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Burton and Taylor

Duration: 1 hour, 22 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC FourLatest broadcast: on BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

Available for years

Drama telling the story of Hollywood's most glamorous couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who acted together for the last time in Noel Coward's Private Lives in 1983.

When Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met on the set of Cleopatra, the attraction was immediate. The public were enthralled by their illicit romance, two tempestuous marriages, frequent break-ups and extravagant reunions. They were the original fabulous stars, conspicuous in their consumption of clothes, houses, yachts, diamonds, and, more damagingly, alcohol.

In 1976 Richard and Elizabeth divorced for the second time. They both married other people and it seemed that the romance of the century might truly be over. Then, in 1982, they both separated and were free again. In 1983, Richard and Elizabeth had one final reunion on the stage when they spent seven months touring with Noel Coward's Private Lives. During the tour public speculation grew about the possibility of another marriage, but in private old frictions played out once again. Speculation about another reunion ended when Richard Burton married his fiancée Sally Hay halfway through the run.

This is the story of the first celebrity 'it' couple. Beyond alcohol, pills and the trappings of fame, was love the ultimate crutch that allowed them to escape the realities of their extraordinary lives? Funny, glamorous, tempestuous and dripping with diamonds, this is the last battle of the Burtons. Show less

Contributors

Elizabeth Taylor:
Helena Bonham Carter
Richard Burton:
Dominic West
Kathryn Walker:
Sarah Hadland
John Cullum:
William Hope
Milton Katselas:
Stanley Townsend
Zev Bufman:
Greg Hicks
Liza Todd Burton:
Lucille Sharp
Sally Burton:
Cassie Raine
Journalist:
Trevor White
Journalist:
Jeff Mash

About this data

This data is drawn from the data stream that informs BBC's iPlayer and Sounds. The information shows what was scheduled to be broadcast, meaning it was/is subject to change and may not be accurate. More