marksmith46 Just realized, after what you said, that every drag queen I ever saw "imitating" Bette, was actually imitating Liz imitating Bette. The actual "what a dump." line from Bette in on youtube. I checked it out. You were so right, Mark.
Jeff Blythe Yup. I found out because I looked up the original 'what a dump' clip on CZcams, just to see what Bette Davis movie it is from, and gee what a disappointment. It's just a throwing-it-out-there kind of line in the original. Liz Taylor - who is almost a drag queen - put that line on steroids lol
"I am the Earth Mother, and you're all a bunch of flops!" Liz, and all the rest in this movie, were freaking genius! This film has always rocked me to the core. Night of the Iguana, as well.
It takes Elizabeth Taylor just three minutes to completely draw you in, set up both characters and steel you for one of the most amazing films ever made.
You are so right! This film is amazing! The screen adaptation is amazing! Edward Albee is a genius! I used to have this entire movie memorized from beginning to end. My favorite film of all time.
+marksmith46 Hahahaha yes, and people often cite Elizabeth Taylor as being ugly in this movie, but I don't think her appearance is THAT hideous, she just DOES gross things like having chicken skin sticking out two inches from her mouth while chatting away and putting an old bone back in the fridge that's already been open for 5 minutes and nobody cared to close it. Lol. The whole thing is just fascinating.
Elizabeth Taylor was a top notch actress but unfortunately the media focused on her personal life and still does. She was brilliant in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as well.
Suddenly Last Summer, Taming of the Shrew, the Giant, heck even Butterfield8 (her acting, not movie). She was incredible. Too bad the focus was/is always on what happened behind the scenes
You said it! Her life off-screen was the subject of more spilled ink in the gossip columns than was ever spent on the fact that she was a brilliant actress. I think she really does belong up there with Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Meryl Streep. She is stunning as an actress here. And so is Burton -- just look at his face as the two of them walk into the house -- that "oh God, ANOTHER evening with this harridan" look -- he conveys everything there.
I absolutely love this scene because of the way Martha despondently says at the end of her speech 'she's discontent', as an indication of what's going to happen later in the play. This is one of my favourite plays, so absolutely funny and clever and utterly tragic.
This is the opening scene, and Liz gets you instantly hooked and draws you in; you know you're about to see a memorable film. Love the way Martha hijacks George's cigarette!
Elizabeth's version of the classic Bette Davis line is brilliantly hilarious especially when you look at the original and there's basically no resemblance at all.
When you're middle class and your finances and insurance are all tied up together, many choose to resign themselves to the bottle. Its disturbing that many of these people also raise children
I love how she makes fun of Richard Burton for not knowing the name of the movie when she can't even figure it out herself! This is my favorite scene of the film.
If they had Google back then this wonderful dialogue would've never been written. George just would've said something to the effect of, "Dammit, Martha! Pull out your IPhone and google it, for God's sake." How sad would that have been?
Also, if the film were made now, they would just grab an Uber instead of driving drunk. And if the film were made a few years from now, the car would be self-driving. And if the if the film were made even further in the future, it would be a flying car. And if the film were made in the distant future, they would use Transporters to “beam” themselves back and fourth to different locations - then imagine what a sad, sad film this would be 😢🙄😝
A MASTER! Elizabeth Taylor showing the world how it's done! THIS is why some actors are considered artists and some simply aren't. Even in this role as this "ugly" lady, she remains soooooo pretty!
I really like that in this scene, this is a movie in which the fictional characters are discussing another, real movie. So Liz is an actress playing a part in which she's discussing another actress playing a part. And in real life she was as much of a Hollywood icon as Bette Davis, who she's imitating and talking about as though she herself was NOT an icon.And she's in a movie but she's pretending she's not in a movie, talking about another actual movie. OK, it gets complicated, but I still like it.
I remembered being riveted by this film when In first saw it in my teens...a psychological horror film without intending to be. It snuck up on me.... My appreciation for Taylor's acting chops increased substantially...and Burton couldn't have been better.
