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For her celebrated career in film and pioneering
work in fundraising for AIDS research, Hollywood legend Elizabeth
Taylor was honored in her native England in 2000: she was made a Dame
Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
On this occasion, the studio system's last great star spoke candidly
about the actors and friendships that influenced her evolution as
an actress. From her early days as an MGM child star in NATIONAL VELVET
to her reign as international movie queen in CLEOPATRA, Elizabeth
Taylor's turbulent story far surpasses the intensity of any of her
film roles. Framed by insights from Shirley MacLaine, Rod Steiger,
and Angela Lansbury, Taylor shares tender reminiscences of Richard
Burton, Montgomery Clift, Rock Hudson, and James Dean; the pain and
pleasure of winning two Oscars; and her dawning sense of responsibility
at the onset of the AIDS crisis.
Writer Samantha Gleisten provides an overview of the documentary;
explains how Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor got her early start in films
and the roles that have become so inextricably linked with the actress;
and interviews Deborah Hernan of the American Foundation of AIDS Research
(amfAR) about Elizabeth Taylor's work as a fundraiser and activist
for the fight against AIDS.
Click here to explore the Web companion
for this program, which originally aired on April 4, 2001.
Top banner photos: Elizabeth Taylor; Shirley MacLaine;
Dr. Mathilde Krim; Elizabeth Taylor; Angela Lansbury.
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Film historian Jeanine Basinger. |
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Friend and fellow actor Rod Steiger. |
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