New York and London: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. When I saw him entering his favorite restaurant Musso & Frank Grill, on Hollywood Boulevard, where he'd meet every Wednesday evening Karl Malden, Robert Wise, and a . He spoke so quietly that at times he was practically inaudible. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack, but a major contributing factor was the cumulative effect of pain killers and liquor. War . However, the filming of The Misfits had a shadow lurking over it. New Edition. However, Clift soon realized that you cant always have your cake and eat it too. Moreover? He appeared with Marlon Brando, Dean Martin, and Hope Lange in The Young Lions (1958). Taylor actually extracted his teeth that had lodged into his throat so he could breath. During the filming of the movie in 1956, Taylor and her then-husband, Michael Wilding, had guests over for a party one night. That, combined with his spiraling alcohol addiction, wrung the youth right out of the handsome actor. Hollywood Actor. Montgomery Clift had the most earnest of faces: big, pleading eyes, a set jaw, and a side part that reminds you of old pictures of your granddad. 3 (Fall): 89111. It wasnt until years after his tragic passing that Clifts darkest secret finally came out. | He summoned a doctor, but it was already too late. [33], Clift's first film for Paramount was The Heiress (1949). Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift, Hollywood, 1950. Even his diet was rather spartan: orange juice, steak, and eggs. An adopted child, his mother Sunny maintained that Clifts true maternal great-grandfathers were the US postmaster-general Montgomery Blair as well as Union commander Robert Anderson, a part of her lineage that was clarified to her (when she came of age) by Dr. Edward Montgomery, the family doctor who delivered her. The 25 Best-Dressed Celebrities at the Met Gala 2023. Elegantly titled and captioned in white ink, the pages reveal that Clift had a filmmaker and photographers eye for framing, sense of place, and capturing action at its seminal moment. . [61] Montgomery Clift informed his psychiatrist that he was homosexual and struggling to cope with it. Firstly, he didnt even like Hollywood, preferring to stay in New York as much as he could. It wasn't long before he found his way to the big screen. But even as Clift consistently took the road less traveled, he still had some biting things to say about the media, especially its desire to pin down his image. But for Clift, there was just no escape, and it was only going to get worse. Horrified, James immediately called for help, but of course, it was already too late. With his next two films, The Misfits (1961) and Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), Clift pivoted to somewhat smaller supporting or cameo roles that required less overall screen time while still delivering demanding performances. To make it fair to James Dean, we would have to judge it on their first 3 roles each. Onscreen and off, he was what the kids these days The accident partially paralyzed his face and left him addicted to alcohol and painkillers. There were no wild outings for this reserved homebody. The schedule for Reflections in a Golden Eye was then set for August 1966, but Clift died in July 1966. . But while his siblings enrolled in prestigious schools, Montgomery Clift went hurtling in a completely different direction. In his first film, Red River, Clift had the chance to play opposite the western superstar John Wayne. He and actor Kevin McCarthy later wrote a screenplay for a film adaptation that was never made. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. He earned his first Academy Award nomination for best actor for "The Search," and yet "Red River" seems to be better remembered these days. All content, including text, and images contained on. Minneapolis and London: University of Minnesota Press. Clift made his Broadway debut in "Fly Away Home" in 1935, according to the Irish Times. that benefits the victims. Okay, if were being totally honest, Montgomery Clifts reserved lifestyle didnt exactly excite the press; it actually kind of stumped them. Inside, he found Clift dead: he was undressed, lying in his bed still wearing his eyeglasses and with both fists clenched by his side. James then used the bedroom telephone to call some of Clift's personal physicians and the medical examiner's office before an ambulance arrived.