@@trawlins396 From the biography I've read apparently Richard Burton was a big time Communist to the point where he wasn't afraid who in Hollywood or America knew. He and Elizabeth Taylor both together even went to meet communist leader Tito in Yugoslavia and Burton later portrayed him in a movie. Burton was convinced that Hollywood was regularly afraid to give him respect in regards to acting because of his political beliefs.
@@trawlins396 About as intense as you'll ever see at the theater! I was also amazed that Burton did not win. Just demonstrated to me how "fixed" the Oscars really are.
I first saw the film when I was 12. Didn't have a clue as to what it was all about. Thought it was "funny" because it had dirty language in it, and I remember the "dancing" scene with Taylor's boobs bouncing about. When I saw it at 18, I was an emotional wreck afterwards. I had never seen acting like that. All four of them should have won an Oscar!
An example of history being rewritten. The original line delivered by Bette Davis in Beyond the Forest, was subtle, had no cigarette, was not said like 'Bette Davis'. This movie delivered it like a parody and ever since Bette Davis was parodied like this. I don't think she minded it, Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor were friends later in her life.
Just read the recently released biography of Mike Nichols, who directed the picture. He was VERY complimentary of Taylor as an actress and a person...total pro who could take direction on hitting a number of marks in a scene, difficult dialogue transitions and do it flawlessly in one take. She and Burton were definitely "stars"... never arriving to shoot until after noon, but immensely satisfying to work with them.
Thank God the Hayes code was on it's deathbed at this point. Finally, writers could have their lines spoken the way they were meant to and actors could tear into said lines. Of course being on it's deathbed but not dead, concessions were still made for certain dialogue in this film.
I used to get stoned on Mary J and painkillers and watch my DVD of this *all* the time. I fucking *love* Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf ? It's so acidic and dysfunctional.
* Bette Davis said WHAT A DUMP! but in no movie did she ever say Petah Petah Petah. However in studio commissary when ordering a Gyros sandwich the counterman asked her "French bread or pita?" and she replied "Pita Pita Pita!" ☺
Notice Martha smoking as she is reaching for the piece of chicken in the refrigerator. She drops the cigarette on the floor and puts it out with her shoe. Then, a few moments later she grabs the cigarette George is smoking. This is the greatest opening scene to any movie I can think of. Absolutely incredible acting. All four actors were nominated for Oscars. Elizabeth Taylor won and Sandy Dennis won. 🏆
+MoscoVik Taylor really wanted this role, and knew early on it could get her the Academy Award she wanted. She was not happy with the '60 film 'Butterfield 8' that did win an Oscar for---at all. She was forced by the studio(s) to make the film. She did not like playing the high-end call girl and felt this was her punishment for the still recent Reyonlds/Fisher debacle. She felt Hollywood and the public both felt this way about her. Although she was great in 'Cleopatra' the role of Martha would a.) eradicate any 'call girl/homewrecker' image she may still have had, and b.) give her the chance to put herself in the league of Bette Davis and the finest actresses of the Golden Age. She was very sincere and adamant about playing Martha which meant she put on extra weight, and 'age' herself quite a few years to look the part. She knew she could do it, she did---and then some. When she won the Academy Award she was PROUD to have won. Anybody commenting here saying she looks 'old' or 'ugly' is clueless she was SUPPOSED to be playing a woman much older than herself, that was probably an alcoholic, that had let herself go. If anyone doesn't know that, (HELLO??) they should. To this day, actors and actresses have to transform themselves for a part. A recent example is Matthew Mc, now in the Lincoln ads, who had to lose a lot of weight for a recent film.
+Bob Pierce Hi! I know all these things ))) My initial post was about my astonishing that even with all these preparations and transformations Elizabeth still didn't look ugly. And yes, she is a marvel. To all who doubt her talent I say - just see this movie. By acting in this movie alone she proved every f*cking critic wrong. Although to me she proved everyone wrong way earlier - in Suddenly Last Summer. Sometimes I think she should've stop after winning 2nd Oscar, but alas, she always did what she felt was right. And we got amazing Taming Of The Shrew after Virginia, so it's all for good )))
Thanks for your comments in regard to mine. First and foremost she definitely did not look ugly; just older than she really was. I've never seen the film 'Suddenly Last Summer'; I've heard of it. I want to see it now, partly based on your comment. The year before that film (in 1958) she has smokin' hot in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' with Burl Ives as Big Daddy. Amazing all around. I really wish Elizabeth Taylor had done comedy. The only time I ever saw her in a real comedy was in the 1970 episode of 'Here's Lucy' with Burton centered around the diamond ring. She was very funny and that episode was one of the best of Lucy's 3rd series!
