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

An entrance fit for a queen. Elizabeth starring in Cleopatra, released on this day in 1963. | Elizabeth Taylor