Cleopatra (1917 film)
| Cleopatra | |
|---|---|
Original release poster
|
|
| Directed by | J. Gordon Edwards |
| Produced by | William Fox |
| Written by |
Adrian Johnson William Shakespeare (plays Antony and Cleopatra and Julius Caesar) Victorien Sardou Émile Moreau (play Cléopâtre) |
| Based on | Cleopatra (Haggard novel) |
| Starring |
Theda Bara Fritz Leiber, Sr. Thurston Hall |
| Music by | José Martínez |
| Cinematography |
John W. Boyle Rial Schellinger George Schneiderman |
| Edited by | Edward M. McDermott |
| Distributed by | Fox Film Corporation |
|
Release date
|
|
|
Running time
|
125 mins. (11 reels) |
| Country | United States |
| Language |
Silent English intertitles |
| Budget | $500,000 |
Cleopatra (1917) was an American silent historical drama film based on H. Rider Haggard's 1889 novel Cleopatra and the plays Cleopatre by Émile Moreau and Victorien Sardou and Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. The film starred Theda Bara in the title role, Fritz Leiber, Sr. as Julius Caesar, and Thurston Hall as Mark Antony. The film is now considered lost, with only fragments surviving.
As described in a film magazine, Cleopatra (Bara), the Siren of Egypt, by a clever ruse reaches Caesar (Leiber) and he falls victim to her charms. They plan to rule the world together, but then Caesar falls. Cleopatra's life is desired by the church, as the wanton woman's rule has become intolerable. Pharon (Roscoe), a high priest, is given a sacred dagger to take her life. He gives her his love instead and, when she is in need of some money, leads her to the tomb of his ancestors, where she tears the treasure from the breast of the mummy. With this wealth she goes to Rome to meet Antony (Hall). He leaves the affairs of state and travels to Alexandria with her, where they revel. Antony is recalled to Rome and married to Octavia (Blinn), but his soul cries out for Cleopatra. He sends her a message to arm her ships and meet him at Actium, where they battle the opposing forces. They are overpowered, and flee to Alexandria. There they are captured by Octavius (De Vries), and Antony dies in Cleopatra's arms. Before Cleopatra is to be dragged behind the wheels of Octavius' chariot, Pharon the priest, who has never ceased to love her, brings her the serpent that she joyously brings to her breast, dying royally with her crown on her head and scepter in her hand as becomes Egypt.
...
Wikipedia