Here's Marlene Dietrich in her shiny black rain jacket with her "pet hate" Elizabeth Taylor on the set of
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Although Taylor appears either awe-stricken or amused by the legend standing before her, Dietrich seemingly ignores Taylor--perhaps exchanging Richard Burton's furtive glance? According to the account quoted
here, both ladies unsheathed their claws, with Taylor emerging victorious. That didn't stop Dietrich--always such a gracious competitor--from generously bestowing Taylor with her title as
the world's most glamorous grandmother.
Fantastic photo, would love to know if that's what they really said to one another.
ReplyDeleteMaria quotes things differently in her book.Paul
ReplyDeleteI'm more inclined to believe this version of the story because it would explain why Dietrich called Taylor "that bitch" in the account quoted by Riva. I do appreciate that Riva acknowledged "the Australian"'s presence, though, which makes Dietrich's flirting even more amusingly salacious.
ReplyDeleteMarlene Dietrich on the set of Manpower in 1941 in a portrait by Laszlo Willinger
ReplyDeletehttp://i51.tinypic.com/2uiabkk.jpg
Elizabeth Taylor had a gorgeous face and some film acting ability - but an awful speaking voice and a body that did not last past her 20s. Marlene Dietrich had a face, a body that lasted for decades, more acting talent than has been credited, + a most fascinating voice. Both may be considered film goddesses and both were stridently and admirably philanthropic (MD re: WWII, ET re: AIDS). At the time this photo was taken, Liz was still a top box office draw while Marlene had, of necessity, morphed into a concert star - she was, I believe, in her 60s in this picture. Liz in her 60s couldn't touch the great Dietrich...
ReplyDeleteLiz in her 60s was gorgeous ( mrs.Fortensky) and looked way prettier and younger than Dietrich
ReplyDeleteIn an interview (in the 60's) Mr. Richard Burton said that Marlene Dietrich is the most beautiful woman he has ever met. Personally I wouldn't like to compare Dietrich and Taylor - they are too different in every aspect.
ReplyDeleteSauli