Classic Movie Goddess Of The Month - Elizabeth Taylor Part 4

For the month of February I chose Liz Taylor as the classic movie goddess. Here I list what I think are her essential films that movie lovers need to see, that show her at her very best. I will start with my favorite Liz movie of all time: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958) Without a doubt, my favorite Liz Taylor movie. She gives a terrific performance as Maggie, the wife of Paul Newman in Tennessee Williams southern tale of family and their secrets brought out during one long and hot summer day. Liz was robbed of a Best Actress Oscar that year for sure.



WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966) Liz did pick up an Oscar (her second) for her sensational turn as the harridan wife of Richard Burton that is basically a clinic on Acting 101. Liz totally convinces the viewer that she is this forty-something frumpy and slightly overweight shrew who loathes her husband. Liz was only 33 when she made this film and turned in this magnificent performance.



FATHER OF THE BRIDE (1950) A fresh faced and 18 year old Liz shines brightly in this sentimental comedy classic. She is charming as the young bride to be Kay Banks and holds her own with veteran actors Spencer Tracy and Joan Bennett. This film was so successful, a sequel followed with Kay now expecting a child.



CLEOPATRA (1963) While not one of Liz's best films, this is definitely a must see for the sheer spectacle of one of the most epic movies ever brought to the silver screen. And amid all the sets and thousands of extras, Liz is still the main attraction.



GIANT (1956) Engaging epic film has Liz as the wife of a rich Texas rancher (Rock Hudson) dealing with
miscegenation, moral dissipation, racism, the oppression of women and a lot more. James Dean is on hand for what turned out to be his final role before his untimely death. A true Hollywood epic that they just don't make like they used to.



A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951) Powerhouse film that has Liz sharing the screen with Montgomery Clift and Shelley Winters. Memorable for the final scene between Liz and Montgomery. This is the breakout performance Liz gave that moved her from child and teen-ager roles into full adult roles and she never looked back.


NATIONAL VELVET (1944) Entertaining family classic with Liz as Velvet Brown, who prepares to race her horse in the Grand National - England's greatest racing event. Liz is wonderful as the young girl and she gets great support from Mickey Rooney. A timeless classic.

BUTTERFIELD 8 (1960) Liz is saddled with the great name of Gloria Wandrous, a New York call girl who becomes involved with a married man. Now this is pure 60's soap opera kitsch and not that good of a film. It's very dated and kinda slow. But Liz did win her very first Oscar for Best Actress with her performance in this film. And while it may not be one of her best, she still commands your full attention. Plus she is definitely at her sexy best in this one.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (1967) And last but not least, the Shakespeare classic is given the Hollywood treatment and real life husband and wife Richard Burton and Liz go at it with such gusto and authenticity, the line between acting and real life becomes a blur.

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