Elizabeth Tayloris arguably the biggest movie star from Hollywood’s Golden Age and probably the first true global cinematic icon. Named the seventh-greatest screen legend in classic American cinema by the American Film Institute, Taylor became an international figure thanks to her stunning beauty, gorgeous “violet” eyes, and considerable talent.
In a career spanning over fifty years, Taylor starred in some of classic Hollywood’s most iconic pictures. Beginning with supporting roles before graduating to leading turns, Taylor cemented herself as a silver screen titan, proving her versatility in countless roles and securing her legacy as a box-office draw and a major pop culture icon. Taylor’s filmography is rich and eclectic; each film she made contributed to her timeless legacy, but some stand out because of their cultural importance and mark on American film history.
10’Raintree County' (1957)
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Taylor’s first Oscar nomination came thanks to the 1957 epic historical WesternRaintree County. Set in the Antebellum South,the movie uses the American Civil War as a backdropto tell the story of the volatile marriage between poet John Shawnessy and impetuous Southern Belle Susanna Drake.
One of the manyGone of the Windknock-offs to come out during the Golden Age,Raintree Countyhas stellar production values, including some truly breathtaking costumes. The film’s disappointing screenplay weighs it down, as does its unwillingness to settle for a certain tone. However, Taylor is stellar, especially in her scenes opposite the equally capableMontgomery Clift.Raintree Countyis not the best movie in Taylor’s prestigious filmography, but her performance alone makes it a worthwhile watch.
9’Cleopatra' (1963)
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Elizabeth Taylor was the biggest star in the world in 1963. Thus, a movie about the legendary queen of Egypt starring Taylor was a no-brainer. Co-starringRex HarrisonandRichard Burton, the film quickly became one of the year’s most anticipated efforts, and it certainly lived up to the hype - for better and worse.
Cleopatrais best remembered for its sheer excess - it wasthe most expensive movie up to that pointand nearlybankrupted 20th Century Fox. The film is also infamous for beginning Taylor’s long and troubled romance with Richard Burton, a timeless Hollywood tale that has stood the test of time. However,Cleopatrais a good film in its own right, and Taylor does her best in what is essentially a tragic love story. And even if she can’t help but be swallowed by the bombast surrounding her,Cleopatrastill stands as one of Taylor’s most popular efforts.
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8’Ivanhoe' (1952)
Director: Richard Thorpe
Elizabeth Taylor co-stars oppositeRobert TaylorandJoan Fontainein the 1952 historical epicIvanhoe. The plot revolves around the lead character and his quest to free Richard the Lionheart from the devious Prince John while juggling the affections of two maidens, Rowena and Rebecca.
Although not amongthe best medieval romances,Ivanhoehas a strong romantic element that makes it a crucial project in Taylor’s career. As Rebecca, Taylor is lovely and devoted, embodying the values of virtue and honor so important for Miggle Ages romances.Ivanhoeis a suitably grand epic, elevated by compelling central performances, impressive production values, and a firm commitment to the larger-than-life scope that characterized Golden Age epics.
7’Suddenly, Last Summer' (1959)
Joseph L. Mankiewiczdirected Taylor alongsideKatharine Hepburnand Montgomery Clift inthe 1959 Southern Gothic mysterySuddenly, Last Summer. The story revolves around Catherine Holly, a young woman traumatized after witnessing her cousin’s death. Her aunt, Violet, attempts to bribe a young doctor into performing a lobotomy on Catherine; however, he is determined to discover the truth.
Based on the play by Tennesse Williams,Suddenly, Last Summeris a subdued version of the original. Like most adaptations of Williams' works, the film undermines many of the play’s principal themes. However, Taylor and Hepburn make for a macabre pair, their duel of wits and wills single-handedly elevating the film and making it worth the price of admission.
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6’Father of the Bride' (1950)
Director: Vincente Minnelli
The originalFather of the Bridewas directed byVincente Minnelliand starred two-time Oscar winnerSpencer Tracy, with Taylor playing his daughter. The plot follows Stan, a middle-aged man whose daughter, Kay, has just gotten engaged. Battling money issues and wedding shenanigans, Stan must come to terms with his daughter’s maturity.