+Bob Pierce Agreed about Elizabeth and comedies! Everyone who knew her said that she was VERY funny and had witty sense of humor, she made people laugh. I remember interview with Helena Bonham Carter, where she said: "I didn't know Elizabeth was such a clown", meaning that she was extremely funny (also about herself) and fun to be around. I think this is another misconception about Elizabeth: we are so into La Liz image, that real Elizabeth stays almost completely unknown. Maybe it was her purpose, btw... And yes, that episode about diamond ring is hysterical. You can tell that Elizabeth is having great time. PS: Suddenly Last Summer is very weird movie with somewhat disturbing story, but acting is worth watching.
+Bob Pierce I agree but I actually think she looks VERY attractive. I figured she put on weight for this role, and tried to look older, but looking at HER compared to these actresses nowadays...and supermodels trying to be as skinny as a twig...she looks GORGEOUS. She looks healthy...even when she's munching on that chicken drum-stick...She looks real. The way she talks to is A LOT like people I know who drink a bit excessively and this was 1966. It's fun watching older scenes like this, to study how important the dialogue was, rather than all the special effects of today's movies.
The wild thing's are there they just can't seem to seek out good scripts or ball numbing talented people theses day's end of the conversation might have something to do with the two second attention span in our Text message messaged work Life
Burton should have won the Oscar for this. I hate the Oscars because they suck and it is political just like political everything. Was then and is now. SUCKS A MOOSE, NEVER WATCH THE OSCARS EITHER!
They USUALLY do not pick the most deserving winner in most cases (except in the Best Picture category) The members of the academy must have horrible taste! and no sense of fairness !!
What I like about this movie is that it's an early vulgar film! I saw it when I was 15 and I thought it was awesome because it includes bad language! XD! Thanks for uploading this clip!
This kinda reminds me of the scene in "Sleepless In Seattle" where Rita Wilson is trying to describe the movie "An Affair To Remember" to her disinterested husband and Tom Hanks haha!
This is her greatest role,knew she was going to win an Oscar.The film has a great soundtrack went to 3 of them,even her scream at the end is on the album..
It's not "Chicago", George and Martha, it's called "In Old Chicago", for heaven's sake. That '30s musical starring little Miss Alice Faye. Don't you know ANYTHING?
Mike Nichols shot this movie in sequence, and you'll notice that Taylor is not fat at all. There's barely a double chin. However, by the end of the movie, she's 20 pounds heavier, although it all takes place in one night. I wonder if it was deliberate choice to have her more than passably attractive at the start--easing the audience into the weight gain later "that evening."
Is that why you’re always supposed to weigh yourself first thing in the morning because you have less water (or alcohol) in your system? Too bad all of Martha’s braying didn’t burn some of that weight off. “I DON’T BRAY!”
Elizabeth was a really good dramatic actress, but people focused more on her appearance and beauty. rather than her talent. one of the downfalls of being so pretty is people think that is all they have to offer. She submerged her looks to take on a role which was very powerful and dramatic. rather than playing in a Barbie doll movie.
The movie that Liz was referencing was called "Beyond the Forest." And Bette Davis was NOT carrying groceries when she uttered the phrase "What a Dump." Miss Davis was playing a spoiled housewife who never lifted a finger around the house so it is funny that Liz would say she was carrying groceries. Bette had a maid who she ordered around to do such errands. The character, Rosa Moline, played by Bette Davis would NEVER do errands, much less carry groceries. Miss Davis was actually walking down the stairway in her house filing her nails when she uttered "What a Dump." When Bette gets to the bottom of the stairs she stops....looks around the living room and then utters "What a Dump." and uses her nail file for emphasis.
I just realized that when people imitate Bette Davis saying "what a dump", they are really imitating Elizabeth Taylor imitating Bette Davis!
