When he was approached about designing sets and costumes for "Caesar And Cleopatra", he was unsure as to how great a fee he should demand, and he went for advice to his great rival, Cecil Beaton. Beaton advised him to go for as much money as possible, saying that film people would certainly pay it to someone of Messel's eminence. He even suggested a particular (very large) sum. He then contacted the film-makers and volunteered his own services for half as much. However, Messel got the job.