The Cleopatras
The Cleopatras is a 1983 BBC Television historical drama serial created and written by Philip Mackie. Set in Ancient Egypt during the latter part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the eight-part series follows the lives of a series of queens belonging to the Ptolemaic Dynasty of ancient Egypt, culminating in its final active ruler Cleopatra VII. Intended to be the I, Claudius of the 1980s, The Cleopatras met with a decidedly negative critical reaction, and was regarded and portrayed as a gaudy farce. It also produced a number of complaints due to scenes of nudity.
Cast: Michelle Newell
Miniseries
8 episodes
- 1. 145 BCPtolemy VIII, known as Pot Belly, takes control. A vengeful mother has the support of the mob - and persuades Rome she can be just as good a friend as Potbelly. In revenge Pot Belly sends a very special present.CC50minJan 19, 1983
- 2. 128 BCGreek Pharoah Pot Belly shows himself to be one of the few men to better the Cleopatras of his family.CC50minJan 26, 1983
- 3. 115 BCOn his deathbed, Pot Belly stages his greatest practical joke -leaving a will gleefully designed to cause mayhem. It works. Chickpea becomes king against Cleopatra's wishes. However, Cleopatra turns the mob against him, leaving her free to invite her favourite son, Alexander, to share the throne with her. She gets more than she bargained for.CC50minFeb 2, 1983
- 4. 100 BCBerenike plots to get rid of her drunken husband Alexander. Chickpea reclaims the throne and Berenike's ambition is realised when he makes her joint monarch. However, his death leaves a dangerous power vacuum - and Rome is now taking a more than friendly interest.CC50minFeb 9, 1983
- 5. 80 BCFor all his eccentricity, Fluter sees clearly that Rome is the true source of all power, and he sets off on an extended royal visit, dispensing large sums of money to bribe both Caesar and the Senate to back him. The Egyptians, furious at this subservience, depose him in his absence and make his wife, Cleopatra Tryphaena, and his daughter, Berenike, joint monarchs. But the illegitimate Fluter has enough Ptolemy blood not to let go easily.CC50minFeb 16, 1983
- 6. 51 BCThe youngest and most notorious of the Cleopatras, now 18, becomes joint ruler with her brother Ptolemy. Civil war breaks out. It is only the arrival of Julius Caesar that makes a solution possible. Cleopatra and Caesar become lovers. She believes she has found the man to help her realise her ambition to rule the world.CC50minFeb 23, 1983
- 7. 46 BCCleopatra gives birth to Julius Caesar's son and takes him to republican Rome to persuade Caesar to declare himself King - with her son as heir.CC50minMar 2, 1982
- 8. 35 BCMark Anthony's insatiable passion for Cleopatra saps his military judgement.CC50minMar 9, 1982
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The Cleopatras
The Cleopatras is a 1983 BBC Television historical drama serial created and written by Philip Mackie. Set in Ancient Egypt during the latter part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the eight-part series follows the lives of a series of queens belonging to the Ptolemaic Dynasty of ancient Egypt, culminating in its final active ruler Cleopatra VII. Intended to be the I, Claudius of the 1980s, The Cleopatras met with a decidedly negative critical reaction, and was regarded and portrayed as a gaudy farce. It also produced a number of complaints due to scenes of nudity.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- John Frankau
- Created by
- Philip Mackie
- Cast
- Michelle Newell
- Studio
- BBC
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