Father of the Brideis, first and foremost, a showcase for Spencer Tracy’s comedic abilities.The film is a classic comedythat deftly balances humor and heart, with Taylor at the center of the action. The actress is perfect for the surprisingly layered role of the bride, Kay, going from a sheltered child to a mature young woman ready to start a new life. While it features some outdated views by current standards,Father of the Brideremains a sweet and hilarious comedy and a major hit in Taylor’s career, elevating her to leading lady status.
5’National Velvet' (1944)
Director: Clarence Leon Brown
National Velvetwas the film that gave Taylor her breakthrough role. The plot centers on Velvet Brown, a determined 12-year-old and new owner of a rebellious horse, “The Pie.“Mickey Rooneyco-stars as Mi Taylor, a former jockey who helps her train the horse for England’s Grand National race.
Taylor is a revelation as Velvet Brown, delivering an assured and enchanting performance that provides the film with its drive and purpose.National Velvetis among the all-time best family movies, delivering a sweet and satisfying story with a heartwarming message. Due to its central theme, it could be considered amongthe best sports movies, presenting an uplifting journey without becoming overly sentimental.
4’A Place in the Sun' (1951)
Director: George Stevens
George Stevens' 1951 dramaA Place in the Sunis a timeless and beloved classic. Montgomery Clift stars as George Eastman, a working-class young man caught between the affections of two women: Alice Tripp, a co-worker at his uncle’s factory, and Angela Vickers, a beautiful socialite.
A Place in the Sunis amongthe all-time best drama movies. Clift might be the film’s star, and deservedly so, but Taylor is its secret ingredient. Dressed head-to-toe in Edith Head’s legendary costumes, the violet-eyed actress is a vision as Angela, gliding across the scenes and brightening up the film when it settles into its overly hypnotic tone.A Place in the Sunwas the first of Taylor and Clift’s three collaborations, introducing the iconic on-screen pairing to eager audiences.
3’Giant' (1956)
The epic Western dramaGiantstarsRock Hudson,James Dean, and Taylor. The film follows wealthy Texas rancher Bick Benedict, who marries the beautiful Leslie Lynnton. Their relationship is troubled as she wins the affections of ambitious ranch hand Jett Rink, leading to years of shifting fortunes and conflict.
Giantis widely considered amongthe all-time best Westerns. The film benefits from a now-legendary trio of leading performances in service of a decades-spanning story about love, ambition, jealousy, racism, and gender dynamics.Giantis pivotal in Taylor’s career: the film allows her to show off her mature side and range as a performer for the first time, outgrowing her status as a leading lady and becoming a respected actress.
2’Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' (1958)
Director: Richard Brooks
Taylor andPaul Newmanmake for arguably the most attractive couple in cinematic history inRichard Brooks'1958 dramaCat on a Hot Tin Roof. The plot revolves around Brick Pollitt, recently injured in a drunken accident, and his tumultuous wife, Maggie “The Cat” Pollitt, as they visit his father’s Mississippi plantation to celebrate his 65th birthday.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roofseverely underplays the homosexual themes in Tennesse Williams' original play. However, Newman and Taylor are electric in the leading roles, portraying the lingering frustration and confusion plaguing Brick and Maggie with empathy and nuance.More than any of her other 50s films,Cat on a Hot Tin Roofis essential to Taylor’s filmography. The actress received a richly-earned second Oscar nomination forCat on a Hot Tin Roof, with many believing it should’ve been her first win.
1’Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' (1966)
Director: Mike Nichols
Taylor delivered the finest performance of her acclaimed career inMike Nichols' 1966 adaption of Edward Albee’s classicWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?The actress plays Martha, a bitter and confrontational woman in a marriage with the tortured and miserable George, played by Richard Burton. When the couple invites a younger marriage for dinner, no one can anticipate the chaotic turn the night will take.
One of the best stage play adaptations,Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfis a masterpiece, largely because of Taylor’s explosive performance. As Martha, the legendary actress is a walking contradiction: alluring but terrifying, bitter but aggressive, at once magnetic and heartbreaking, spitting vitriol left and right and making it seem like poetry. Taylor delivers one of cinema’s all-time greatest portrayals, a tour-de-force that cemented her place as a silver-screen legend.
