Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, stolen gazes: adoration, fascination, lust, worry

The 20th-Century love affair between fiction and reality

Where is the line between reality and fiction, acting and spontaneity?

For the most famous lovers of the 20th century, the frontier was fragile.

The films in which they shared the limelight reflected their lives; their on-screen arguments were a pale copy of their high-profile quarrels; their cinematic embraces shamelessly lifted the veil of their sexual attraction.

Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf, from Mike Nichols: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, playing "hate" - The Comedians, from Peter Glenville: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton playing - or not playing...- "lust".

ooooOOoooo

Public camera' lens' scrutinizing private lives

Throughout their marriage - both marriages - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were rarely two. Only "two".

Everyone around the world who was watching their movies wanted to guess if they played love or hate, or if they were "living" their desire for one another regardless of the spotlights. 

The director's camera followed their every move. Each of their facial expressions was studied, even acted out, so that the film studios could make the most of them.

Their poses were skilfully lit in the studio of a photographer accredited by a prestigious magazine.

Assaulted on an airport tarmac or leaving a hotel, their reactions to an impromptu interview were targeted to reveal only positive emotions.

They were masters in the art of marrying the lens. They had to. The world was watching.

Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf, from Mike Nichols: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor: behind the scene, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton laughing in the bed while the camera spies them, in 1966 - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's love gaze in front of the photographer Douglas Kirkland, in 1964.

oooooOOooooo

Paparazzi and "The Scandal"!

But the world demanded even more.

In their honor - or rather, their misfortune - the paparazzi took it upon themselves to provide the two stars' fanatical admirers with even more "material" made of flesh and forbidden. Frederico Fellini gave them this name for his 1960 film La Dolce Vita, but it was on the scandalous adulterous couple that these freelance photographers specialized in sensationalism, selling their "non-consensual" shots to the highest bidders, made their debut and established their reputation as scandal-hunters.

For the fact that these photographs were "stolen", taken without the consent of the two concerned, was all the more valuable. They were supposed to tell the story of what was really going on behind the smooth, public images. Violating their privacy, intruding shamelessly around their residences, posing as a delivery man to break down their door, or "hiding" above a tree to manage to catch them at the "right angle".

This supreme "right angle" was from the deck of the ship where, during a break in the filming of Cleopatra, a lucky paparazzo managed to immortalize them in full embrace, languid and in love - and, above all, very much married, but not together. This was the beginning of what would mark the destiny of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton: "The Scandal", as Burton amused himself by calling it. The one that triggered the ire of the Pope himself!

During Cleoapatra shooting: "The Scandal", Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton caught in intimate embracing on a yacht (source french magazine Cinémonde n°1458 July 17th 1962).

oooooOOooooo

The protective bubble cracked

Richard Burton wrote that Elizabeth Taylor had the talent and power to isolate herself from outside intrusion. From early childhood, she had been accustomed to being surrounded, admired and watched.

To counteract these insistent, incessant stares, she had created a protective bubble for herself. It sometimes burst when the pressure was too great, the grief too raw, as when Mike Todd died. Or when the Taylor/Burton couple found themselves on the tarmac at Rome airport one day in July 1973.

Burial of Mike Todd, Elizabeth Taylor's third and beloved husband (French magazine Cinérevue N°14, April 1958) - July 1973, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton emotional embrace after a first separation, on airport tarmac of Roma. (Italian magazine Gente July 1973)

oooooOOooooo

Stolen gazes

Elizabeth Taylor's look of addiction at Richard Burton

However, there were times when the bubble was more fragile. 
"Unsaid" things and feelings meant to be shared only between the two of them were revealed in certain shots, whether "stolen" or tolerated on a film set or holiday location.

These are the most moving because they capture the essence of what made Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton such a magnificent and fragile couple.

Even when they are consciously in the path of a lens, their gazes meet and flee; feelings escape without these master actors even realizing it: adoration, fascination, desire, uncertainty, or fear. The whole range of human happiness and tragedy.

How easy it is to find evidence of Elizabeth Taylor's adoration of Richard Burton! In the vast majority of pictures, it is she who is devouring him with her eyes.

Her gaze is so full of admiration that one can't help but compare it to the worship a believer would give to a deity.

oooooOOooooo

Richard Burton's look of fascination at Elizabeth Taylor

It's much rarer to find photographs where it is Richard Burton looking at his wife outside of a shoot or commissioned photograph.

It is worth noting that I have yet to find a photograph in which Richard Burton looks at his last wife, Sally Haye, preferring to smile at the camera! This said in brackets, but a detail eloquent enough to be worth noting....

Richard Burton's diaries are eloquent enough for us to be certain that his love for Elizabeth Taylor was as intense as her own.

Perhaps - surely - the Welshman had a better grasp of his emotions, and was able to hide them from the thousands of scrutinizing eyes. This makes these images all the more precious. As I discover more, I'll post them on this page.

Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton, looks, admiration, devotion, fear, worry, paparazzi, public image, stolen photos, Richard Burton in love, Elizabeth Taylor in love, look of love,
 

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Both of them trapped in their gaze. Both alone in the world.

Richard Burton's fascinating look at Elizabeth Taylor. June 1963, at The Gala For The Film 'Lawrence Of Arabia' at the Champs-Elysees Theater, Paris,

ooooOOoooo

Richard Burton's demanding gaze at Elizabeth Taylor

Worry, interrogation, waiting for answers... Lots of emotions are sweating from these photographs...

At the time of the shooting of "Boom", off stage. The photograph caught the demanding gaze of Richard Burton at Elizabeth Taylor -

December 13, 1973, after their reunion, Richard Burton wears his fetish red jacket, while Elizabeth Taylor is protected with her fur coat. Her husband flew from Rome, worrying from Elizabeth Taylor's health who was staying in an Los Angeles' hospital. Here they arrive in New York.

ooooOOoooo

A worrying gaze from Richard Burton the Elizabeth Taylor, "the Woman in black"

This picture of Richard Burton looking at Elizabeth Taylor is mysterious. There is "so much emotion on his face….. sadness, concern, worry..." From what I can "read" (but of course, this is subjective and you may have another opinion), he seems upset, demanding for her gaze, or her attention. Elizabeth Taylor "plays" the smiling face for the photographs. Maybe they have just had a quarrel. Anyway, HE is the one who is hypnotized by her. 

It was taken in October 13, 1971. 

October 13 1971, Rome. The "Lady in Black" Elizabeth Taylor had just arrived from the Heathrow airport to meet Richard Burton playing "The Assassination of Trosky". - - Richard Burton looks at Elizabeth Taylor in a tense way, like he was demanding something, or trying to "reach" her; But she plays the smiling actress who does not care :-)

ooooOOoooo

From the wire thread, it says: "13.10.1971. The Woman in black.

Here it the story around this abpve picture, and other photographs of that day of  October 13, 1971.

First at the airport, flying from Heathrow Airport to Rome ; then at their arrival in the hotel in Rome.

Associated Newspapers wire thread: "There was no mistaking the Woman in Black cape, trimmed with gold. Black pirate boots. Black stockings. Black mini-skirt. And the striking figure of grandmother - extraordinary, Elizabeth Taylor.

She was returning to Rome aboard her private jet after a dash to London to see Lisa, her 14-year-old daughter by her marriage to Mike Todd.

Lisa had been in hospital for two days with severe concussion after she was thrown by her horse. Lisa has left hospital and, says her mother, is "quite well". (Associated Newspapers copyright.)

October 13 1971. Elizabeth Taylor, "the Lady in Black", arriving at the airport, from London's Heathrow to Rome,.

October 13 1971, Rome. The "Lady in Black" Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, arriving at the hotel. On that picture too, Richard Burton looks "unconfortable".

oooooOOooooo

Is Richard Burton worried or mad at Elizabeth Taylor ? Check his gaze

Richard Burton's worrying glance at Elizabeth Taylor. She is talking to someone. Does he disagrees with what she is telling the latter?

ooooOOoooo

Richard Burton's gaze of lust at his wife Elizabeth Taylor

You could use 20 per cent of Richard Burton's diaries to describe the sexual attraction that united them.

Here is just one short line among dozens: 

"1968 Sunday 25th: London, aboard [their yacht] Kalizma: Elizabeth is an eternal one-night stand. She is my private and personal bought mistress. And lascivious with it. It is impossible to tell you what is consisted in the act of love. Well, I’ll tell you: E is a receiver, a perpetual returner of the ball!"

On his book "Meeting Mrs Jenkins" (1966), he describes his impression of Elizabeth Taylor when he first met her: "...Her breasts were apocalyptic, they would topple empires down before they withered. Indeed, her body was a miracle of construction and the work of an engineer of genius."

Well, just appreciate his oblique gaze towards his wife on this two pictures. A dreaming one... Lust is not far.... Quite cute!

April 7th 1970, Richard Burton admiring the figure of Elizabeth Taylor,at the 42nd Academy Awards, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton dining casually in a restaurant.

oooooOOooooo

Elizabeth Taylor's look of despair at Richard Burton

February 19th 1976. Richard Burton sent a telegram to his wife, who was in Geneva, asking her to join him in New York, where he was rehearsing his new play "Equis" on Broadway

Elizabeth Taylor was delighted and had already organized her birthday party. Instead, as soon as Elizabeth landed in New York, Richard Burton told her he wanted a divorce to marry Susan Hunt. 

This picture was taken as they were leaving the Sardi's restaurant just after she had heard the news. She fiercely stays strong in front of the paparazzi, but her eyes cannot hide her sadness..  The wire news were mistaken, and concluded that there was "no mystery woman". Unfortunately....

