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Cleopatra

Released Oct 14, 1917 Drama List
91% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Cleopatra

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Critics Consensus

Theda Bara is the magnetic focal point of this massive spectacle, with no expense spared to evoke the grandeur and tragedy of Cleopatra's life.

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Critics Reviews

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Neville Cardus Guardian The film Cleopatra is another proof that the kinema may accomplish some of the effects of authentic dramatic art if it will only select its subjects judiciously. Apr 9, 2021 Full Review Richard L. Stokes St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scenery and costumes no more constitute a dramatic masterpiece in the movies than they do in the theater. There must be an architecture in the plot, a scientific employment of the stresses and strains of motives. Mar 10, 2021 Full Review Edward A. Morphy San Francisco Chronicle [Cleopatra presents] half a dozen of the most artistically beautiful scenes that have ever been photographed. Mar 10, 2021 Full Review PG Staff Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Theda Bara's vivid portrayal of the famous Egyptian Queen stands out as one of the most daring characterizations ever presented in motion pictures. Mar 10, 2021 Full Review Courant Staff Hartford Courant This is the occasional screen production that startles by its magnificence and by the hugeness of its representation. Mar 10, 2021 Full Review Gazette Staff Montreal Gazette Though truly wonderful scenic effects are brought into play... the most striking feature of all was Miss Bara's simulation of the caprices and allurements of the great Egyptian Queen. Mar 10, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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J L Sadly we will never know about this movie.Only a few clips survive of this 1st epic movie. I will still give it a rating. becouse it's the first Cleopatra movie that inspired and set the bar for all others that were to come. It employed at that time an unheard of 2000 extras, Huge sets, and broke all the major rules for being very risque. (Theda Bara's costumes were almost none exsistant) When they came out with a set of codes, most copies were destroyed bcouse of being so risque. then the last 2 survivng copies along with many other silent films were lost due to fires. I give this flick 4and 1/2 stars for being so daring and for being the first ever Cleopatra film. I am also the first on flixster to write any thing about this iconic lost film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/14/10 Full Review Audience Member got bored with this one Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/04/08 Full Review Read all reviews
Cleopatra

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Movie Info

Director
J. Gordon Edwards
Producer
William Fox
Screenwriter
Adrian Johnson
Distributor
Fox Film Corporation
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 14, 1917, Original