Elizabeth and Monty: The Untold Story of Their Intimate Friendship

Written 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 seventeen, 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: May 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781696603645

Charles Casillo

Charles Casillo is the author of Marilyn Monroe, The Marilyn Diaries, The Fame Game, Boys, Lost & Found, and Outlaw: The Lives and Careers of John Rechy. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and many others. His movies include "Let Me Die Quietly" and "Fetish."

Reviews for Elizabeth and Monty

[Patt Mihailoff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an in depth look into the lives of two of the most iconic, talented and bat sh*t crazy movie stars ever to grace a screen.

We always think we have an IDEA about what goes on behind the closed doors of the rich and famous and this novel not only opens the door but pushes us right on in to take a front row seat.
Montgomery Clift was truly a tortured soul. Today he would be label as everything from manic depressive to schizophrenic.

Listening to this novel made me think he was on the brink of insanity and constantly knocking on death’s door. His behavior was appalling and with his constant picking food from other diner’s plates and going under tables to put a steak on his head. That is a clear sign of a person who needs help. It was clear that Hollywood (like today) cared only about MAKING MONEY even if it cost the stars their integrity and sometimes their lives. All the chances they gave Clift only fueled his mental incapacity. There is one scene in the book that tells of a despicable act being perpetrated on a drunken unconscious Clift that is positively nauseating.

He surrounded himself with people (professionals included) who used him in ways that he couldn’t even fathom. Some people tried to help him but there were others that kept enabling him. A sad end to a great star.
Elizabeth Taylor, the most beautiful woman in the world, also had demons of her own but never lost sight of the fact that her beloved MONTY always needed her, and she needed him.

This novel delves on into behind the scenes of the movies they made together and the many marriages she had.

This is a not to be missed novel and I highly recommend it.

[Candace Collins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just beautiful, though haunting, even today My fave couple ever!