Podcasts · Film History

The Plot Thickens

58 episodes · 12 with AI analysis

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 he digs through his own family stories to understand how it turned out so badly for his Oscar-winning uncle. Cleopatra starts July 17.

AI Intelligence · across all analyzed episodes

Topics · top 10

Film production budgeting and cost overruns×3International film production logistics×2John Ford's directorial methods and on-set behaviorMonument Valley as iconic American West landscapeFord Stock Company and ensemble casting practicesPsychological manipulation in film directingRacism and racial dynamics in 1950s-60s HollywoodSergeant Rutledge and Black representation in WesternsToxic masculinity in creative leadershipLGBTQ+ identity suppression in mid-century Hollywood

Analyzed Episodes

Jul 4, 2024

Monument Valley

John Ford's directorial methods and on-set behaviorMonument Valley as iconic American West landscapeFord Stock Company and ensemble casting practices

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Jul 11, 2024

The Mythmaker

John Ford's directorial vision and creative methodologyVistaVision cinematography and technical innovation in 1950s filmmakingMonument Valley as filming location and cultural mythology

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Jul 18, 2024

The Legend

John Ford's directorial legacy and influence on American cinemaAlcoholism in creative industries and untreated addictionConflict between directors and actors on film sets

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Jul 2, 2025

Season 6 Trailer: Cleopatra

Film production budgeting and cost overrunsCelebrity compensation and salary recordsOn-set safety and production disasters

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Jul 24, 2025

Joe

Hollywood Studio System EconomicsDirector-Writer Collaboration ModelsFemale Character Development in Cinema

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Jul 17, 2025

London Slog

Elizabeth Taylor's contract negotiations and approval rightsFilm production budgeting and cost overrunsLocation scouting and production logistics

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Jul 31, 2025

The Girl is on Salary

Film production budgeting and cost overrunsDirector-studio relations and creative controlTalent management and scheduling

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Aug 7, 2025

Le Scandale

Film production budget management and cost controlStudio financial crisis and leadership transitionsCelebrity scandal management and public relations

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Aug 14, 2025

Mankiewicz vs. Zanuck

Director-Studio Power Dynamics and Final Cut AuthorityPost-Production Re-Editing Without Director ConsentStudio Financial Crisis Management and Cost Control

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Aug 21, 2025

Wildly Successful and Much Maligned

Film Production Management and Budget ControlDirector-Studio Relations and Creative ControlCritical Reception vs. Commercial Success

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Aug 26, 2025

Ask Ben Your Cleopatra Questions!

Cleopatra film and productionJoe Mankiewicz filmography and legacyCleopatra movie cast and stars

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Sep 18, 2025

Ben Answers Your Cleopatra Questions

Cleopatra (1963 film) production and legacyJoe Mankiewicz directorial career and personal lifeElizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton relationship during filming

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