Behind Richard Burton's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Richard Burton will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 1. These ceremonies aren't cheap -- per the New York Times, the 300-pound cement-based terrazo stars themselves cost $30,000 a piece. This is a $5,000 increase from 2009. The money is purportedly used to raise funds for the Hollywood Historic Trust. Each year approximately 300 applications are sent to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and 24 honorees are selected to receive the hallowed stars for the following year. They are chosen by a five-person committee. Given that there has to be incentive and cash behind an application, many worthy stars and filmmakers (among them Robert Towne and Sam Peckinpah) will never make it to the Walk. In this case, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is using Burton's star to promote its re-release of "Cleopatra," celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.Joseph L. Mankiewicz' notorious film, co-starring Burton's longtime power-couple »