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The Plot Thickens

TCM
Cleopatra
Elizabeth Taylor
Richard Burton
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Hollywood
20th Century Fox
Rex Harrison
Ruben Mamoulian
Pinewood Studios
Walter Wanger
Joe Mankiewicz
Julius Caesar
Academy Awards
Herman Mankiewicz
Citizen Kane
Rome
Turner Classic Movies
John Ford
Henry Fonda
Cinecitta

Our sixth season is Cleopatra, a six-episode series about one of the most expensive and infamous movies ever made. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Elizabeth Taylor, Cleopatra should have been a smash. Instead, it was a shoot plagued by medical emergencies, climate disasters, nervous breakdowns, and the most scandalous love affair to ever hit a movie set. Join host Ben Mankiewicz as h... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes71Founded6 years ago
Categories
Film HistoryTV & Film

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Artwork for The Plot Thickens

Latest Episodes

Ben Mankiewicz received hundreds of voicemails about Cleopatra, and now he's answering them! Well, as many of them as he can. In this special bonus episode, Ben weighs in on the six-hour cut of Cleopatra, what Richard Burton thought of the movie, Jud... more

We’re doing our first-ever Q&A bonus episode, and we want your questions! Call 404-885-0013 to leave a voicemail for Ben. You can ask about Cleopatra, Ben's great-uncle Joe Mankiewicz or the stars of the movie. Remember to tell us your first name and... more

The fate of 20th Century Fox hangs in the balance as Cleopatra premieres. Critics and audiences weigh in, Elizabeth and Richard face momentous life decisions, and Joe sinks into a deep depression.  For years to come, Joe and the Mankiewicz family rec... more

Joe’s body reaches its breaking point, and he’s forced to film the last few scenes from a wheelchair.  But when production wraps, Fox installs a new studio head, Darryl F. Zanuck, who undercuts Joe’s authority and takes over the edit of Cleopatra.  S... more

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Host

Ben Mankiewicz
Host of The Plot Thickens, providing insights into film history and his family's connection to classic cinema, particularly the works of his uncle, Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 6.2k ratings
  • Lucy

    Just binged season 3 and I’m hooked. Thanks to Ben and TCM.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jibbynh
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great podcast

    Love this podcast. Hoping for more seasons now that I’ve listened to all the episodes. Truly great content. Thoughtful and interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    French Mimosa
    United Statesa month ago
  • Hooked on podcasts now !

    Loved it ! Cleopatra was an event in my youth . It would be the 4:30 movie for the whole week . The making of it was a great story . I am now hooked on podcasts and going back to season 2 to listen to the first five seasons of The Plot Thickens!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Doty Fox
    United Statesa month ago
  • Loved the perspective

    The Legend was fantastic. I grew up watching westerns with my Dad. I still watch when the are on so much of the perspectives are multi dimentional, the stories are timeless.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dlr1960
    United States2 months ago
  • Very enjoyable dive into film history

    So many of these individuals created movies I saw as a little girl rebroadcast on TV. It’s just fascinating to hear the stories behind the glamour and glitz. Re: The series about making “Cleopatra “I just kept thinking, “Poor Joe!”

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    whynotpugs
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners are captivated by the storytelling, praising the depth of research and the engaging presentation style of the host.
Comments reflect a strong appreciation for the historical context provided, often mentioning how the show brings beloved classics to life.
There are occasional criticisms focused on pacing or the presentation style, with some seeking a more energetic format.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Plot Thickens

What is The Plot Thickens about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the fascinating history and behind-the-scenes narratives of iconic films, the content focuses on the tumultuous production of the film 'Cleopatra', directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Each episode dives into various aspects of filmmaking, from casting challenges and personal anecdotes of the cast, particularly Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, to the chaos surrounding the film's production marked by medical emergencies and personal dramas. Unique insights are provided through the host's familial connections to the film's key figures, making it a compelling listen for cinema enthusiasts interested in the stories that shaped Hollywood's past.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Plot Thickens?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Plot Thickens?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Plot Thickens:

1. The Secret History Of Hollywood
2. It Happened In Hollywood
3. From Beneath the Hollywood Sign
4. WHAT WENT WRONG
5. The Bowery Boys: New York City History

How many episodes of The Plot Thickens are there?

The Plot Thickens launched 6 years ago and published 71 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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