Elizabeth and Monty

The Untold Story of Their Intimate Friendship

By: Charles Casillo

Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

When Elizabeth Taylor was cast opposite Montgomery Clift in A Place in the Sun, he was already a movie idol, with a natural sensitivity that set him apart. At 17, Elizabeth was known for her ravishing beauty rather than her talent. Directors treated her like a glamorous prop. But Monty took her seriously, inspiring and encouraging her. In her words, "That's when I began to act".

To Monty, she was "Bessie Mae", a name he coined for her earthy, private side. The press clamored for a wedding, convinced this was more than friendship. The truth was even more complex. Monty was drawn to women but sexually attracted to men - a fact that, if made public, would destroy his career. But he found acceptance with Elizabeth. Her devotion was never clearer than after his devastating car crash near her Hollywood home when she crawled into the wreckage and saved him from choking.

Monty's accident shattered his face and left him in constant pain. As he sank into alcoholism, Elizabeth used her power to keep him working. In turn, through scandals and multiple marriages, he was her constant. Their relationship endured until his death in 1966. Far more than the story of two icons, this is a unique and extraordinary love story that shines new light on both stars, revealing their triumphs, demons - and the loyalty that united them to the end.

©2021 Charles Casillo (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Worthwhile (with Warts)

The facts of Elizabeth Taylor’s and Montgomery Clift‘s lives are endlessly fascinating, and they are presented here in glimmering (and, at times, in gross) detail. The writing has several loose threads and, despite the narrator’s pleasant voice, there are oddities there too in his work (Get a dictionary! Take a class! Call a coach!). I was glad to listen and glad to be done with it.

Wonderful story

It started off slow for me but picked up tremendous speed and I couldn't put it down. I wasn't familiar with Monty before this and the book gave me excellent insights on his life, he was a very tortured soul. I'll certainly check out his movies now. Elizabeth led a very interesting life on her own terms. What a great read!

Wonderful book

So enjoyed this ‘spoken’ book. The reader has the most lovely timbre to his voice and I enjoyed every chapter learning about Elizabeth and Monty. What a great friendship they had

Excellent story

I loved the story and it’s narrator. I’d known only a few anecdotes. I also recommend seeing the documentary Making Montgomery Clift to sort out some of the distortions of his life as contrived by prior biographers. This book steers clear of most of those.

Palpably Heartbreaking, Heartwarming, and Heartfelt

It’s beautiful to experience and explore the purity of this friendship. Rest in peace both of you, you beautiful souls 💗