Do you think the casting of ELIZABETH TAYLOR in the 1962 movie" CLEOPATRA" was a good choice?

Question

ELIZABETH TAYLOR did not want the roll. Actor JOAN COLLINS did.

Answer 1

In 1962, Elizabeth Taylor was refered to as 'the most beautiful woman in the world'. She was also a very recognized actress in Europe as well. This multi-million dollar budget film HAD to star her. Nobody else would do.
The "bath" scene made movie history, where you could almost imagine her breasts beneath the surface of the water. Only two years later, Liz was topless for a few seconds in "The Sandpiper" (1965) posing for a young artist, Charles Bronson. Soon thereafter, Deborah Kerr was topless in "The Gypsy Moths" starring Burt Lancaster. (1969). And Olivia Hussey jumped out of bed in "Romeo and Juliet" (1969).
And thus, the topless actress craze began in the 1960's in America.
Film History was made, starting with the most beautiful woman of her time.
By the way, Cleopatra was a film in 1963.

Why all the "thumbs down"? Is Joan Collins reading this?? sore loser after 45 years??!

Answer 2

I know this is going to sound a little rude when I say this....but it is a little too late to do the right thing now.....

Although...I think Joan Collins would have done the film a little more justice....Elizabeth Taylor was very beautiful woman in her youth...she still is.....

I really didn't like the movie either way though....

Answer 3

The making of "Cleopatra" was as big a story as the movie. It was a financial disaster, a PR nightmare, and a business flop due in large part to situations revolving around Taylor. It was an expensive spectacle, devoid of substance. It became the documentary of the affair with Richard Burton, not the story of an Egyptian Queen.

Answer 4

Joan Collins would not have carried the film and given it the legendary status that Taylor supplied. Thank God she accepted the role. Producers were ready to put a dress on Marty Feldman.

Answer 5

Given the fact that Antony was played by Richard Burton, it was no choice at all.

Answer 6

She was good enough as CLEOPATRA. And her chemistry with lover Sir Richard Burton and Rex Harrison is simply splendid.

Answer 7

When Joan was 18, yeah maybe so,
but Liz kept her looks. She looks like Liz.