Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck
Summary
Host Ben Mankiewicz details the turbulent production of *Cleopatra*, focusing on his uncle Joe Mankiewicz’s physical collapse and subsequent firing by 20th Century Fox president Darryl F. Zanuck. The episode explores their bitter public feud over the film’s editing and budget, Zanuck’s takeover of post-production, and Joe’s reluctant return to direct a final battle scene. It concludes with the movie’s highly anticipated 1963 premiere.
Topics discussed
Joe Mankiewicz's health crisis during Cleopatra filming
Fox's financial collapse and Zanuck's return
Zanuck takes over editing and Joe's two-movie pitch
The Paris screening and Zanuck's rejection of the sequel
Zanuck fires Joe and takes control of the film
Public war: Press conferences and past history
Joe's personal life and marriage to Rosemary
Joe returns to shoot new battle scenes with Zanuck
Marketing, poster disputes, and the world premiere
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