OK??!!
Jeff Blythe Can you be more clear?
marksmith46
Just realized, after what you said, that every drag queen I ever saw "imitating" Bette, was actually imitating Liz imitating Bette. The actual "what a dump." line from Bette in on youtube. I checked it out. You were so right, Mark.
Jeff Blythe Yup. I found out because I looked up the original 'what a dump' clip on CZcams, just to see what Bette Davis movie it is from, and gee what a disappointment. It's just a throwing-it-out-there kind of line in the original. Liz Taylor - who is almost a drag queen - put that line on steroids lol
"I am the Earth Mother, and you're all a bunch of flops!" Liz, and all the rest in this movie, were freaking genius! This film has always rocked me to the core. Night of the Iguana, as well.
"She's a housewife. She /buys/ things." LOL. What a good line, and great delivery by the great Liz Taylor!
It takes Elizabeth Taylor just three minutes to completely draw you in, set up both characters and steel you for one of the most amazing films ever made.
3 minutes is too long, she did it in 15 seconds.
@@freedolphin3077💯💯💯💯💯 the minute the door opened and the cigarette did its thing. she TOOK control immediately.
You are so right! This film is amazing! The screen adaptation is amazing! Edward Albee is a genius! I used to have this entire movie memorized from beginning to end. My favorite film of all time.
“Bette Davis comes home from a harrrdd day at the grocery store” LOL
She's a housewife she buy's thing's
ha ha I love that she throws the chicken bone back in the fridge.
Hahahha i love it too
+marksmith46 Hahahaha yes, and people often cite Elizabeth Taylor as being ugly in this movie, but I don't think her appearance is THAT hideous, she just DOES gross things like having chicken skin sticking out two inches from her mouth while chatting away and putting an old bone back in the fridge that's already been open for 5 minutes and nobody cared to close it. Lol. The whole thing is just fascinating.
It took a lot of courage for her to play an 'ugly' character at this point in her career. Remember just 6 years on from "Cleopatra'.
Don't forget her chucking the cookies on the tray into the fireplace, yelling "Paaarrdee, paaarrdee" as the young couple arrive... :^D
Haha yeah that chicken was surprisingly crunchy also
"Some goddamn Warner Bros. epic." Love it!
Elizabeth Taylor was a top notch actress but unfortunately the media focused on her personal life and still does. She was brilliant in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as well.
+Cerell Morrison I think they were filmed consecutively. She was a Goddess!
This was done 8 years after Cat..
A Place In The Sun
Suddenly Last Summer, Taming of the Shrew, the Giant, heck even Butterfield8 (her acting, not movie). She was incredible. Too bad the focus was/is always on what happened behind the scenes
You said it! Her life off-screen was the subject of more spilled ink in the gossip columns than was ever spent on the fact that she was a brilliant actress. I think she really does belong up there with Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Meryl Streep. She is stunning as an actress here. And so is Burton -- just look at his face as the two of them walk into the house -- that "oh God, ANOTHER evening with this harridan" look -- he conveys everything there.
Can’t believe she was only 33/34 years old here!! Awesome makeup. And acting !
I absolutely love this scene because of the way Martha despondently says at the end of her speech 'she's discontent', as an indication of what's going to happen later in the play. This is one of my favourite plays, so absolutely funny and clever and utterly tragic.
+iced peach queen That was beautifully said, written. You I hope became or will become a critic... you will become awesome! Cheers.
This is the opening scene, and Liz gets you instantly hooked and draws you in; you know you're about to see a memorable film. Love the way Martha hijacks George's cigarette!
This is one of the best films ever made.
Yes it was! Even American Dad! did a parody episode of this film!
Elizabeth's version of the classic Bette Davis line is brilliantly hilarious especially when you look at the original and there's basically no resemblance at all.
Taylor.........., so VASTLY beyond Davis (an over-rated actress, btw) as to be embarrassing.
Bette Davis as over rated? Really. How many Oscars have you won?
Even Meryl Streep says Bette Davis was the greatest ever. Liz Taylor was brilliant in this film.
@@jayiijay And Bette Davis wanted to be cast in this film.
