Miss Taylor's Résumé
Everybody who has watched an Elizabeth Taylor movie has a special memory of her. This is my first list where I have included some films that I have never seen. This is a Curriculum Vitae of Elizabeth's work in the cinema, it is for you, her fans who will all have lost a part of living history today with her passing. Elizabeth Taylor was a unique performer, I hope that you will all get something from the following list. They are in Chronological Order with comments where applicable.
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- DirectorHarold YoungStarsHugh HerbertPeggy MoranTom BrownThe advertising slogans of Jimmy Hanagan (Tom Brown) and the lab reports reveal that the patented prepared pudding invented by Lemuel P. Twine (Hugh Herbert) has a treasure of Vitamin Z and is full of Zumf. Lemuel's daughter, Helen Barbara Twine (Peggy Moran) is in love with Jimmy, but her mother, Minerva (Catherine Doucet), wants her to marry Lester Cadwalader, Jr. (William Henry), son of Lester Cadwalader, Sr. (Guy Kibbee), political boss of the city, and mentor and whip of Mayor Moe Carson (Edgar Kennedy). Cadwalader is backing Twine for Mayor even though he knows he can't win, as he wants to keep a stronger candidate out of the running. But after the discovery of Zumf in Twine's pudding, Cadwalader realizes that Twine will win the election. He has Twine's pudding branded as a fake and Twine as a fraud. But Lemuel comes from a long line of fighting Twines and, as he dozes, his ancestors appear before him telling him to fight to the end.A pleasant little comedy directed by Harold Young, the man who gave Disney and Hollywood 'The Three Caballeros'.
"Very well, if you can't keep a civil tongue in your mouth, I'll thank you for my trumpet and be gone."
'Gloria Twine'. - DirectorFred M. WilcoxStarsRoddy McDowallDonald CrispMay WhittyAfter her destitute family is forced to sell her, a collie named Lassie escapes from her new owner and begins the long trek from Scotland to her Yorkshire home.Elizabeth replaced Maria Flynn after the rushes showed that Maria was uncomfortable working with the dog. Elizabeth and Lassie got on well together and so two screen legends were born.
"Oh, well. Ye may as well know it right off. Lassie won't be waiting for ye at school anymore."
'Priscilla'. - DirectorRobert StevensonStarsOrson WellesJoan FontaineMargaret O'BrienAfter a harsh childhood, orphan Jane Eyre is hired by Edward Rochester, the brooding lord of a mysterious manor house, to care for his young daughter.Whilst Rochester (Orson Welles) brooded and Jane Eyre (Joan Fontaine) looked dewy eyed in the romance of the decade, Elizabeth was a supporting actress.
"Are you always drawn to the loveless and unfriended?"
'Helen Burns". - DirectorClarence BrownStarsIrene DunneAlan MarshalRoddy McDowallSusan travels with her father to England for a vacation. Invited to a ball, Susan meets Sir John Ashwood and marries him after a whirlwind romance. However, American Susan never quite adjusts to life as a new member of the British gentry.A tender love affair between Sir John Ashwood (Alan Marshal) and Susan Dunn (Irene Dunne) in this beautiful movie gives Miss Taylor another performance opportunity.
"Such a nice young thing. Not a bit like an American."
'Betsy Kenney at aged 10'. - DirectorClarence BrownStarsMickey RooneyElizabeth TaylorDonald CrispA jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.You should all know the plot by now, Elizabeth and her horse take part in the Grand National and win our hearts. Gene Tierney was originally booked to play Velvet but fate took a hand.
"I want it all quickly 'cause I don't want God to stop and think and wonder if I'm getting more than my share."
'Velvet Brown'. - DirectorFred M. WilcoxStarsElizabeth TaylorFrank MorganTom DrakeAcademy Award-winner Elizabeth Taylor stars in this touching family drama about a young girl who rehabilitates an Army's shell-shocked collie.This time Elizabeth gets equal star billing with the dog, mind you he had to impersonate a female, play three parts, go to war and do two deathbed scenes.
"Woof! Woof?"
'Kathie Eleanor Merrick.' - DirectorMichael CurtizStarsWilliam PowellIrene DunneElizabeth TaylorA straitlaced turn-of-the-century father presides over a family of boys and the mother who really rules the roost.In this family movie about the perils of growing up Elizabeth stars with Irene Dunne instead of just being a supporting actor. Things are going well for the talented teenager.
"We don't sing it that way in the Methodist Church. You see, we're Methodist."
'Mary Skinner.' - DirectorRobert Z. LeonardStarsElizabeth TaylorGeorge MurphyS.Z. SakallSickly girl finds an outlet in music.Miss Taylor's talented teenager is growing into a young woman in this musical tale where an interest in music helps her to cope with her problems in life and love.
