Possible Clues:

• King entertained by an ancient poet
• Younger Steptoe catches name of poet?
• Sir Malcolm -, composer (Bridge over the River Kwai)
• Playwright takes common 1 across round North-Western river and Eastern river
• Wildly abuse born admirer of Cleopatra
• Sir Malcolm -, English composer
• First name in action films
• First name of California's Governator
• Onetime Nickelodeon title character with a football-shaped head
• Writer finally brought in article on historic English composer