@@ElsaE202 It would've been hilarious watching Bette Davis imitating herself.
"She's a housewife, she buys things."
That twirly arm gesture thingy at 2:23 cracks me up....Liz is so brilliant in this.
She's mimicking Davis waving around her cigarette like a prop.
A frightening example of what alcoholism can do to a marriage. Great Film....
Or what marriage can do to alcoholism.
S
The movie wasn't about alcoholism, alcoholism is just a side effect.
When you're middle class and your finances and insurance are all tied up together, many choose to resign themselves to the bottle. Its disturbing that many of these people also raise children
Only Liz could get so much mileage out of one chicken leg.
This was the WHOLE dinner !
Actually John Belushi as Liz got way more mileage out of it.
BebeLush2 🤣🤣🤣
That’s really funny! “Mileage out of one chicken leg”😀
I love how she makes fun of Richard Burton for not knowing the name of the movie when she can't even figure it out herself! This is my favorite scene of the film.
*Taylor's best performance by far! And Burton matches her.If you have not watched the movie, you must. It's a masterpiece.*
I wouldn't be surprised if their actual marriage was like this.
@@richie9308 it wasn't
Who'd put up with a drunken shrew
More glamour in one nail than an entire Oscars ceremony.
Today actors are not at this level of excellence. There are some great actors but this is top notch in history...
I know a few that ARE... You don't hang out at many theaters do you...
If they had Google back then this wonderful dialogue would've never been written. George just would've said something to the effect of, "Dammit, Martha! Pull out your IPhone and google it, for God's sake." How sad would that have been?
huh?
Omg u read my mind lol
Lol wtf is this comment
Also, if the film were made now, they would just grab an Uber instead of driving drunk.
And if the film were made a few years from now, the car would be self-driving.
And if the if the film were made even further in the future, it would be a flying car.
And if the film were made in the distant future, they would use Transporters to “beam” themselves back and fourth to different locations - then imagine what a sad, sad film this would be 😢🙄😝
The iPhone would then have killed the theatre. 😢😢😢
A MASTER! Elizabeth Taylor showing the world how it's done! THIS is why some actors are considered artists and some simply aren't. Even in this role as this "ugly" lady, she remains soooooo pretty!
They are not actors, they are stars, who aren't considered artists.
Oh shut up. She is captivating
Man Liz really went to town on that chicken leg!
I was thinking the same thing! LMAO
and she did it so effortlessly too. Almost like she knew what she was doing.
Put plenty of salt on that chix too!
Maybe she was hungry, cluck!😅😅
i love these two. what a pair.
I really like that in this scene, this is a movie in which the fictional characters are discussing another, real movie. So Liz is an actress playing a part in which she's discussing another actress playing a part. And in real life she was as much of a Hollywood icon as Bette Davis, who she's imitating and talking about as though she herself was NOT an icon.And she's in a movie but she's pretending she's not in a movie, talking about another actual movie.
OK, it gets complicated, but I still like it.
@@Korosensei52: BS.
@@KutWrite the hell, I never commented something like this. Even if its 3 years ago I never do shit like that. Must be hacked back then
@@Korosensei52: Can you delete it? That would be the test of hacking.
@@KutWrite just deleted it. I dont knıw why that would be a test of it though?
@@Korosensei52: I thought if you couldn't, it'd mean someone hijacked your name only. If you could, it was done using your account.
This is some master-class authentic dialogue.
so funny when she put the chicken back in the refrigerator!! hahahah
Elizabeth Taylor playing a different role other than glamour movies is refreshing to see. She was a top tier actress.
What a performance from these two seasoned old pros. One never tires of this superb film.
The way she stomps on that "P"…!
Liz says the line more like Bette Davis than...Bette Davis
Only 33 when she made it. Deserved her 2nd Oscar for sure.
Elizabeth Taylor was a living legend. She was great at everything she did.
And yet, the AFI picked Marilyn Monroe as a better actress. Makes me want to hurl...
I love how she swirls her wrist with that cigarette. "What a Dump!"
