Cover of BUtterfield 8This morning I woke to the news that Elizabeth Taylor had died. As the newscaster read the first take on her life's history I thought about my Dad. You see, the newscaster mentioned her role in BUtterfield 8. Do you know the movie? It was released in 1960 and it was this role that won her the first of two Academy Awards for Best Actress. The movie, according to IMDB, is about "the romantic life of a fashionable Manhattan beauty who's part model, part call-girl--and all man-trap."
I know you are probably thinking that BUtterfield 8 is my favorite Elizabeth Taylor movie. It is not, in fact, I have never seen BUtterfield 8. Surprised? Well, I was only 11 when the movie premiered and I think my parents may have thought the subject matter was too mature. But my father had a great sense of humor and from a very early age (let's just say kindergarten) I always had boyfriends. So in 1961 when my father would find himself in a position to introduce his three daughters (I was the youngest) he would say: "And this is Judy...we call her BUtterfield 8!"
The best part of this story is that I never got the joke. Finally, today I learned the plot line of BUtterfield 8 and now I get it! Plus, I now understand why my mother always frowned when my father would introduce me in this fashion. Oh, well....my father liked to kid and I liked it when he kidded with me and about me.
Today I would like to share with you, not just my little anecdotal story about my Dad, but also some of the really wonderful films that Elizabeth Taylor helped make remarkable. These are films that I have seen many times and will often stop to watch and say to my children..."here is a classic, don't miss it!"
Father of the Bride (1950)
A Place in the Sun (1951)
Giant (1956)
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
Elizabeth Taylor was a fascinating woman. She had a passion for life and for living. For my entire life I have watched her life unfold. It was never dull and never without a purpose. She drove us crazy. She made us laugh. She made us cry. More often than not, she made us think about life and what can be. She was a star!
Do you have a favorite Elizabeth Taylor film? I would love to hear from you.
While you think about that, enjoy the trailer from BUtterfield 8.
If you are having trouble viewing the video, you can see it here.
4 comments:
I like this quotation of hers, taken from the NY Times:
"I know I'm vulgar, but would you have me any other way?"
plus the one attributed to Roddy McDowall:
"People who damn her wish to hell they could do what they think she does."
Darren,
Thanks for those quotes. Over the years I have read a lot about Elizabeth and her friends. It seemed from our vantage point that when she made a friend, she was a best friend forever. I read, years ago, about her friendships with Montgomery Clift and Roddy McDowall. Even last evening I was listening to an interview with Debbie Reynolds. Debbie had only wonderful things to say and with humor. They were good friends till the end.
She did a lot of good for the world in her campaign for research for HIV/AID.
Thanks for writing Darren.
Ooooh, I adored Elizabeth.
Loved Butterfield 8 & Cat on a hot tin roof...
and of course, Who's afraid of Virgina Woolf.
Great Post!
I know I'm vulgar, but would you have me any other way?"
CLASSIC quote.
Kim,
Thanks for visiting. I am glad you liked my post. I really need to watch BUtterfield 8...I will make it a goal. Two of my friends watched GIANT the other evening and really enjoyed it.
The quote is great. I hope you will stop by again.
Judy
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