The story of Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt (Dame Elizabeth Taylor) who wants to stabilize her power by using the tensions in the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar (Sir Rex Harrison) visits Egypt, has an affair with her, and returns to Rome. She bears his child and visits Rome to claim her place at Caesar's side. He is murdered before this can happen. She returns to Egypt leaving Rome in turmoil. Mark Antony (Richard Burton) follows her to Egypt and they fall in love. However, Octavian (Roddy McDowall) defeats Antony in battle.—Simon Hedges