Elizabeth Taylor - Giant - by Richard Bassett

Film director George Stevens had such luck with Elizabeth Taylor in 1951's "A Place in The Sun" that he cast her once more in the epic, "Giant" five years later. It was Elizabeth's first epic film and she was playing opposite Rock Hudson and James Dean. Elizabeth formed separate intense relationships with both of the famous actors who were quite different regarding talent and personality. James Dean was deep and she was the first woman that he could open up to. Sometimes he revealed....to much. His death after filming devastated her into a collapse. With Rock Hudson, their relationship was filled with jokes, pranks and laughter. As with Montgomery Clift, Rock Hudson was gay also and this seemed to strengthen his friendship with Elizabeth. She and Rock played together as mischievous children and she was at his side thirty years after working on that film as he sadly died of AIDS in 1985. It was a cause she had already immersed herself in....and it had destroyed such a close friend that she made certain that the message she brought to Hollywood was that the disease could happen to anyone and everyone, and demanded for money. When she was finished with Hollywood (for the moment), she marched to Washington, D.C. facing her own ex-husband, John Warner...and demanded more money. Dame Elizabeth Taylor remains the atomic bomb of philanthropic fund raising today.
The stunning song, "Elizabeth" was written by Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers paying homage to Elizabeth's flawless beauty in the film, "Giant". The song went on to win several country/western awards for the very talented group in 1984. The blend of song and images from the award winning film work together in this video in perfect harmony. Watch "Giant" (3.5 hours)whenever you get a chance.
And please remember to donate to the cause that has already taken so many lives. You can make a difference.
By Richard Bassett, *2008

xrichbassx@yahoo.com

DONATE NOW - The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation: http://www.elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/how-you-can-help

DISCLAIMER: WE MAKE NO CLAIM TO THE COPYRIGHTS OF THE FILM CLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY OR MUSIC PUBLISHING RIGHTS HEREIN. UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976 "FAIR USE" ALLOWANCE IS MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. WE ARE IN NO WAY PROFITING FROM THE USE OF THIS MATERIAL.

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[clicster1]

Thanks for posting, this is one of my all time favorites and being a Dallas born Texas native this really makes one proud! We had a ranch with horses and my Dad crop dusted, so I flew a great deal. Great movie "Giant" .

[richardbassett1956]

You are welcome! :-)

[markenssa]

Great song. Statler Brother perhaps?

[richardbassett1956]

You guessed it!

[Phillo127]

My goodness she was GORGEOUS!! Her and Marilyn have got to have been the most beautiful actresses that ever lived.

[alaboi4]

Such an Amazingly Compassionate Woman. Beautiful is an understatement. She will NEVER be forgotten. <3 you always Elizabeth.

[jazzyjetson]

Good bye beautiful girl. How many memories you gave us absolutely glowing off the screen. Go back to Jane Eyre and see what that human had and HOW the camera loved her. We won't see her like again. Watch Giant, please.

[49bobbyk]

Elizabeth Taylor was at her most beautiful in Giant. She it absolutely stunning in the entire movie. Truly the most beautiful actress in movies.

[49bobbyk]

The scene where Rock Hudson returns to Maryland to surprise Elizabeth Taylor at the wedding he is extremely hung over from drinking the night before. You can see it in his face.

[theeasybeats]

shows you what a good actress she is, she is the opposite in real life

[texturkey8888]

What a great Movie. She was so beautiful and such a great actor. Also what a great song ,one of my favorites. Being from Texas I am proud of this great movie.

[redpepper091]

wonderful video :) one of my all time favorites. God Bless Elizabeth Taylor I love you Dame Taylor