[99]. He even appeared in the original production of Tennessee Williams' play "You Touched Me" (1945) (per Playbill). Paramount executive Luigi Luraschi remembered that Taylor, just like many American teenagers, seemed "unmistakably in love" with Clift around the time of filming A Place in the Sun,[59] which commenced soon after their premiere outing. Pretty, Please: Mindful Skin Care, an Artist Reconsidered, and Bright Eyes for Spring. [27], At age 25, Clift's first Hollywood film role was opposite John Wayne in the Western film Red River whose director Howard Hawks was impressed by his recent stage performance and was willing to sign him with no strings attached, which greatly appealed to Clift's sense of independence. [89][90] One of Clift's first intimate relationships was with composer Lehman Engel. But that wasnt all. El joven que cambi para siempre el estereotipo del aejo galn con sus . Contact sheets from LIFE photographer Peter Stackpole's shoot on a Paramount lot with Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift in 1950. With unprecedented control over the projects he starred in, Clift agreed to do the romantic drama, The Heiress. Hollywood Cinema. These were extremely unorthodox, risky procedures, and had the effect of involving the audience with him, an exceedingly selfish aim if one thinks only in terms of the play, but a daring and stupendously courageous maneuver when one thinks of the ground he was breaking. With Clift on board, Suddenly, Last Summer morphed into a verifiable mess. (1958) Cinema: The New Pictures, Time [online], 6 January. Elizabeth Taylor put her salary on the line as insurance in order to have Clift cast as her co-star in Reflections in a Golden Eye, to be directed by John Huston. So. Despite the studio's concerns over profits, Clift correctly predicted the film would do well, if only because moviegoers would flock to see the difference in his facial appearance before and after the crash.[42]. [3] He also executed a rare move by not signing a contract after arriving in Hollywood, only doing so after his first two films were a success. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. While his brother claimed that Clift was bisexual, writer Truman Capotes unpublished work alludes to Clifts gayness quite explicitly. [44] Marilyn Monroe (in what was to be her last filmed role) was also having emotional and substance abuse problems at the time; she described Clift in a 1961 interview as "the only person I know who is in even worse shape than I am". The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. One should acknowledge that Clift already looked and acted differently from what people expected in the pre-accident scenes. Montgomery Clift was a great actor. Gehman, Richard (1957) Montys Brush with Death, Photoplay, Vol. Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift in the 1951 film "A Place in the Sun" on 01 January, 1951 | Photo: Getty Images. Once dubbed the Queen of the Movies, the golden-haired Myrna Loy was one of the few stars who successfully transitioned out of the silent-film era into talkies. She went on to become one of the film industrys most adored and highest-paid leading ladies. Many biographers have had fun writing up one of the most glamorous accident scenes in Hollywood history . She continued to stand by his memory by supporting gay rights and speaking out against homophobia. In the face of such criticism, Clift went ahead and confused the gossip columns even more. He was in the middle of making "Raintree County," a movie that reunited him with his "A Place in the Sun" co-star Elizabeth Taylor, and his accident took place after Clift had been a guest at Taylor's Beverly Hills home. speaks out against the above mentioned and. But even the troubled blonde bombshell recognized that her co-star was in dire straits. He was involved with the Adventures of Superman actor Jack Larson and theater actor William LeMassena,[69][70] with whom he had a three-year relationship. Clift also had participated in radio broadcasts early in his career, though, according to one critic, he hated the medium. Apparently, one of Clifts tooths had pierced his tongue, causing him to choke. From here on out, however, he plunged even further into his addiction. This was described as "a power differential that would go on to structure the starstudio relationship for the next 40 years". She is completing her PhD in Toronto, Canada. With his screenwriting suggestions, the film took home an Academy Award. Author Christopher Isherwood aptly illustrated Montgomery Clifts shocking transformation: Nearly all his good looks are goneHe has a ghastly, shattered expression. But remember, Clift was never one to dwell on his looks, and it must have been frustrating that everyone else cared so much. Soon, Montgomery Clift became almost impossible to work with. As a result, Clift's health and physical appearance deteriorated. He became so known for his tousled appearance that theLos Angeles Times dubbed him the Rumpled Movie Idol. With his ancient, ramshackle car, and a circle of friends outsidethe realm of Hollywood, he certainly didnt fit the mold. After a break, Clift committed himself to three more films, all of which premiered during 1953: I Confess to be directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Vittorio De Sica's Terminal Station; and Fred Zinnemann's From Here to Eternity which earned Clift his third Academy Award nomination (his second of two nominations for films directed by Zinnemann). Report Save Follow. "[79] Robbins called Clift a "theatrical genius" early on in their affair.