Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, two of Vintage Hollywood’s most iconic stars, had a tumultuous and passionate relationship that captivated the world. Their love affair, which began on the set of Cleopatra (1963), not only reshaped their lives, but also rocked the foundations of societal norms and expectations during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Recently discovered “lost” tapes show Taylor’s own reflections on the scandal that shocked the world.
Cleopatra (1963) brought the legendary duo together
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton first crossed paths while filming the historical drama Cleopatra in 1961. Taylor, already a celebrated star, played the title role of the ancient Egyptian ruler, while Burton was cast as her lover, Mark Antony.
Released in 1963, the film was met with critical acclaim and financial controversy. Despite its staggering production costs, which made it one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, Cleopatra garnered attention for its opulent sets, lavish costumes, and the powerful performances of Taylor and Burton.
Their undeniable on-set chemistry was palpable, so it was only a matter of time before it quickly spilled over into real life, igniting a passionate affair that became the talk of the town. Despite both being married at the time – Taylor to Eddie Fisher and Burton to Sybil Christopher – their connection was too strong to deny. Thus began one of the most scandalous affairs in Hollywood history.
News of the affair was met with public outrage
When news of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s affair broke in 1962, public reaction was swift and severe. The media frenzy was fueled by the former’s previous scandalous relationship with Eddie Fisher, who’d left his wife, Debbie Reynolds, for Taylor. It certainly didn’t help that both Taylor and Burton were married at the time, bringing an end to not one, but two marriages.
The revelation of another affair was met with unprecedented public criticism. “I met such opposition from everyone,” Taylor later revealed in an interview recorded between 1964-65 with journalist Richard Meryman.
Criticism came from not just the public, but also from those closest to the actor, among them her own parents, Francis Taylor and Sara Sothern, and her lifelong friend, Roddy McDowall. She explained, “My father called me a w****,” after finding out about the affair.
Condemnation from the Vatican
The affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton reached such levels of notoriety that it drew the attention of the Vatican. In an unprecedented move, it published a scathing critique of the former, condemning her actions as morally reprehensible – the editorial went as far as to suggest she was unfit to be a mother, stating that her children should be taken away from her.
This harsh condemnation from one of the world’s most powerful religious institutions not only shocked Taylor, but also amplified public outcry.
In Nancy Burstein’s documentary, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes, she recalled, “The Vatican newspaper had come out with an item saying that I was so despicable that my own children should be taken away from me, an attack that really – well, it made me vomit.”
The Vatican’s denunciation had far-reaching implications, influencing public opinion and further isolating Taylor and Burton.
Elizabeth Taylor received threats that put her life in danger
As it turns out, the backlash against Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton wasn’t limited to verbal attacks; it extended to physical threats, as well.
After the news broke, Taylor described the experience as “really a horrendous week,” in which she received threats of violence. “Somebody was at the studio trying to blow me up with a bomb. So the Italian FBI were out there for five days,” she recounted.
While their decision to engage in an affair was a personal one, it became extremely public. Some fans seemed to have felt it was a personal offense, trying to take matters into their own hands. The danger and hostility the pair faced was unprecedented for stars at the time, highlighting the sheer extent of the public’s disapproval.
Reflecting on regrets and retribution
In her conversations with Richard Meryman, Elizabeth Taylor expressed deep regret for the pain her and Richard Burton’s affair caused, particularly to his children. “Oh, yes. Especially about Richard’s children. We both do, having inflicted such awful pain,” she said.
Burton had two daughters, Kate and Jessica, with his wife, Sybil, and he later adopted a daughter, Maria McKeown, with Taylor. Taylor, who had three children from previous marriages, understood the gravity of their actions and the hurt they caused.
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When asked if she worried about divine retribution for their actions, Taylor reflected on the idea of punishment and penance. “I think we must pay on this earth. We should do our penance now,” she explained, showing an awareness of the consequences of their affair and a desire to atone for it.