Elizabeth

by J. Randy Taraborrelli

  I met so many people during the course of researching this book who were friends and confidantes of Taylor’s and Burton’s at the time their relationship first started. Some asked for anonymity and I am respecting their wishes here. I thank those people in Burton’s circle for their help even if it went with a caveat of anonymity. Also, I would like to thank Patrick McMahon for his many recollections that I used in this and other sections of this book. And a special thanks to Hank Lustig for his memories and also for the many scrapbooks of his time on the set of Cleopatra. Thanks also to the wonderful actor Martin Landau for his remembrances of his work on Cleopatra. Thanks also to Stewart Wilson and Victor Zellman for their interviews. I also referenced Miss Taylor’s first memoir, Elizabeth Taylor, for the chapter “A Turning Point in Gstaad.” Also, I would like to thank Matissa Hart for sharing her wonderful reminiscences with me.

  I was very sorry to not have been able to meet and interview Sybil Burton Christopher. After several conversations with my lead researcher, Cathy Griffin, she decided that she just didn’t want to be interviewed. I certainly appreciate that she even considered as much and took the time to discuss it. She’s a wonderful woman who has lived a courageous and dignified life, and I hope she feels she is well represented in these pages. Thanks to all of those in Mering, Germany, who assisted me in obtaining information about the background of Elizabeth’s adopted daughter, Maria. Because of the sensitive nature of this research, I am not identifying any of the informants here, but they know who they are and I am grateful to them.

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  Sources and Other Notes

  Over the years, there have been numerous accounts of Elizabeth’s apparent suicide attempts. For this volume, I relied on the verbal accounts of the man she was married to at the time, Eddie Fisher. What he said in his interview was exactly as he wrote about it in his book Been There, Done That. Numerous newspaper reports published at the time corroborated much of what he now recalls. Also, I relied on what Richard Burton wrote about this terrible time in his diaries, published in Richard Burton: A Life, by Melvyn Braag, particularly his memories of the attempt in Porto Santo Stefano. When researching my Sinatra biography in 1996, I encountered many sources who knew Frank’s second wife, Ava Gardner. Among them was the very lovely Lucille Wellman, who passed away a few years ago. She was a delight. I have included some of her memories of Elizabeth in the sections of this book concerning The Night of the Iguana. I know she would love being included in this text as she was such a fan of Elizabeth’s and told her stories about her with such enthusiasm and love. I would also like to thank Tom and Lorraine Banks and Doris Rollins Cannon at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina, who assisted my researchers. I also referred to the following British interviews of Richard Burton: In Town Tonight, BBC-TV, December 24, 1955; An Actor’s Profile, from the BBC Welsh Home Service, March 10, 1961; Burton with John Morgan on Panorama, September 12, 1966; Burton with Kenneth Tynan on BBC-TV, April 1, 1967; Burton and Tay- lor at Oxford, a TV special filmed at Merton College in Oxford on October 14, 1967; Burton with Barry Norman, BBC, September 1974; Burton with Vincent Kane, BBC, February 12, 1977; and an interview with Burton, BBC, December 5, 1977.

  I also consulted the following features: “Playboy Interview: Richard Burton,” by Kenneth Tynan, Playboy, September 1963;

  “Vatican Paper Rips Liz,” UPI, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, April 12, 1962; “Elizabeth Taylor Talks about Cleopatra,” by Jack Hamilton, Look, May 7, 1963; “A Moment by Moment Exclusive, Liz and Burton’s Wedding,” by Steve Brandt, Photoplay, June Sources and Other Notes

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  1962; “All for the Love of Mike,” by C. Robert Jennings, Post, October 9, 1965; “Does Liz Need a Spanking?” AP, Los Angeles Her- ald Examiner, April 4, 1962; “Liz Taylor Separation from Fisher Reported,” by Hedda Hopper, Los Angeles Times, March 10, 1962;

  “Burton Tells Wife Love True Despite Kisses with Liz,” by Raymond Palmer, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, April 4, 1962; “Deny Liz Taylor Eddie Near Rift,” by Harrison Carroll, Los Angeles Her- ald Examiner, February 14, 1962; “Eddie Fisher Silent on Liz Love Rumors,” by Daniel F. Gilmore, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, February 19, 1962; “Row Over Actor Ends Liz, Eddie Marriage,” by Louella O. Parsons, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, March 9, 1962;