"Melody of Spring"
'Cynthia Bishop.' - DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsWallace BeeryJane PowellElizabeth TaylorHyperactive teenager Judy Foster (Jane Powell) challenges, and is challenged by, her overly-proper parents, pesky brother Randolph (Jerry Hunter), and boyfriend Ogden "Oogie" Pringle (Scotty Beckett).Elizabeth is exuberant in the company of the pretty Jane Powell (Judy Foster) and the talented Carmen Miranda (Rosita Cochellas) in this musical about family values and the perils of puberty.
"Oh I just gave him up forever for a little while."
'Carol Pringle.' - DirectorJack ConwayStarsGreer GarsonWalter PidgeonPeter LawfordA London chorus girl tries to rekindle her relationships with her daughter, whom she gave up as an infant, and her estranged husband, when the former becomes engaged.Julia Packett (Greer Garson) and William Sylvester Packett (Walter Pidgeon) get back together again when their daughter (Elizabeth) is to get married in the South of France.
" There are only two kinds of men: those who admit they like women, and liars."
'Susan Packett.' - DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsJune AllysonPeter LawfordMargaret O'BrienThe four daughters of a New England family fight for happiness during and after the Civil War.One of the best versions of the classic tale of four sisters growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War. Tissue time as the girls help their Marmee (Mary Astor) suffer the pangs of growing up. Elizabeth is the young, ambitious one.
"Christopher Columbus!"
'Amy March.' - DirectorVictor SavilleStarsRobert TaylorElizabeth TaylorRobert FlemyngIn Cold War London, young American Melinda Greyton marries British Army Major Michael Curragh, who is a Communist spy working for the Soviets.Very mature for her age Elizabeth plays a headstrong young woman who falls in love with a lonely British officer Maj. Michael Curragh. They marry but he has a secret! It may not be a classic but Miss Taylor acts her stockings off and is supported by a cast to die for.
"There's something you're not telling me?"
'Melinda Greyton.' - DirectorNorman KrasnaStarsVan JohnsonElizabeth TaylorPercy WaramA law school graduate is hired by a top law firm, but hides from them a secret about a problem he has. He is so allergic to alcohol that one whiff of it and he passes out like a light.Dave Muldon (Van Johnson) is a lawyer with a guilty secret and Elizabeth is the daughter of one of the partners who helps him out. The plot is neither one thing or another but the cast are trying hard to tell this tale of an awkward subject matter.
"Why couldn't I just have been shot in the war?"
'Mary Belney.' - DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsSpencer TracyJoan BennettElizabeth TaylorThe father of a young woman deals with the emotional pain of her getting married, along with the financial and organizational trouble of arranging the wedding.I know that it is in Black and White but this is still my favourite version of the classic enigma, 'Daddy's little girl is a woman and she wants someone else to love'. Stanley T. Banks (Spencer Tracy) is the desolate, deserted, destitute dad of the title and Elizabeth is his little girl.
"You fathers will understand. You have a little girl. She looks up to you. You're her oracle. You're her hero. And then the day comes when she gets her first permanent wave and goes to her first real party, and from that day on, you're in a constant state of panic."
'Katherine 'Kay' Banks.' - DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsSpencer TracyJoan BennettElizabeth TaylorShortly after coming to terms with his daughter's marriage, a father faces the prospect of becoming a grandfather.After the trauma of 'Father of the Bride', Stanley T. Banks (Tracy) now discovers that he is to become a grandfather, married to a grandmother, his Ellie (Joan Bennett). Beautifully directed by Vincente Minnelli this is another screen gem.
"I name this child 'Stanley Banks'."
'Kay Dunstan.' - DirectorGeorge StevensStarsMontgomery CliftElizabeth TaylorShelley WintersA poor boy gets a job working for his rich uncle and ends up falling in love with two women.In this movie Elizabeth raised her performance to the next level as the vivacious and sophisticated society girl determined to have up and coming George Eastman (Montgomery Clift). Unfortunately George already has a girlfriend, Alice Tripp (Shelley Winters) who will not go quietly.
"Every time you leave me for a minute, it's like goodbye. I like to believe it means you can't live without me."
'Angela Vickers.' - DirectorMervyn LeRoyAnthony MannStarsRobert TaylorDeborah KerrLeo GennAfter fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.This was a massive production about Nero's Rome which was nominated for eight Oscars. General Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor)meets Lygia (Deborah Kerr) and falls in love with her even though she is a Christian. Unfortunately the Emperor (Peter Ustinov) does not like Christians and has some nasty surprises in store. Elizabeth is in the congregation with Deborah.
"These people know how to die, Nero. In death you will squeal like a hog!"
'Christian Prisoner in Arena.' - DirectorStanley DonenStarsLarry ParksElizabeth TaylorJosephine HutchinsonDancing teacher Anastacia "Stacie" Macaboy (Dame Elizabeth Taylor) falls in love with smart theatre agent Jud Parker (Larry Parks). He likes her too, just not enough to give up his exciting bachelor life. So she plans to set a trap for him.Director Stanley Donen and an excellent cast make the most of this little confection about a dance teacher (Elizabeth) getting her man Jud Parker (Larry Parks). It is not very PC today but the kids supply a lot of humour.