Elizabeth is brillant as always
I kept wanting to scream out: 'Beyond the Forest'. The film is 'Beyond the Forest', dammit.
chill out.. chill out. Everybody knew that, including Liz and Dick...
I didn't. Nice to know.
And she got the scene wrong too!!!
At last!
Someone answers the question instead of showing how smart they are!
Thanks!
@@theoneritz I know! Of course it was intentional. How am I supposed to know every picture Warner Brothers puts out...
"Beyond the Forest" One of Bette's few outright stinkers. RIP.
This is one of my all time favorite Elizabeth Taylor roles. She was so different in this movie and it still worked wonderfully.
I say this everyday, in my head.
I remembered being riveted by this film when In first saw it in my teens...a psychological horror film without intending to be. It snuck up on me....
My appreciation for Taylor's acting chops increased substantially...and Burton couldn't have been better.
Just watched it. It was INTENSE. I can't believe Richard Burton didn't win..
@@trawlins396 From the biography I've read apparently Richard Burton was a big time Communist to the point where he wasn't afraid who in Hollywood or America knew. He and Elizabeth Taylor both together even went to meet communist leader Tito in Yugoslavia and Burton later portrayed him in a movie. Burton was convinced that Hollywood was regularly afraid to give him respect in regards to acting because of his political beliefs.
@@trawlins396 About as intense as you'll ever see at the theater! I was also amazed that Burton did not win. Just demonstrated to me how "fixed" the Oscars really are.
I first saw the film when I was 12. Didn't have a clue as to what it was all about. Thought it was "funny" because it had dirty language in it, and I remember the "dancing" scene with Taylor's boobs bouncing about. When I saw it at 18, I was an emotional wreck afterwards. I had never seen acting like that. All four of them should have won an Oscar!
Are you writing this from heaven?😮
An example of history being rewritten. The original line delivered by Bette Davis in Beyond the Forest, was subtle, had no cigarette, was not said like 'Bette Davis'. This movie delivered it like a parody and ever since Bette Davis was parodied like this. I don't think she minded it, Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor were friends later in her life.
Liz had the showery part but Richard really does kill it. They worked so well together in this film.
Hahaha!! Before google. She's fukkin brilliant!!
One of the best movie openings ever.
Liz says ”She's discontent"
Dick says “Oh…"
Liz says “Well think about it"
There's your scene
This was my first Elizabeth Taylor movie and this was one hell of a first impression.
Just read the recently released biography of Mike Nichols, who directed the picture. He was VERY complimentary of Taylor as an actress and a person...total pro who could take direction on hitting a number of marks in a scene, difficult dialogue transitions and do it flawlessly in one take. She and Burton were definitely "stars"... never arriving to shoot until after noon, but immensely satisfying to work with them.
She's amazing in this film... Even though she's supposed to be dowdy she's still beautiful.
Thank God the Hayes code was on it's deathbed at this point. Finally, writers could have their lines spoken the way they were meant to and actors could tear into said lines.
Of course being on it's deathbed but not dead, concessions were still made for certain dialogue in this film.
One the best plays and films ever made. Miss Taylor is brilliant as Martha, her greatest performance ever.
the way she said it the first time was closer to the original
One of Elizabeth Taylor Best movies. Burton and Taylor Great together in screen.
The movie she is referencing is beyond the forest, 1949
CLASSIC!!! my all time favorite movie
I read she gained weight for this role and made herself look older-and yet she is still sooooo pretty. Great scene, thank you.
One of my favorite scenes!
I used to get stoned on Mary J and painkillers and watch my DVD of this *all* the time. I fucking *love* Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf ? It's so acidic and dysfunctional.
RIP Edward Albee
Well there's an acting masterclass right there, she was amazing in this picture.
How I loved those two. Watch this and then Taming of the Shrew. Perfection.
Thomas Hogan haha I did. Especially Woolf blew me away!
LOL- I love how Elizabeth Taylor says "dump" with the emphasis on the "p" ! Funny scene......:))
Liz just killed it in this. Love this movie.
1:48 this whole interaction cracks me up every time. “Huh? ........what?? What is???”
