainly should have been given the chance to cut it."

In response, Zanuck held his own press conference, painting Joe as a megalomaniac who couldn’t control the film's budget, culminating in his eventual termination.

Section 5: Personal Turmoil and New Beginnings

Amidst the professional chaos, Joe’s personal life took a significant turn. His marriage to Rosemary Matthews, a vibrant production assistant he met during the filming of Barefoot Contessa, brought a semblance of stability to his tumultuous life.

[31:00] Joe Mankiewicz: “We might as well get married.”

Their union on December 14, 1962, marked a poignant moment for Joe, providing emotional support during the Cleopatra ordeal.

Section 6: The Final Push to Complete "Cleopatra"

Despite the mounting pressures, Joe remained steadfast in his commitment to complete Cleopatra. Following his wedding, Zanuck unexpectedly called him back to Spain to direct a crucial battle scene. Reluctantly, Joe agreed, driven by his unwavering dedication to the project.

Behind the scenes, Zanuck orchestrated a media campaign to cement his authority, showcasing himself in control through a televised special:

[36:25] Darryl F. Zanuck: "I like making motion pictures. I like this life."

This portrayal cast Joe as a tyrannical director battling against the studio head, further inflaming tensions.

Section 7: The Anticipated Premiere

After relentless efforts, a trailer for Cleopatra was released, accompanied by contentious promotional materials. The iconic 1600-seat Rivoli Theater in New York was chosen for the world premiere on June 12, heralded as "the most expectantly awaited film in history."

As the countdown to the premiere began, the global spotlight intensified, setting the stage for an explosive conclusion to this saga of ambition, power, and artistic integrity.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strife and Triumph

Ben Mankiewicz wraps up the episode by reflecting on Joe Mankiewicz’s relentless pursuit to salvage his magnum opus against overwhelming odds. The conflict with Darryl Zanuck not only defined the production of Cleopatra but also left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.

[25:22] Ben Mankiewicz: "My Uncle Joe lost. Cleopatra stayed in the hands of Zanuck and it remained one movie. We'll never know if two would have been better than one, but according to Scott Imani, based on what we have seen, it's quite possible that Zanuck was right."

The episode sets the stage for the climactic premiere, leaving listeners eager to uncover the final outcomes of this legendary Hollywood battle.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:53] Joe Mankiewicz: "The nurse hit the sciatic nerve and I just couldn't walk. And I was in agony."
• [13:54] Darryl F. Zanuck: "If any woman ever acted to me the way you have her act to him, I'd cut her balls off."
• [25:22] Ben Mankiewicz: "My Uncle Joe lost. Cleopatra stayed in the hands of Zanuck and it remained one movie..."
• [31:00] Joe Mankiewicz: “We might as well get married.”
• [36:25] Darryl F. Zanuck: "I like making motion pictures. I like this life."

Production Credits:

• Director of Podcasts: Angela Caron
• Story Editor: Rob Rosenthal
• Senior Producer: Jakob Friedman
• Script Writing: Jakob Friedman, Natalia Winkelman, Angela Caron
• Research and Fact-Checking: James Sheridan
• Audio Editing and Sound Design: Mike Vulgaris
• Mixing: Glenn Matullo
• Production Support: Liz Winter, Allison Fire, Matthew Ownby, Julie Bettone, Emma Morris, Jordan Chips, Nicole Hill, David Corwin
• Legal Team: Jon Renaud, Kristen Hassell
• Executive Producer: Charlie Tavish
• Special Thanks: Archival support from the American Film Institute, Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Boston University
• Theme Music: Thomas Avery of Tune Welders

The Plot Thickens masterfully captures the intricate dynamics and high-stakes drama that surrounded the making of Cleopatra. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful commentary, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how ambition, power, and personal relationships intertwined to shape one of cinema’s most notorious productions.