Thursday 11 October 2012

Elizabeth Taylor: An Intimate Portrait (1975) - Star of the month... Elizabeth Taylor



"Elizabeth Taylor: An Intimate Portrait" (aka: "Elizabeth Taylor: Hollywood's Child") is a 1975 documentary based on the life and career of Elizabeth Taylor.

Narrated and hosted by actor Peter Lawford, the documentary features clips and highlights from many of Elizabeth Taylor's classic films, as well as interview footage from those who knew her best... her mother, her co-stars, her friends.

The documentary features the following highlights:

  • actor and friend Rock Hudson talking about the making of "Giant" (1956)
  • Sarah Taylor (her mother) gives a very rare interview and talks about Elizabeth's childhood and how she first got started in film
  • director Richard Brooks talks about the making of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), and the tragic death of Mike Todd
  • footage of Elizabeth Taylor winning her Oscar for "Butterfield 8" (1960), the film she hated
  • actor and friend Roddy McDowall talks about making "Lassie Come Home" (1943), "Cleopatra" (1963) and their life long friendship
  • costume designer Helen Rose talks about the costumes she designed for Elizabeth Taylor
  • producer Sam Marx talks about how he came to discover the child Elizabeth Taylor and cast her in "Lassie Come Home" (1943)
  • Vincente Minnelli talks about directing Elizabeth Taylor in "Father of the Bride" (1950) and "The Sandpiper" (1965)

Closing remarks

I have seen quite a few documentaries on Elizabeth Taylor, and I must say this is the best I have seen. What I like most about this particular documentary is the way in which it treats it's subject with the respect she deserves. We are also treated to some candid and intimate interview moments with Elizabeth Taylor's inner circle of friends. The only disappointing thing about the documentary, is that it did not feature an interview with Elizabeth Taylor herself.

No comments:

Post a Comment