  “Liz, Burton in Photog Hassle,” by Eddie Gilmore, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, December 6, 1962; “Liz Taylor, Co-Star Dick Burton to Wed,” by Louella O. Parsons, Los Angeles Herald Exam- iner, January 17, 1963; “Whatever Happened to Elizabeth Taylor,”

  by Adele Whitely Fletcher, Family Weekly, January 22, 1963;

  “Eddie is Stunned—Doesn’t Know What It Means,” by Earl Wilson, Los Angeles Herald Examiner, March 6, 1964; “20th Sues Liz and Dick for $50 Million,” Daily Variety, April 23, 1964; “Elizabeth Taylor Fights Desperately for Life,” UPI, Los Angeles Times, March 7, 1961; “The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Taylor,” by Lee Israel, Esquire, March 1967; “King and Queen—How They Rule Their Roost,” by Jack Hamilton, Look, March 9, 1965; “Mr. Cleopatra,” by John Morgan, New Statesman, Spring 1962. And, finally, I also utilized Elizabeth Taylor in London (1963).

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  PART FOUR: “LIZ AND DICK,”

  AND PART FIVE: CONFUSION REIGNS

  Again, it would take a whole other volume just to list of all of the published material I and my researchers reviewed concerning Eliz-498 Sources and Other Notes

  abeth’s long relationship with Richard Burton. Suffice it to say, if it was published in the United States, Great Britain, France, or Germany I probably laid eyes on it somewhere along the line. I want to thank Diane Stevens, who once worked for Taylor and Burton’s publicist, John Springer, for her assistance on this part of the book—especially in the section concerning Virginia Woolf. Also, Ms. Stevens allowed me access to the many scrapbooks she meticulously compiled during those years. They were invaluable to my research. From her vast video collection, she also allowed me to utilize in my research her videotapes of Richard Bur- ton: In From the Cold (1988), TNT Extra: A Very Special Conver- sation with Elizabeth Taylor (1993), and Great Romances of the Twentieth Century (1997), as well as Elizabeth’s appearances on the Today show, broadcast on February 26, 1982; April 14, 1983; and February 2, 1988. Finally, it took her more than a year of searching to come up with a single article for me, which she was determined to find. It bears mentioning here: “Liz Taylor’s Private Secretary Tells All,” Motion Picture, August 1976. Thanks so much, Diane.

  Also, I have to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Rose Marie Armocida, who was the personal secretary to John Springer. Ms. Armocida did her best to remember stories she hadn’t thought of in many years, and truly devoted herself to doing a good job at it for me and Cathy Griffin. What a fine woman she is. I so appreciate her effort. Her memories are found in this section as well as others in this book.

  And, again, I must express my appreciation to Tom Gates, who had so many experiences with Elizabeth over the years, and whose memories helped to shape this section of the book. Also, Marshall Baldrige was, as mentioned earlier, important to shaping the chapter on Francis Taylor’s funeral. Marie Bentkover, who was a secretary to agent Victor French, was absolutely invaluable to my research in this part of the book, especially as it pertains to Burton’s hemophilia. I personally had no idea that Burton was afflicted by this disease, and I may not Sources and Other Notes

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  have known about it had Ms. Bentkover not brought it to my attention, thereby putting into motion the research that went into corroborating the story. I am so indebted to her and to her family for so warmly receiving me. Thanks also to the fine people at the National Hemophilia Foundation who assisted me and my researchers. And, again, my thanks to Debbie Reynolds for her memories, which were used in this section of the book.

  Also, I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Michelle Griffin-Ayers and her memories of Dick Hanley, and also of her times with the Burtons. Her interviews were very i
mportant and I am grateful for her time.

  I also want to sincerely thank Richard Burton’s best friend and partner in crime, Joe Sirola, for all of his memories about “Rich,”

  many of which can be found in this part of the book, as well as in other sections. It always means so much to me when a person who has had a close friendship with someone important to one of my books comes forth with such honesty and enthusiasm, eager to set the record straight and keep it clean. Joe was very forthcoming. I appreciate his trust.

  I would also like to acknowledge the brilliant actor Michael York for his assistance and his memories of his work on The Tam- ing of the Shrew (which happened to be his debut movie). Mr. York is a rare gentleman.

