Scandalous Romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

In the past five decades, the film “Cleopatra” has stood out as a symbol of excessive Hollywood glamour.

The 1963 epic production nearly caused the downfall of Twentieth Century Fox, lasting an astonishing two-and-a-half years in filming.

With a budget that swelled from $2 million to an unprecedented $44 million, the movie witnessed the dissolution of the marriages of its lead actors, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Unlike today, where celebrity breakups are common tabloid fodder, the scandal that unfolded during the making of Cleopatra captivated the world in the early '60s, forever altering the landscape of celebrity culture.

The troubled production of Cleopatra began in England at Pinewood Studios in 1961, only to be abandoned after 16 weeks under the direction of Rouben Mamoulian.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz took over as director, leading to major script revisions and changes in casting, including the replacement of Stephen Boyd and Peter Finch with Burton and Rex Harrison for the male leads.

Taylor, the film's high-priced star, was already on her fourth marriage to Eddie Fisher when production commenced, causing much controversy due to her reputation as a “homewrecker” in the eyes of many.

Taylor's bouts of illness further hampered filming, with setbacks occurring due to Malta Fever and double pneumonia, which even led to false reports of her death.

Despite initial skepticism about Taylor's suitability for the role, the casting of Burton as Antony proved to be a turning point.

Their on and off-screen chemistry added fuel to the fire of their burgeoning romance, captivating audiences and the press alike.

Speculation about their affair intensified with Fisher's abrupt departure from Rome and the couple's conspicuous behavior on set, characterized by intense arguments and intimate moments.

The scandal surrounding Taylor and Burton overshadowed even significant news events of the time, drawing widespread attention and criticism, including calls to ban the stars from entering the U.S. due to their “undesirable” behavior.

As the tumultuous filming of Cleopatra drew to a close after two and a half years, Taylor and Burton's relationship continued to flourish, culminating in their marriage in 1964, the first of two marriages between the pair.

Despite the film's completion, the aftermath of Cleopatra marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter in Taylor and Burton's lives, characterized by multiple marriages and divorces over the following years.

Their captivating love story unfolded like a Hollywood drama, captivating audiences worldwide and cementing their places in cinematic history.

The enduring legacy of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's legendary romance continues to fascinate audiences, both for their on-screen chemistry and off-screen drama.

For more insights into Elizabeth Taylor's remarkable life and career, be sure to grab the upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly, hitting stands on April 1st.