When Cleopatra entered production in the early 1960s, expectations were enormous. The film became famous for its massive budget, production delays, location changes and the intense public attention surrounding stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Taylor and Burton’s relationship became part of the publicity storm. At the same time, escalating production costs turned the movie into a symbol of Hollywood’s increasingly expensive studio spectacles.

When a movie becomes the story

The press followed nearly every development, from casting to location problems and the stars’ relationship. The film eventually became a major box-office success, but its production remained a cautionary tale about financial risk.

For more film history, visit the Hollywood section.

The legacy of Cleopatra

Today, Cleopatra is remembered both as an epic movie and as one of Hollywood’s most famous production sagas.

Imran Siddiqui

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