  Over the years, I met many lawyers who worked alongside the Burtons’ trusted attorney, Aaron Frosch, and I conducted informal interviews with most of them for background purposes only. Because of the sensitive nature of Mr. Frosch’s work with the Burtons—especially as it related to their adopted child, Maria—these sources do not wish to be acknowledged in these pages, or even quoted in this book. For those who worked with Mr. Frosch, I respect their wishes and remain appreciative to them for the time they spent with me just so that I might have a better understanding of the Burtons’ life and times. They know who they are, and know that this acknowledgment is directed at them. 500

  Sources and Other Notes

  Of course, I referred to Elizabeth’s terrific book Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry in researching her vast collection of jewels.

  My thanks to Sophia Loren’s former personal assistant, Ellen Pallola, for her memories and the time she spent discussing the Burtons.

  My thanks also to Giuseppe Patroni-Griffi, who directed Elizabeth in The Driver’s Seat. Sadly, this talented man passed away in December 2005.

  For anyone interested in seeing it, a DVD was released in the winter of 2006 of selected Here’s Lucy programs, including the Burtons’ appearance in 1970. It’s actually quite funny. Interestingly, the “bonus features” include never-before-seen rehearsal footage of Elizabeth, Richard and Lucy during which the viewer can see Miss Ball in total control—and, in one scene, not particularly to Elizabeth’s liking. It’s worth purchasing. I had a very important source for the chapters concerning Henry Wynberg, and who asked for anonymity. He knows who he is, and I thank him for his assistance. I also referred to an interview with Wynberg in the London Mail on Sunday magazine, You, published on October 21, 1990. And thanks to Beverly Wilcox for helping to sort out the shenanigans on the set of Burton’s movie The Klansman. I also referred to Marvin, by Donald Zec (New English Library). I would like to extend a special nod of gratitude to Robert Lantz, who was the Burtons’ agent for more than fifty years. His assistance helped shape this and many other parts of the book, and truly I could not have done this without him. He represented first Burton, and then Burton and Taylor for many years, so his participation was vital and is very much appreciated. Thanks again to Patrick McMahon for his assistance in this section as well. And I would also like to thank him for providing me with the very rare article “Can a Simple Welsh Lass of 36 Find Happiness with a Macedonian Rock and Roll Star of 24? Yes, says Sybil Burton Christopher. Hear, Hear, says the Author (Yeah, Sources and Other Notes

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  Yeah!)” by Elaine Dundy, Esquire, December 1965. Also, Patrick made available to me Elizabeth’s interview with Phil Donahue, which aired on February 15, 1988, and America’s All-Star Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor (1989).

  I also consulted “Elizabeth Taylor: She Insures Her Jewelry and Her Jewelry Insures Her,” by Lloyd Shearer, Parade, May 3, 1970; “Burton and Taylor Must Go,” by Wilfrid Sheed, Esquire, October 1970; “Three Queens Who Lost Their Thrones,” by Liz Smith, Pageant, May 1970; “Elizabeth Taylor Talks About being a Mother,” Ladies’ Home Journal, March 1969; “Liz Has Mystery Operation,” UPI, July 19, 1968; “Here Lies Elizabeth Taylor,” by Terry O’Neill, Ladies’ Home Journal, February 1973; “Liz Laughs at Rift Hint,” UPI, August 20, 1968; “Liz in L.A. for Funeral of Father,” Los Angeles Herald Examiner, November 22, 1968;

  “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways,” by Joseph Roddy, Look, June 16, 1970; “Elizabeth Taylor Sees Red in The Blue Bird,” by Rex Reed, Ladies’ Home Journal, October 1975;

  “And So, It’s Ten Years Since Scandal Time,” by Romany Bain, Cosmopolitan, Spring 1972; “National Velveeta” by Aaron Latham, Esquire, November 1977; “Richard Burton—Back from the Brink,” by Roderick Mann, Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1977; and “Is There Life After Liz,” by Fred Robbins, Playgirl, Spring 1974.

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  PART SIX: COMING TO TERMS,

  PART SEVEN: THE GLORY YEARS,

  AND PART EIGHT: ALL WOMAN

  Thanks to Diane Stevens for her assistance on the chapters concerning Elizabeth’s marriage to Senator John Warner, and also her 502

  Sources and Other Notes

  coping with Richard Burton’s untimely demise. She provided me also with many articles about those years, including “John Warner: Rally Round the Flag,” by Sally Quinn, Washington Post, April 16, 1976; “The Farmer Takes a Wife,” McCall’s, January 1977; “Liz Taylor for the President’s Wife,” Woman’s Own, May 20, 1978; “The Warner Touch,” by Margo Howard, New Republic, February 7, 1983; and “Elizabeth at 60,” by Vernon Scott, Good Housekeeping, February 1992.

