Cleopatra in Ads

Photo: Janelle Vreeland

Cleopatra in an ad for the 1917 film starring Theda Bara, Cleopatra

Cleopatra Through the Artist's Eye: James Mattingly

Photo: Statesman Journal

Untitled

James Mattingly

Salem, Oregon

1984

Mural on the back of Historic Elsinore Theatre featuring Theda Bara (Cleopatra), Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and W.C. Fields

Being Cleopatra: Theda Bara

Theda Bara being Cleopatra in the 1917 silent film, Cleopatra. At the time, it was one of the most elaborate Hollywood movies. It was made with approximately $500,000 which is equal to approximately $9,000,000 today. The story was loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.

Being Cleopatra: Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton being Cleopatra in a photoshoot that advertised the 2010 Virgin Media Shorts film competition which recognizes UK film talent. Actress Thandie Newton was a judge that year for the competition. In these photos, by Lorenzo Aguis, Newton reinacts scenes from the 1917 silent film, Cleopatra, which starred the sex symbol Theda Bara.