Burton and Taylor
Drama telling the story of Hollywood's most glamorous couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who acted together for the last time in Noel Coward's Private Lives in 1983.
Drama telling the story of Hollywood's most glamorous couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who acted together for the last time in Noel Coward's Private Lives in 1983.
When Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met on the set of Cleopatra, the attraction was immediate. The public were enthralled by their illicit romance, two tempestuous marriages, frequent break-ups and extravagant reunions. They were the original fabulous stars, conspicuous in their consumption of clothes, houses, yachts, diamonds, and, more damagingly, alcohol.
In 1976 Richard and Elizabeth divorced for the second time. They both married other people and it seemed that the romance of the century might truly be over. Then, in 1982, they both separated and were free again. In 1983, Richard and Elizabeth had one final reunion on the stage when they spent seven months touring with Noel Coward's Private Lives. During the tour public speculation grew about the possibility of another marriage, but in private old frictions played out once again. Speculation about another reunion ended when Richard Burton married his fiancée Sally Hay halfway through the run.
This is the story of the first celebrity 'it' couple. Beyond alcohol, pills and the trappings of fame, was love the ultimate crutch that allowed them to escape the realities of their extraordinary lives? Funny, glamorous, tempestuous and dripping with diamonds, this is the last battle of the Burtons.
Last on
Find out more about the original fabulous stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
Read more on Noel Coward’s Private Lives, one of the most popular stage comedies.
"The big question I always had was why did Richard agree to take part?"
Clips
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Trail: Burton and Taylor
Duration: 00:47
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Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter talk Burton and Taylor
Duration: 04:42
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Richard arrives at Elizabeth’s birthday party
Duration: 02:05
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Richard and Elizabeth answer journalists’ questions
Duration: 01:48
Music Played
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Imagination
Just an Illusion
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Donna Summer
Love to Love You Baby
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Sylvester
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
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Imagination
Just An Illusion
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Elizabeth Taylor | Helena Bonham Carter |
Richard Burton | Dominic West |
Kathryn Walker | Sarah Hadland |
John Cullum | William Hope |
Milton Katselas | Stanley Townsend |
Mike | Michael Jibson |
Chen Sam | Lenora Crichlow |
ASM | Jess Doherty |
Zev Bufman | Greg Hicks |
Maria Burton | Isabella Brazier-Jones |
Liza Todd Burton | Lucille Sharp |
Sally Burton | Cassie Raine |
Reporter | Martin Sherman |
Journalist | Trevor White |
Journalist | Jeff Mash |
Producer | Lachlan MacKinnon |
Director | Richard Laxton |
Writer | William Ivory |
Broadcasts
- Mon 22 Jul 2013 21:00
- Tue 23 Jul 2013 02:20
- Thu 25 Jul 2013 22:40
- Wed 7 May 2014 21:00
- Thu 8 May 2014 02:35
- Wed 21 Jun 2017 21:00
- Sat 17 Apr 2021 22:10´óÏó´«Ã½ Two except Scotland
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Video interview
Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter talk Burton and Taylor
Preview clip
Video: Richard and Elizabeth answer journalists’ questions
Preview clip
Video: Richard arrives at Elizabeth’s birthday party