  My researchers in Virginia had many sources who have had and continue to enjoy close dealings with Senator Warner. Because of their ongoing relationships with him, they have asked for anonymity. I thank them for their cooperation and for all of the time they spent with those I charged with working on this book in Virginia and in Washington.

  I also studied Elizabeth’s book Elizabeth Takes Off, in which she wrote, I thought, very eloquently about the challenges she faced as a Senator’s wife. Though it was heavily criticized in some quarters, I think that, as celebrity autobiographies go, this one is about as unsparing and objective as they come. I would definitely recommend it for further reading on the subject of Taylor’s life away from Hollywood.

  I would also like to thank the staff of the Palm Aire Spa in Pompano Beach, Florida, for their help on the sections of the book relating to Elizabeth’s stay there.

  Also, I should mention that a great deal of consideration went into the decision as to whether or not to include in this book entries from Elizabeth’s private recovery journal. I decided that they should be included because she did allow them to be published in the New York Times feature “Elizabeth Taylor: Journal of a Recovery,” by John Duka, on February 4, 1985. A side note: I saw Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 in Little Foxes and again in 1985 with Burton in Private Lives, both in Los Angeles. One word to describe those performances: Wow.

  Thanks again to Debbie Reynolds for her observations in this section of the book.

  Sources and Other Notes

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  Sydney Guilaroff’s comments are extracted from Cathy Griffin’s interviews with him. I also read his autobiography, written with Cathy Griffin, Crowning Glory: Reflections of Hollywood’s Fa- vorite Confidant, published in 1996. Guilaroff’s five decades in the motion picture business and intimate friendships with the biggest stars of Hollywood’s golden era made his memoirs the most eagerly awaited autobiography of its kind. Cathy first met him in 1993 when she interviewed him for the previously mentioned A&E documentary on Elizabeth Taylor. She allowed me to review copious notes and transcripts from her work with Mr. Guilaroff. Sally Burton exchanged a number of telephone calls with Cathy Griffin about cooperating with this book, but in the end she decided against it. “It’s much too painful,” she explained . . . and we certainly understood.

  I also drew from interviews I have conducted with Michael Jackson over the years, and I would like to thank him, as well. I hope that he’s found happiness during this time in his life. I would also like to acknowledge those who worked at Neverland during the Taylor-Fortensky years who shared so much with me, so many memories. T
hanks also to the person who obtained for me Michael Jackson’s Private Home Movies (2003), in which Elizabeth is featured. Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Margaret DeForest and Eleanor LaSalle, who helped me understand the complex nature of Sara Taylor, especially in her later years. Thank you so much, ladies. Also, Ms. LaSalle was gracious enough to give me her copy of a very rare videotape of the interview David Frost conducted with Elizabeth and Richard in Budapest, which was broadcast on March 19, 20, and 21, 1972. Also, there are so many people in Larry Fortensky’s family who assisted me in so many ways, and have asked not to be recognized in these pages. Truly, I could not have understood Larry and his marriage to Elizabeth without their help, and I would like to gratefully acknowledge as much here. Thanks also to Larry’s friends Benny Reuben and Brian Bellows for the interviews they gave. 504

  Sources and Other Notes

  And, of course, thanks again to Tom Gates for his participation in this part of the book, as well.

  Thanks also to Aaron Hill, who represented Richard Burton, for his time, energy, and memories and for making available to me the following important features, which I referred to in my research: “Elizabeth Taylor Loves Animals and Out-of-Doors,” Life, February 26, 1945; “Honeymoon Unlimited,” by Elsa Maxwell, Photoplay, September 1950; “Elizabeth Taylor Packs Up, Goes Home to Mother,” Hollywood Citizen-News, December 7, 1950;

  “The Elizabeth Taylor Story,” by Eleanor Harris, Look, June 26, 1956; “Elizabeth Taylor—The Men in Her Life,” Look, July 10, 1956; “Men and Giddy Liz,” by Arthur Halliwell, People (London), July 22, 1956; “Elizabeth Taylor,” Good Housekeeping, April 1961; and “Elizabeth Taylor: The Endless Ordeal,” by Liz Smith, Good Housekeeping, April 1974. Also, Mr. Hill allowed me to use the following videotapes from his vast collection: A Closer Look: Elizabeth Taylor (1991); The Rosie O’Donnell Show, September 24, 2001; Cleopatra: The Film that Changed the World (2001); Headlin- ers and Legends (2002); and Elizabeth Taylor: The E! True Holly- wood Story (1998).