Cleopatra (1917)

The epic story of Egypt’s bewitchingly beautiful queen has been told dozens of times on film but rarely as majestically as in the 1917 classic Cleopatra. Although the only two existing prints succumbed to fire, the epic romance––based loosely on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra––lives on thanks to the surviving screenplay and press stills. Even without access to the film, discerning viewers have found reason to celebrate the erotic energy radiated by silent screen siren Theda Bara, who puts exotic costumes and bewitching eye makeup to impressive use in stills from the lost classic.