'Cleopatra,' starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, is considered to be an iconic movie. Because it's iconic, people tend to assume that it must have been a runaway success, which is a mistake. Like 'The Golden Compass,' it didn't do badly, but so much money had been spent on it by the time it was released that it had virtually no chance of making a profit. That's despite the fact that the film almost marketed itself, thanks to the fascination of the press at the time around what may or may not have been going on between Burton and Taylor.
The big tragedy here is that much of the $44m budget - $330m today - was spent on scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor. The initial edit was six hours long, and so 20th Century Fox had to get the scissors out and cut away over forty minutes of very expensive footage. When it made less than was projected, Fox temporarily closed, laying off staff and cutting back on expenses wherever possible. They eventually reopened in a diminished state, taking years to make a full recovery.
Whether celebrities are looking to be in the spotlight or escape the paparazzi, there are some popular vacation destinations that always seem to be frequented by the stars. Celeb spotting is a favorite pastime of many travelers, and you might be able to snag a photo or even an autograph when you visit these top celebrity vacation spots around the world. Although the price tags may be a bit higher in these destinations than your average budget getaway, these are some of the best celebrity vacation spots that you can start saving up to visit and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
One of the classiest celebrity vacation spots in Europe is Mallorca, Spain. It’s known as a spot to be posh more than a spot to party. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have a house here, and it’s been a favorite getaway for Gwenyth Paltrow. Some of the local favorites that boast the most celebrity sightings include the Wellies Restaurant and Bar, Puerto Portals, and Es Trenc Beach.
Saint Tropez is known for its amazing beaches and blissful landscapes. Celebrity couples like Beyoncé and Jay Z and David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted vacationing along these famous beaches. The Cote d’Azur seaport is a big draw for celebs here, as well as top beach clubs like Club 55.
Perhaps the most well-known celebrity that loves Lake Como is George Clooney. He has a villa with over a dozen rooms here so he can bring all his friends along to relax, get away, and party. Villa d’Este is another popular place celebrities choose to stay because of its attention to privacy. Just ask Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler, or Sylvester Stallone!
Sure, there are plenty of celebrities that call Sydney home year-around, but there are lots of others who like to visit for a surfing and sailing getaway. Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been a top vacation pick for Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman, and some A-list accommodations are the InterContinental Hotel and the Park Hyatt in the Rocks.