The Plot Thickens: Season 6, Episode "The Girl is on Salary" – A Detailed Summary
Introduction: The Ambitious Beginnings of Cleopatra
In the Spring of 1961, Joe Mankiewicz, an Oscar-winning director and uncle to host Ben Mankiewicz, undertook the colossal task of bringing the epic film Cleopatra to life. Set against a backdrop of immense ambition, the production was poised to be one of the most expensive and infamous films ever made. However, from the outset, Joe faced a myriad of challenges that would ultimately contribute to the film's troubled legacy.
Casting Conundrums and Richard Burton's Entrance
One of the earliest hurdles Joe encountered was casting. The leading roles of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were initially portrayed by Peter Finch and Stephen Boyd, respectively. However, Joe envisioned a different dynamic for Mark Antony. He believed that Welsh actor Richard Burton, with his "mesmerizing voice" and charismatic presence, was the perfect fit for the role. As Joe recounts, "Mark Antony was being played by an Irish actor named Stephen Boyd... but in Joe's mind, Richard was born to play the part" (Transcript: 05:30).
Despite the producers' initial reluctance, Joe's persistence led to a groundbreaking casting decision. Spiros Skuros, president of 20th Century Fox, eventually acquiesced, albeit with the condition of an accelerated shooting schedule starting on September 18. This tight timeline posed significant logistical challenges, as the production was still grappling with unfinished sets, an incomplete script, and Elizabeth Taylor's health issues.
Production Delays and Escalating Costs
Relocating the shoot from London to Rome was a strategic move by Joe to combat rising costs and seek better weather conditions. Filming at Chinacita Film Studios, Italy's largest studio at the time, seemed economical due to cheaper non-union Italian crews and favorable weather. Film historian Scott Iman notes, "Roman technicians didn't get as much money... it's sunnier, the food's better" (Transcript: 08:45).
However, the decision to film in Italy quickly led to unforeseen expenses. High-profile actors like Richard Burton commanded hefty salaries—$250,000 for Burton alone, plus an additional $50,000 to release him from his Broadway commitments. Additionally, the construction of the city of Alexandria near Anzio revealed hidden dangers, including active landmines from World War II battles. As Nick Davis, Joe's cousin, explains, "When the production crew realizes this, they have to blow up all these landmines... lose however many days or weeks of shooting" (Transcript: 12:15).
Joe's diary reflects the mounting pressure: "I was down in the holes of this ship shoveling coal like a son of a bitch" (Transcript: 10:00). Despite attempts to streamline the script, Joe was adamant about maintaining quality, leading to constant clashes with Fox executives over deadlines and budgets.
On-Set Tensions and Joe's Struggles
As the production advanced, Joe's relentless pursuit of perfection took a toll on his well-being. Faced with incessant delays and budget overruns, he began self-medicating to cope with the stress. In his diary, he detailed his regimented use of Dexedrine to manage his writing schedule: "I was given a shot to keep me going in the afternoon... write until about 2 in the morning" (Transcript: 20:50).
Managing the cast proved equally challenging. Richard Burton, renowned for his drinking habits, often arrived on set intoxicated, hindering his performance and reliability. Concurrently, Elizabeth Taylor's punctuality was questionable, further exacerbating production delays. Joe's attempts to mediate between the demanding stars and the unyielding production schedule often left him feeling like he was "living every director's nightmare" (Transcript: 25:30).
The Scandal: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's Affair
Amidst the chaos of production, a monumental personal drama unfolded. An on-set romance began between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, igniting rumors that would soon become public knowledge. The genesis of their affair is poignantly captured when, on January 22, 1962, Taylor and Burton shared a vulnerable moment during a scene under Taylor's recount: "Richard was so hungover... he was pathetic... that's how the affair of the century started" (Transcript: 35:20).
Their clandestine relationship intensified tensions on set and threatened to derail the entire production. As Joe navigated this delicate situation, he found himself counseling both parties while trying to maintain professional integrity. This love triangle not only strained personal relationships but also distracted the cast and crew from the demanding filming schedule.
Impact of the Affair on Production
The affair had profound implications for the production. As Joe recounted, the entanglement between Taylor, Burton, and her husband Eddie Fisher created a toxic environment. Fisher's volatile reactions, including a reported confrontation where he allegedly threatened violence, further destabilized the set (Transcript: 42:10).
Joe's intervention was pivotal but insufficient. The escalating rumors and eventual scandal led to negative press coverage, jeopardizing the film's reputation even before its release. Denials from Burton's publicist only fueled the fire, turning whispers into widely reported stories.
Conclusion: The Downfall of Cleopatra
By mid-1962, the multitude of setbacks—ranging from financial strain, production delays, and personal scandals—had culminated in a production disaster. Joe Mankiewicz's Cleopatra became a symbol of Hollywood excess and mismanagement. The film, despite its potential and star-studded cast, failed to achieve its anticipated success, overshadowed by the very issues that plagued its making.
Joe reflected on the immense pressure, noting, "when you're in a cage with lions, you never let them know that you're afraid of them or they'll eat you" (Transcript: 50:35). This episode of The Plot Thickens delves deep into the human and logistical elements that transformed an epic film project into a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry.
Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps
- Ben Mankiewicz: "Mark Antony was being played by an Irish actor named Stephen Boyd... but in Joe's mind, Richard was born to play the part." (05:30)
- Joe Mankiewicz: "I was down in the holes of this ship shoveling coal like a son of a bitch." (10:00)
- Nick Davis: "When the production crew realizes this, they have to blow up all these landmines... lose however many days or weeks of shooting." (12:15)
- Joe Mankiewicz: "I was given a shot to keep me going in the afternoon... write until about 2 in the morning." (20:50)
- Elizabeth Taylor (via Larry King): "Richard and I fell in love on the set of Cleopatra and we tried not to." (38:00)
- Tom Mankiewicz: "That's my cousin again, Tom Mankiewicz. Men wanted to be Richard and women wanted to sleep with him." (45:20)
- Joe Mankiewicz: "When you're in a cage with lions, you never let them know that you're afraid of them or they'll eat you." (50:35)
Final Thoughts
Episode "The Girl is on Salary" of The Plot Thickens offers an in-depth exploration of the tumultuous production of Cleopatra. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and candid diary entries, Ben Mankiewicz paints a vivid picture of the interplay between ambition, personal drama, and the unforgiving nature of Hollywood. This episode serves as a compelling narrative on how even the most promising projects can falter under the weight of unforeseen challenges.