‘My Father Called Me…:’ When Elizabeth Taylor’s Father Did Not Approve Of Her Affair With Richard Burton

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As a devoted admirer of the captivating Elizabeth Taylor, delving into her tumultuous yet extraordinary life is an exhilarating journey that leaves one spellbound. The love story between Elizabeth and Richard Burton, two powerhouses of Hollywood, was not only iconic but also steeped in controversy, as vividly portrayed in Nanette Burstein’s documentary, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes.

Elizabeth Taylor’s scandalous romance with Richard Burton, her co-star on Cleopatra, spanned an entire century filled with controversy! Notably, Elizabeth’s father, Francis Taylor, was among those who closely examined their relationship. In recent discoveries, interviews of the actress from years past, now showcased in Nanette Burstein’s documentary Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes, reveal that her father did not approve of this relationship.

“In a conversation tape-recorded between 1964 and 1965, she stated that her father had referred to her as a ‘vulgar term for a woman.’ When she chose to leave her fourth husband, Eddie Fisher, due to her affection for Burton, there was immediate criticism. She expressed on the tapes that she faced harsh judgment from everyone.”

The pair crossed paths during their work on Cleopatra; she portrayed the main character while he played Mark Antony, both being married to others at the time – Elizabeth to Fisher and Burton to Sybil Christopher. In 1962, news of their romantic involvement became public, leading to intense scrutiny from the media that was quite extraordinary.

In her recorded statements, Elizabeth expressed her dismay over an article in the Vatican newspaper that labeled her as abhorrent. She went on to say, “I feel I should lose custody of my own children due to this, and it’s just…it caused me to retch.” Additionally, she disclosed receiving violent threats and recounted that week as truly horrific.

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When asked if she felt remorseful about abandoning Fisher for Burton, resulting in the chaos, she acknowledged it sincerely, stating, “Absolutely, particularly concerning Richard’s kids. Both of us feel it deeply, as we’ve caused them so much distress.”

As a dedicated follower, I’d put it this way: My ex-wife, Christopher, and I had two daughters named Kate and Jessica. Elizabeth, whom I later married, shared sons Michael Howard, Christopher Edward, and a daughter Liza Frances with her second husband, Michael Wilding. Her third husband, Mike Todd, and she had a daughter, Liza Frances. Together, Elizabeth and I adopted Maria McKeown. When asked by journalist Richard Meryman if she was concerned about divine retribution for her actions, she replied that they would pay their penance on earth, as decreed by the universe.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to share that the long-awaited release, “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes,” has finally made its grand debut at the renowned Cannes Film Festival! Now, this extraordinary production can be enjoyed by fans like me on Max and HBO. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating life of Elizabeth Taylor!

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2024-08-04 18:22