* Bette Davis said WHAT A DUMP! but in no movie did she ever say Petah Petah Petah. However in studio commissary when ordering a Gyros sandwich the counterman asked her "French bread or pita?" and she replied "Pita Pita Pita!" ☺
The first time she says it is actually right on. Only after does it become her own line.
Notice Martha smoking as she is reaching for the piece of chicken in the refrigerator. She drops the cigarette on the floor and puts it out with her shoe. Then, a few moments later she grabs the cigarette George is smoking.
This is the greatest opening scene to any movie I can think of.
Absolutely incredible acting.
All four actors were nominated for Oscars. Elizabeth Taylor won and Sandy Dennis won.
🏆
I love how her coat falls to the floor. 😀
She doesn’t even realize or care
+MoscoVik Taylor really wanted this role, and knew early on it could get her the Academy Award she wanted. She was not happy with the '60 film 'Butterfield 8' that did win an Oscar for---at all. She was forced by the studio(s) to make the film. She did not like playing the high-end call girl and felt this was her punishment for the still recent Reyonlds/Fisher debacle. She felt Hollywood and the public both felt this way about her.
Although she was great in 'Cleopatra' the role of Martha would a.) eradicate any 'call girl/homewrecker' image she may still have had, and b.) give her the chance to put herself in the league of Bette Davis and the finest actresses of the Golden Age. She was very sincere and adamant about playing Martha which meant she put on extra weight, and 'age' herself quite a few years to look the part. She knew she could do it, she did---and then some. When she won the Academy Award she was PROUD to have won.
Anybody commenting here saying she looks 'old' or 'ugly' is clueless she was SUPPOSED to be playing a woman much older than herself, that was probably an alcoholic, that had let herself go. If anyone doesn't know that, (HELLO??) they should. To this day, actors and actresses have to transform themselves for a part. A recent example is Matthew Mc, now in the Lincoln ads, who had to lose a lot of weight for a recent film.
+Bob Pierce Hi! I know all these things ))) My initial post was about my astonishing that even with all these preparations and transformations Elizabeth still didn't look ugly.
And yes, she is a marvel. To all who doubt her talent I say - just see this movie. By acting in this movie alone she proved every f*cking critic wrong. Although to me she proved everyone wrong way earlier - in Suddenly Last Summer.
Sometimes I think she should've stop after winning 2nd Oscar, but alas, she always did what she felt was right. And we got amazing Taming Of The Shrew after Virginia, so it's all for good )))
Thanks for your comments in regard to mine. First and foremost she definitely did not look ugly; just older than she really was.
I've never seen the film 'Suddenly Last Summer'; I've heard of it. I want to see it now, partly based on your comment.
The year before that film (in 1958) she has smokin' hot in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' with Burl Ives as Big Daddy. Amazing all around.
I really wish Elizabeth Taylor had done comedy. The only time I ever saw her in a real comedy was in the 1970 episode of 'Here's Lucy' with Burton centered around the diamond ring. She was very funny and that episode was one of the best of Lucy's 3rd series!
+Bob Pierce Agreed about Elizabeth and comedies! Everyone who knew her said that she was VERY funny and had witty sense of humor, she made people laugh. I remember interview with Helena Bonham Carter, where she said: "I didn't know Elizabeth was such a clown", meaning that she was extremely funny (also about herself) and fun to be around. I think this is another misconception about Elizabeth: we are so into La Liz image, that real Elizabeth stays almost completely unknown. Maybe it was her purpose, btw...
And yes, that episode about diamond ring is hysterical. You can tell that Elizabeth is having great time.
PS: Suddenly Last Summer is very weird movie with somewhat disturbing story, but acting is worth watching.
Yes, exactly! You said exactly what I was thinking!
+Bob Pierce I agree but I actually think she looks VERY attractive. I figured she put on weight for this role, and tried to look older, but looking at HER compared to these actresses nowadays...and supermodels trying to be as skinny as a twig...she looks GORGEOUS. She looks healthy...even when she's munching on that chicken drum-stick...She looks real. The way she talks to is A LOT like people I know who drink a bit excessively and this was 1966. It's fun watching older scenes like this, to study how important the dialogue was, rather than all the special effects of today's movies.
I still refer to bad hair as a "fright wig". Thank you Albee and Liz.
