The 1963 film Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, grossed approximately $57.8 million at the domestic box office during its initial release. However, due to its exorbitant production costs, exceeding $44 million (equivalent to over $400 million today), the film initially struggled to turn a profit, sparking considerable debate about its financial success.
The Myth and the Money: Examining Cleopatra’s Financial Legacy
The film Cleopatra remains a legendary example of Hollywood excess and ambition. While its box office numbers appear impressive at first glance, a deeper examination reveals a more nuanced picture of its financial performance. Beyond the initial release, re-releases, television rights, and subsequent home media sales have contributed significantly to the film’s overall revenue. Understanding the complexities of its financial journey requires looking beyond the initial box office takings.
Production Costs: A Burden on the Kingdom
The staggering production costs of Cleopatra were its Achilles heel. The film endured numerous setbacks, including location changes, script revisions, and the replacement of directors and actors. This resulted in ballooning budgets that far exceeded initial projections. Elizabeth Taylor’s unprecedented $1 million salary further contributed to the financial strain. These expenses created a high bar for profitability, making it challenging for the film to recoup its investment despite its substantial box office returns.
Initial Box Office Performance: A Qualified Success
Although Cleopatra garnered significant box office revenue, its profitability was hampered by its immense production costs. The film became the highest-grossing film of 1963 in North America. However, because of its enormous costs, it only started making a profit a few years after its release. It was a box office success but not a guaranteed financial triumph immediately after premiering.
Beyond the Big Screen: Ancillary Revenue Streams
Cleopatra‘s financial story extends beyond its initial theatrical run. Re-releases in theaters, television broadcast rights, and subsequent home video releases (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray) generated substantial additional revenue. These ancillary revenue streams have been crucial in transforming Cleopatra from a financial gamble into a profitable, albeit delayed, venture. Royalties and licensing deals for merchandising related to the movie added to the monetary intake over several decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cleopatra’s Finances
Here are some frequently asked questions that address specific aspects of Cleopatra‘s financial impact and legacy:
FAQ 1: What was Elizabeth Taylor’s salary for Cleopatra?
Elizabeth Taylor was paid $1 million for her role as Cleopatra, making her the highest-paid actress at the time. This unprecedented salary significantly contributed to the film’s overall budget and became a landmark moment in Hollywood salary negotiations.
FAQ 2: How did Cleopatra influence subsequent big-budget films?
Cleopatra served as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. It highlighted the risks associated with exorbitant production costs but also demonstrated the potential for significant box office returns. The film influenced subsequent big-budget productions to implement stricter financial controls while still embracing ambitious storytelling. Producers saw what could go wrong, so it led to better planning of finances for future big productions.
FAQ 3: What were the biggest budget overruns during the production of Cleopatra?
Several factors contributed to the budget overruns, including the relocation of the production from London to Rome, significant script revisions requiring extensive reshoots, set constructions, and health issues experienced by Elizabeth Taylor that paused production. The frequent delays and changes added to the already immense cost of the movie.
FAQ 4: Was Cleopatra considered a financial failure upon its initial release?
Initially, yes. While Cleopatra earned a substantial amount at the box office, it took years for the film to recoup its massive production costs. For some time, it was considered a financial risk.
FAQ 5: How did the re-releases of Cleopatra contribute to its overall profitability?
Theatrical re-releases allowed the film to reach new audiences and generate additional revenue. These re-releases, coupled with television rights and home media sales, significantly boosted Cleopatra‘s overall profitability over time. The continuous income stream made up for the initial struggle.
FAQ 6: How much money did 20th Century Fox lose (or gain) on Cleopatra overall?
It’s difficult to determine the exact final profit figure due to fluctuating accounting practices over the years and the varied ways revenue streams were handled. However, it is generally accepted that 20th Century Fox eventually made a profit on Cleopatra, although it took several years and various ancillary revenue sources to achieve that profitability. The studio was almost bankrupted due to the heavy production costs.
FAQ 7: What impact did Cleopatra have on 20th Century Fox as a studio?
Cleopatra brought 20th Century Fox near to financial ruin. The studio had to sell off property and make significant cost-cutting measures to recover. However, the film’s eventual profitability helped the studio rebound and continue its legacy in Hollywood. It was a dangerous gamble that ultimately paid off, even if belatedly.
FAQ 8: How does Cleopatra’s box office gross compare to other films of the 1960s when adjusted for inflation?
When adjusted for inflation, Cleopatra‘s initial domestic gross would be significantly higher, placing it among the top-grossing films of the 1960s. This emphasizes the film’s popularity and broad appeal at the time of its release. Inflation gives a better idea of how many people saw the movie.
FAQ 9: What are the key lessons learned from Cleopatra’s financial experience in the film industry?
The key lessons include the importance of controlling production costs, the potential impact of delays and unforeseen circumstances on a film’s budget, and the significance of ancillary revenue streams in achieving long-term profitability. It also underscored the need for careful financial planning and risk management in large-scale film productions.
FAQ 10: How did Cleopatra impact the careers of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton?
Cleopatra significantly boosted the careers of both Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The film cemented Taylor’s status as a Hollywood icon and earned her a significant amount of notoriety. The film was also notable for marking the start of her and Burton’s romance, which attracted great media attention. Both their careers benefited from the publicity and notoriety.
FAQ 11: What role did international box office sales play in Cleopatra’s profitability?
International box office sales were crucial to Cleopatra‘s eventual profitability. The film’s global appeal helped generate substantial revenue outside of North America, contributing significantly to recouping the massive production costs. The international market helped to compensate for the large cost.
FAQ 12: Where can I find reliable sources for more information about Cleopatra’s production and financial history?
Reliable sources include film history books (such as those focusing on the studio system or Hollywood epics), reputable film industry websites (like Box Office Mojo, The Numbers), academic journals on film history and economics, and authorized biographies of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Documentaries about the making of Cleopatra can also provide valuable insights.