Cert PG
248 mins
BBFC advice: Contains mild violence, language, sex references and grisly scenes
Where are the really great actors nowadays?
Dare I say that only the likes of Helen Mirren and Anthony Hopkins would have been good enough to have starred in epics such as Cleopatra?
It is fascinating to see how clear diction and voice power has become less important over the years.
This stood out for me because of the screen presence of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and, in particular, Rex Harrison in this classic, re-released to mark its 50th anniversary.
Harrison had become, in my mind's eye, a bit of a song and dance man, thanks to his roles in Doctor Dolittle and My Fair Lady.
Here, he is a passionate, brutal and yet occasionally vulnerable as Julius Caesar. Truly brilliant.
There is little to choose between him and Burton who plays Mark Antony, while Roddy McDowell lights up the screen as Antony's nemesis, Octavian.
But Taylor's magnificence overshadows the lot. Cleopatra is feisty, lovelorn, sometimes statesmanlike and sometimes childlike and Taylor portrays them all as if she is the famous queen.
Meanwhile, it was a case of spot-the-young British actor for much of the four hours.
I picked out Richard O'Sullivan, Upstairs Downstairs' Jean Marsh and Desmond Llewellyn (Q from James Bond).
Apparently, I missed Francesca Annis, John Alderton, Ronald Allen (Mr Hunter in Crossroads) and, much to my shame, I didn't recognise George Cole.
Cleopatra is so good I would love to watch it all over again but as it is four hours long it could be years before that happens.
However, this marathon was well spent: the drama is electric and the sets are breathtaking.
The Romans and Egyptians enjoyed pageantry and director Joseph L Mankiewicz's picture gloriously reflects that.
For the record, Cleopatra tells the story of the young Egyptian queen from her battle for the throne to her death.
Her reign in Egypt ran parallel with the time of Julius Caesar in Rome.
Their controversial romance and later that of hers with Antony provide the backbone of the movie.
But it is so much more than simple boy meets girl. There is love, betrayal, glory and failure.
And it passes the test of time despite its 50-year-old sensibilities. For example, there is no swearing, only a hint of nudity and no gore.
I struggle to think of anyone nowadays who could make a four-hour film and it be awarded a PG rating.
Cleopatra is intelligent and visually stunning but it is also family entertainment.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 10/10