Masterpiece! When Giants roamed the Earth to entertain us. Why is Hollywood not even trying to produce films of that caliber these days is a tragedy.
Yes, a tragedy. And there is no machine to promote actors as stars. The dreams and glamour are lost. What a dump!
The wild thing's are there they just can't seem to seek out good scripts or ball numbing talented people theses day's end of the conversation might have something to do with the two second attention span in our Text message messaged work Life
Burton should have won the Oscar for this. I hate the Oscars because they suck and it is political just like political everything. Was then and is now.
SUCKS A MOOSE, NEVER WATCH THE OSCARS EITHER!
They USUALLY do not pick the most deserving winner in most cases (except in the Best Picture category) The members of the academy must have horrible taste! and no sense of fairness !!
claronium 780 they are all a bunch of old men.
She's a housewife she buys things
What I like about this movie is that it's an early vulgar film! I saw it when I was 15 and I thought it was awesome because it includes bad language! XD! Thanks for uploading this clip!
Stellar performance
Great actresses are born not made.
Oh my God! She was so perfect!
This kinda reminds me of the scene in "Sleepless In Seattle" where Rita Wilson is trying to describe the movie "An Affair To Remember" to her disinterested husband and Tom Hanks haha!
you were the BEST, mike nichols!!!!
Great movie! Timeless!
This is her greatest role,knew she was going to win an Oscar.The film has a great soundtrack went to 3 of them,even her scream at the end is on the album..
It's not "Chicago", George and Martha, it's called "In Old Chicago", for heaven's sake. That '30s musical starring little Miss Alice Faye. Don't you know ANYTHING?
Where she wears the black fright wig. Brilliant.
she puts the chicken leg bone back into the fridge.. so relatable tbh.
Mike Nichols shot this movie in sequence, and you'll notice that Taylor is not fat at all. There's barely a double chin. However, by the end of the movie, she's 20 pounds heavier, although it all takes place in one night. I wonder if it was deliberate choice to have her more than passably attractive at the start--easing the audience into the weight gain later "that evening."
Is that why you’re always supposed to weigh yourself first thing in the morning because you have less water (or alcohol) in your system?
Too bad all of Martha’s braying didn’t burn some of that weight off.
“I DON’T BRAY!”
Oh this makes me laugh so much ... the waving around of hands ... Taylor was always best playing a slob ))
I love this! I need to see the film! :D
I can see where Tarantino got his banter style of dialog from.
love this scene
Plus George Segal was nominated for Best Supporting Actor
Elizabeth was a really good dramatic actress, but people focused more on her appearance and beauty. rather than her talent. one of the downfalls of being so pretty is people think that is all they have to offer. She submerged her looks to take on a role which was very powerful and dramatic. rather than playing in a Barbie doll movie.
R.I.P. Edward Albee
Into the forest- I need to watch this movie !
this scene would be a lot less interesting if she pulled out her iphone and googled the movie! HAHA! love this movie!
yesss lol, thank god for google, god know how many songs and movies ihave found again after typing in lyrics, or quotes.
Love this movie especially Elizabeth my ultimate role model ❤️❤️
This is One crazy ass movie elizabeth Taylor received Oscar I believe she deserved it
I watched this clip and I was annoyed when it ended. I wanted to see more. That's talent folks! 😂
: There is... AND... Will... EVER be but ONE Bette Davis... Ms. Taylor... Leave that line to the Eternal, Diva!...
The movie that Liz was referencing was called "Beyond the Forest." And Bette Davis was NOT carrying groceries when she uttered the phrase "What a Dump." Miss Davis was playing a spoiled housewife who never lifted a finger around the house so it is funny that Liz would say she was carrying groceries. Bette had a maid who she ordered around to do such errands. The character, Rosa Moline, played by Bette Davis would NEVER do errands, much less carry groceries. Miss Davis was actually walking down the stairway in her house filing her nails when she uttered "What a Dump." When Bette gets to the bottom of the stairs she stops....looks around the living room and then utters "What a Dump." and uses her nail file for emphasis.
Liz Taylor gives the best possible acting class for free.
Omg uuughh i love herrrr