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