The 1963 Twentieth Century Fox film that cost $44 million (equivalent to over $400 million today) was Cleopatra. This monumental production, plagued by delays, cast changes, and excessive spending, became synonymous with cinematic extravagance and near-financial ruin.
The Making of a Legend… and a Disaster
The story of Cleopatra is a cautionary tale of ambition meeting unchecked budget and creative control spiraling out of hand. Initially conceived as a relatively modest production starring Joan Collins and directed by Rouben Mamoulian, it quickly morphed into something far grander – and infinitely more expensive. The studio envisioned a spectacle that would rival the historical epics of the past, drawing audiences back to the theaters in droves. However, the path to realizing this vision was paved with difficulties.
Initial Troubles in London
Filming began in London in 1960 with a budget of just $2 million. The damp British weather proved disastrous, affecting the cast’s health, particularly that of Elizabeth Taylor, who contracted a severe illness. Sets were damaged, and footage was unusable. By early 1961, after only a few weeks of filming, the studio had already spent $7 million and had little to show for it. Recognizing the project was in crisis, Fox made the drastic decision to shut down production.
A New Start in Rome
The studio replaced Joan Collins with Elizabeth Taylor, whose box office appeal was undeniable. Director Rouben Mamoulian was also replaced with Joseph L. Mankiewicz, known for his historical dramas like Julius Caesar (1953). Production moved to Rome, with the entire project effectively restarted. This decision, while aimed at salvaging the film, dramatically inflated the budget.
The Elizabeth Taylor Factor
Elizabeth Taylor’s involvement was both a blessing and a curse. Her star power guaranteed significant publicity, but her salary demands were exorbitant. She was reportedly paid $1 million, a record-breaking sum for the time, plus 10% of the film’s gross. Her lavish lifestyle and the constant media attention surrounding her affair with Richard Burton, who played Mark Antony, further contributed to the film’s legendary status and the perception of extravagance.
Production Delays and Overspending
The Rome production was plagued by further delays and cost overruns. New sets had to be constructed, costumes redesigned, and the script rewritten multiple times. Mankiewicz, initially brought on to salvage the project, found himself struggling to manage the film’s ever-increasing scope and budget. The film ran significantly over schedule, and the final cost ballooned to an unprecedented $44 million.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Despite its staggering cost and the initial negative press, Cleopatra ultimately became a box office success, grossing over $57 million. However, due to its massive budget, it barely broke even during its initial theatrical run. More importantly, it pushed 20th Century Fox to the brink of bankruptcy. The studio was forced to sell off valuable assets, including its backlot, to stay afloat.
Cleopatra‘s legacy extends beyond its financial woes. It remains a visually stunning spectacle, renowned for its elaborate sets, costumes, and cinematography. It also cemented Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s status as Hollywood royalty, and their on-screen chemistry added to the film’s allure. The film received nine Academy Award nominations, winning four, including Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Cleopatra’s Cost and Impact
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities surrounding Cleopatra and its impact on the film industry.
H3: What specific factors contributed to the extreme cost of Cleopatra?
Several factors converged to create the “perfect storm” of financial overspending. These included:
- Script rewrites: Constant script changes necessitated the rebuilding of sets and alterations to costumes.
- Relocation to Rome: Moving the entire production from London to Rome incurred significant expenses.
- Elizabeth Taylor’s salary: Taylor’s $1 million salary and percentage of the gross were unprecedented.
- Extensive sets and costumes: The film required elaborate sets, thousands of costumes, and numerous extras.
- Weather delays and illnesses: Unexpected weather and cast illnesses added to production delays and costs.
H3: How did Cleopatra nearly bankrupt 20th Century Fox?
The sheer scale of Cleopatra‘s budget put immense pressure on 20th Century Fox. The studio had to borrow heavily to finance the film, and the initial box office returns were not enough to recoup the investment. To avoid bankruptcy, Fox was forced to sell off valuable assets, including its backlot, which was a significant source of revenue.
H3: Who directed Cleopatra?
The film had two directors. Rouben Mamoulian directed the initial, ultimately scrapped, London shoot. Joseph L. Mankiewicz replaced Mamoulian and oversaw the significantly larger and more expensive production in Rome.
H3: What awards did Cleopatra win?
Cleopatra won four Academy Awards:
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Art Direction
- Best Cinematography
- Best Costume Design
It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Rex Harrison), Best Film Editing, Best Music Score, and Best Sound.
H3: What was Elizabeth Taylor’s salary for Cleopatra in today’s money?
Elizabeth Taylor’s $1 million salary in 1963 is equivalent to approximately $9 million today, adjusted for inflation. Adding her 10% of the gross further inflated her overall earnings.
H3: How long is the original Cleopatra film?
The original theatrical release of Cleopatra ran for approximately four hours and three minutes. However, there have been various cuts and versions of the film released over the years.
H3: Was Richard Burton married when he started his affair with Elizabeth Taylor?
Yes, Richard Burton was married to Sybil Williams when he began his affair with Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Cleopatra. Their affair became a major international scandal.
H3: Did Cleopatra receive positive reviews upon its release?
Critical reception to Cleopatra was mixed upon its release. While praised for its visual spectacle and performances, the film was also criticized for its length, pacing, and occasionally overwrought dialogue.
H3: What impact did Cleopatra have on the film industry?
Cleopatra served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and runaway budgets in filmmaking. It led to a more cautious approach to big-budget epics and influenced the development of more cost-effective filmmaking techniques. It also highlighted the power of celebrity salaries and the importance of effective production management.
H3: Where was the famous barge scene in Cleopatra filmed?
The famous barge scene in Cleopatra was filmed on the Tiber River in Rome. The construction of the elaborate barge itself was a significant expense.
H3: What are some modern films that have exceeded Cleopatra’s adjusted-for-inflation budget?
Several modern films have exceeded Cleopatra‘s adjusted-for-inflation budget, including:
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
- Avengers: Endgame
- Avatar: The Way of Water
These films demonstrate the ongoing trend of increasingly expensive blockbusters.
H3: Is Cleopatra considered a financial success or failure?
Ultimately, Cleopatra is considered a qualified financial success. While it grossed a significant amount of money, its enormous budget meant that it took a long time to become profitable, and nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox in the process. Its impact on the studio and the lessons learned from its production arguably outweigh its box office performance.