Cleopatra (1917)

Cleopatra (Theda Bara), the Siren of Egypt, by a clever ruse reaches Caesar (Fritz 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 (Alan 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 (Thurston 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 (Henri 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.

Cleopatra is a 1917 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.

Directed by: J. Gordon Edwards
Starring: Theda Bara, Fritz Leiber, Sr., Thurston Hall, Alan Roscoe, Herschel Mayall, Dorothy Drake, Delle Duncan, Henri De Vries, Art Acord, Hector V. Sarno, Genevieve Blinn
Screenplay by: Adrian Johnson
Production Design by: George James Hopkins
Cinematography by: John W. Boyle, Rial Schellinger, George Schneiderman
Film Editing by: Edward M. McDermott
Costume Design by: George James Hopkins
Set Decoration by: George James Hopkins
Art Direction by: George James Hopkins
Music by: José Martínez
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Fox Film Corporation
Release Date: October 14, 1917