That picture marks the end of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton second marriage, and the final of their story together. .... But not of their love for each other!

Anyway, these pictures are painful to watch. And Richard Burton's glance of embarrassment - for the least (I hope he was ashamed of himself), is hard to stand.

19th February 1976. Coming out of Sardi's Restaurant in New York, Richard Burton has just announced to Elizabeth Taylor that he wanted a divorce.

oooooOOooooo

Author: Arlette Dambron

#Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton, #liz and dick, ##liz taylor richard Burton love, #love gaze, #look of admiration, #look of devotion, #look of worry, #paparazzi, #public image, #stolen photos, #Richard Burton in love, #Elizabeth Taylor in love, #look of love, #stolen pictures, #paparazzi,,
 

ooo

Visit the other pages dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

(There will be more articles written, and the pages underneath will be updated regularly when new pictures or information are found on those topics)

Father and daughter's tenderness, Liza Todd Burton and Richard Burton - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

As a child, when Liza Burton, daughter of Elizabeth Taylor, referred to Mike Todd, she called him "Father". She used to call Richard Burton, her stepfather, "Dad". In his diaries, Richard Burton is

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/03/father-and-daughter-bound-liza-todd-and-richard-burton.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Oscar of the glamorous stars at the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Oscar for the most glamorous Hollywood Stars The 42nd Awards, which took place on 7 April 1970, marked an important date in the history of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton: the Welsh actor ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/05/the-stars-elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-won-the-oscar-of-glamour-at-the-42nd-academy-awards-of-1970.html

Elizabeth Taylor and the mini skirt, at the cutting edge of fashion from the '60s to the '70s - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

A proud Richard Burton is holding tight the hand of his wife Elizabeth Taylor. She is at the height of her blossoming, wearing a tiny blue mini dress. What was the outward symbol of women's sexual ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/04/elizabeth-taylor-and-the-miniskirt-at-the-cutting-edge-of-fashion-from-the-68s-to-the-70s.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, love until the end, their last encounter in London June 1982 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, love until the end After their second divorce, two other marriages for him, one for her, but Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton loved each other until the end -

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/06/elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-love-until-the-end.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sing in Welsh Ar Lan y Môr, and What do Simple Folks Do in Sammy Davis Jr. show, 1966 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at the Sammy Davis Junior Show, in 1966. In support of their long-time friend Sammy Davis Junior's new television show, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/03/elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-sing-a-welsh-song-ar-lan-y-mor-in-sammy-davis-jr.show-1966.html

Listen to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor singing together, at the Sammy Davis Jr. Show: the Welsh song Ar Lan y Môr. the song from Camelot's play What do simple Folks do, together with Sammy Davis Jr. They whistle together. Then Richard Burton and Sammy Davis Jr. dance in front of Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Burton sings alone Camelot.

Camelot, and How to Handle a Woman, sung by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1967, Paris Gala of Unicef - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

1967, Paris. Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor: "How to handle a woman" ooooOOoooo UNICEF Gala, Paris, December 15 1967 In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton participated in the Gala of ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/06/richard-burton-sins-to-elizabeth-taylor-how-to-handle-a-woman.html

Encounter of two myths: Elizabeth Taylor and Clark Gable - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

The encounter of the two living myths of the century: the "King" Rhett Butler (well, Clark Gable), smiling at the sixteen-years starlet Elizabeth Taylor, before becoming soon the "Divine" Elizabeth

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/03/encounter-of-two-myths-elizabeth-taylor-and-clark-gable.html

ooo

The love words of Richard Burton, written by Rhett Butler!
Chap .52 of my Gone with the Wind fanction, The Boutique Robillard:  Love letter

My own crossover of the two greatest stories: a fictional one, between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, and two real - so real - lovers Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It only happens in one single chapter N°52 of my historical novel The Boutique Robillard: Rhett Butler writes a love letter to Scarlett O'Hara, using Richard Burton's words written in his diaries for Elizabeth Taylor. 
 

Chap .52. Love letter, my novel The Boutique Robillard, my Gone with the Wind fanfiction - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

The love letter from Rhett, with Richard Burton's verbartim.... Sunday, July 11, 1876 A ray of sunlight has managed to seep through the half-drawn curtains. It is bursting on the glass. And has fun

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/04/chap.52.love-letter-my-novel-the-boutique-robillard-my-gone-with-the-wind-fanfiction.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, or the fascination of a child of the 1970s - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Teenager's imaginary world (Graphic: A. Dambron) ooooOOoooo Three forgotten magazine cutouts How dreams can fulfill the mind of a teenage girl in the 1970s, so much so that they sound as intense ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/04/elizabeth-taylor-richard-burton-or-the-fascination-of-a-child-of-1970.html