Elizabeth Taylor: A Legendary Career in Film
Elizabeth Taylor was not only one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the silver screen, but she was also a talented and versatile actress. With a career spanning over six decades, Taylor left an indelible mark on Hollywood and became one of the most iconic figures in film history. Let’s take a look at some of her most memorable movies in chronological order.
1. National Velvet (1944): At just 12 years old, Taylor captivated audiences with her portrayal of Velvet Brown, a young girl who trains a horse to compete in the Grand National steeplechase. This film marked the beginning of Taylor’s career and showcased her natural talent and undeniable screen presence.
2. Father of the Bride (1950): In this classic comedy, Taylor starred opposite Spencer Tracy as Kay Banks, a young woman planning her wedding. Her performance as the charming and lovable bride-to-be earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a rising star.
3. Giant (1956): This epic drama saw Taylor sharing the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Rock Hudson and James Dean. Set against the backdrop of Texas oil fields, Taylor delivered a powerful performance as Leslie Lynnton Benedict, earning her first Academy Award nomination.
4. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Based on Tennessee Williams’ play, this film showcased Taylor’s dramatic range as Maggie Pollitt, a frustrated wife desperate for her husband’s attention. Her sizzling chemistry with co-star Paul Newman made this movie an instant classic.
5. Cleopatra (1963): Perhaps one of Taylor’s most iconic roles, she portrayed the legendary Egyptian queen with grace and allure. Despite production setbacks and controversies surrounding the film, Taylor’s mesmerizing performance earned her another Academy Award nomination.
6. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): In this intense drama based on Edward Albee’s play, Taylor delivered a tour-de-force performance as Martha, a bitter and disillusioned woman. Her portrayal of a troubled marriage opposite real-life husband Richard Burton earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
7. The Taming of the Shrew (1967): Taylor teamed up with Richard Burton once again in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Their fiery on-screen chemistry and Taylor’s portrayal of the feisty Katharina made this film a must-watch for fans of classic literature.
8. Butterfield 8 (1960): In this provocative drama, Taylor played Gloria Wandrous, a call girl caught in a web of self-destruction. Her fearless performance won her an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented leading ladies.
9. Suddenly, Last Summer (1959): This psychological thriller saw Taylor playing Catherine Holly, a young woman haunted by the events surrounding her cousin’s death. Her gripping performance earned her another Academy Award nomination and showcased her ability to tackle complex and challenging roles.
10. The Mirror Crack’d (1980): In one of her later films, Taylor starred as Marina Rudd, a fading movie star caught up in a murder mystery. Despite being past the peak of her career, Taylor’s presence on-screen was still captivating and reminded audiences why she was considered one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Elizabeth Taylor’s filmography is extensive, with many more notable movies not mentioned here. However, these ten films provide a glimpse into the incredible talent and versatility that made her an enduring legend in the world of cinema. From child star to Hollywood icon, Elizabeth Taylor will forever be remembered for her remarkable contributions to the art of film.
