Cleopatra (1963) became infamous not just for its grandeur, but for nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox. What began as a modest $2 million production ballooned into a staggering $44 million epic, forcing the studio to sell off valuable property just to stay afloat. Elizabeth Taylor made history as the first actress to earn a $1 million contract, and her wardrobe alone cost close to $200,000. Lavish sets, constant reshoots, and behind-the-scenes scandals turned the production into one of Hollywoo

Cleopatra, the 1963 epic film starring Elizabeth Taylor, became famous for its unprecedented budget, scandalous behind-the-scenes drama, and lavish production. The film's troubled production nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox, but the immense public fascination with Taylor and her co-star Richard Burton made it a box office success upon release. In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor was offered the titular role. She jokingly asked for a record-breaking $1 million salary, a figure the studio surprisingly agr