Kid: "I'm a grape."
Jud Parker: "I'm happy for you."
'Anastacia (Stacie) Macaboy.' - DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsRobert TaylorElizabeth TaylorJoan FontaineA knight seeks to free the captive King Richard and put him back on the throne.In this epic Robert Taylor is the hero Ivanoe fighting to save England for the good King Richard (Norman Wooland) and Elizabeth is the beautiful but forbidden love interest, opposite the lovely Rowena (Joan Fontaine). My, how Elizabeth now compares with the former Jane Eyre!
"I love you - and I must not feel it - yet Ivanhoe I love you, with all the longing in this lonely world."
'Rebecca.' - DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsWilliam PowellElizabeth TaylorFernando LamasAttorney's daughter falls for one of his gangster clients.Elizabeth is the spoilt daughter of lawyer Steve Latimer (William Powell) who plays fast and loose with his clients. Keep an eye out for a certain Mr Burton in the cast as John Asmond.
"Oh! Daddy."
'Jean Latimer.' - DirectorCharles VidorStarsElizabeth TaylorVittorio GassmanJohn EricsonSpoiled heiress Louise Durant (Dame Elizabeth Taylor) decides to leave the comfort of her father's estate in southern France to study piano at the Music Conservatory in Zurich, despite knowing that she does not have the talent nor desire to be a professional pianist. She is going there to follow her new boyfriend, violinist Paul Bronte (Vittorio Gassman), who is completing his final year of studies there, and who she hopes eventually to marry. Not even knowing Paul, this move does not sit well with Louise's father, Nicholas Durant (Louis Calhern), as he values success over all else, and Paul is not a success. Louise hopes to find her place in Paul's musical life, she does not truly understand the all-consuming passion he and many of the other students have for music. In her view of their world, Louise finds that she cannot be a complementary figure in that musical life as she wants, but is in direct competition with it. As such, some students resent Louise for taking away from Paul's talent, while others resent Paul for believing he can give in to Louise's non-musical whims while believing that he is not sacrificing his music. While Paul may ultimately have to choose between the violin and Louise especially, as he seems to be on the brink of stardom, pianist James Guest (John Ericson), a freshman at the Conservatory who lives in the same building as Louise, seems like he is willing to give up everything for Louise as he is falling in love with her. In Paul and John possessing the true talent to make it big, they may end up resenting Louise if they choose her over their music. Louise has to find a way to foster their music while still being part of their lives in her love.Elizabeth finds herself in an eternal triangle between a pianist and a violinist and boy what music they all make together.
"Rachmaninoff's Concerto #2 In C Minor For Piano And Orchestra"
'Louise Durant.' - DirectorWilliam DieterleStarsElizabeth TaylorDana AndrewsPeter FinchThe young bride of a rich planter finds herself the only white woman at Elephant Walk tea plantation, British Ceylon.This time Elizabeth replaced Vivien Leigh in this story of passion on the plantation as the love interest of both her husband John Wiley (Peter Finch) and the manager Dick Carver (Dana Andrews). Things get hot and bothered in old Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
"It was pouring with rain"
'Ruth Wiley.' - DirectorCurtis BernhardtStarsStewart GrangerElizabeth TaylorPeter UstinovIn 1796, Captain George Bryan "Beau" Brummell of the 10th Royal Hussars Regiment offends the Prince of Wales with his straightforward outspokenness and gets fired from the Army but is chosen as the Prince's personal advisor.Stewart Granger plays George 'Beau' Brummell in this Eastmancolorful venture into history. Of course Elizabeth plays the love interest but this time she fails to match the standards of the British cast in this tale of triumph and tragedy.
"The trouble with most men of superior intellect is their pride. And a proud man can be just as foolish as a fool."
'Lady Patricia.' - DirectorRichard BrooksStarsElizabeth TaylorVan JohnsonWalter PidgeonAn American journalist returns to Paris - a city that gave him true love and deep grief.In this charming film directed by Richard Brooks and playing opposite Van Johnson again, Elizabeth shows what she is capable of. The film may not be a classic but her performance is very good indeed.
"I've been having a bad day for a year now, maybe it's time to grow up."
'Helen Ellswirth.' - DirectorGeorge StevensStarsElizabeth TaylorRock HudsonJames DeanSprawling epic covering the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates.Rancher Jordan 'Bick' Benedict (Rock Hudson) goes to buy a horse and comes back with a wife (Elizabeth). With the support of a brilliant cast including Mercedes McCambridge, Dennis Hopper and James Dean, this three hour plus movie is a Giant in more ways than one.
"You want to know something, Leslie? If I live to be ninety, I will never figure you out."
'Leslie Benedict.'