London Slog

The Plot Thickens by TCM Podcasts

Jul 17, 202550:51TV & Film

20th Century Fox pays Elizabeth Taylor a record-breaking salary to play Cleopatra, then tries to save money by filming the movie in England. That turns out to be a disastrous decision. The weather doesn’t agree with Liz,...

Related Episodes

Continue listening to more episodes from The Plot Thickens.

Ben Answers Your Cleopatra Questions

Sep 18, 2025 - 40:44

Ben Mankiewicz received hundreds of voicemails about Cleopatra, and now he's answering them! Well, as man...

Ask Ben Your Cleopatra Questions!

Aug 26, 2025 - 1:00

We’re doing our first-ever Q&A bonus episode, and we want your questions! Call 404-885-0013 to leave a vo...

Wildly Successful and Much Maligned

Aug 21, 2025 - 46:54

The fate of 20th Century Fox hangs in the balance as Cleopatra premieres. Critics and audiences weigh in,...

Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck

Aug 14, 2025 - 45:54

Joe’s body reaches its breaking point, and he’s forced to film the last few scenes from a wheelchair. But...

Le Scandale

Aug 7, 2025 - 46:57

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s love affair becomes a tabloid sensation. Richard drinks and Elizabe...

The Girl is on Salary

Jul 31, 2025 - 50:53

Joe Mankiewicz decides to recast two leading men and hires Richard Burton and Rex Harrison – major talent...

Joe

Jul 24, 2025 - 56:36

While Elizabeth Taylor fights for her life in a London hospital, Joe Mankiewicz begins to grapple with th...

Season 6 Trailer: Cleopatra

Jul 2, 2025 - 3:53

His studio was collapsing. His budget was skyrocketing. And his two stars were making headlines for all t...