[80]. You see, the entire healing process put Clift through the paces. Montgomery Clift muri a los 45 aos por complicaciones de salud debidas a su adiccin al alcohol y a las drogas. Austin, TX: University of Austin Press, 90101. And Jerry said that he just couldn't get it out of his head. In 1965, he gave voice to William Faulkner's writings in the television documentary William Faulkner's Mississippi, which aired in April 1965. Thanks for your time! Si Hollywood (y l mismo) hubiese permitido a Montgomery Clift ser l mismo, su (breve) vida habra sido diferente. | [4] A documentary titled Making Montgomery Clift was made by his nephew in 2018, to clarify many myths that were created about the actor.[5]. The unhinged character he played in the film hit too close to home and psychologically drained him. Clift is said to have valued privacy and ambiguity in his personal life, though he was known to be friendly and affectionate, blurring the emotions of platonic love and sexual attraction, particularly with close friend Elizabeth Taylor, as soon as Paramount Pictures arranged her to attend the Los Angeles premiere of The Heiress as Clift's date to generate publicity.[58]. That said, he kept his sexuality a secret: The prejudices of the time left him no choice. McCann, Graham (1991) Rebel Males: Clift, Brando and Dean. After filming wrapped, she tracked him down and spat directly in his face. Whatever the case may be, Montgomery Clifts life was unbelievably impressive and distressing. Montgomery Clift didnt need much to keep himself happy and entertained. Kevin McCarthy: "Montgomery Clift was brilliant in every way". His parents were Quakers and met as students at Cornell University, marrying in 1914. Clift's body was taken to the city morgue about 2 miles (3.2km) away at 520 First Avenue, and autopsied. Naremore, James (1988) Acting in the Cinema. While this traumatic event robbed him of his heartthrob status and turned him into a somewhat disturbing, socially alienated character, author Elisabetta Girelli argues that Clift had always combined on-screen erotic ambiguity with real . According to McCarthy, Clift told Taylor in a rather unregistered voice that his two front teeth were in his throat, suffocating him. He and his co-star Olivia de Havilland made an appealing couple in this film adaptation of a Henry James novel. Reply. For the next nine years, Clift made nearly as many films after his traumatic car accident as he had previously. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, just after his twin sister Roberta,. This would not only show off his range but allow him to sidestep any dangers of typecasting. In the early 1950s, Barney Balaban (president of Paramount Pictures) invited Clift on one of the Balaban family vacations to Nassau, Bahamas. [9] Clift had English and Scottish ancestry on his father's side, wealthy relatives who hailed from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Luckily, although the public was out for blood, there was one woman on his side. Jared Leto, Doja Cat and More Pay Homage to Choupette, Karl Lagerfelds Cat and Heir, at the Met Gala 2023. [47] Director Stanley Kramer, later wrote in his memoirs that Clift "wasn't always close to the script, but whatever he said fitted in perfectly" and that he suggested Clift turn to Spencer Tracy to "ad lib something" when he struggled to remember his lines for his one scene. "Monty," as the performer was known to family and . [49][50] On a taped phone call, Clift said that he played the character in a way that "holds onto himself, in spite of himself" with dignity.[51]. In fact, Hepburn was so offended by Mankiewicz that she did something outrageous. However, this was no quick fix. During the first half of the 1950s Clift was considered one . In one instant Montgomery Clift's life changed forever. He played the desperate, the drunken, and the. Clift gained actual scars from some filming mishaps. Lonelyhearts: Directed by Vincent J. Donehue. Clift was driving a Chevrolet Bel Air sedan when the accident occurred. I thought he was dead. He immediately returned to Taylors house to notify the party of the bloody disaster. He was one of Hollywoods most desirable leading men, but mystery shrouded his entire private life. A Place in the Sun (1951) Passed | 122 min | Drama, Romance. In his eyes, he wasnt a rebel, he was simply an actor who wanted to portray a slice of life. Tired of being boxed in, he stated, I am notrepeat nota member of the Beat Generation. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his work, displaying some of his old acting chops. He shifted his moods erratically, from a brooding pose to a bursting smile. [63], Many of Clift's biographers note his relationships with men and some few women based on friends' accounts and interviews. But the troubled star (seen here with Donna Reed in 1953's "From Here to Eternity") kept that conflict a secret until his death in 1966 at the age of 45. London: Hamish Hamilton. 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Luckily, over time, they clawed their way back to financial security. On July 22, 1966, Clift was in his New York City townhouse, located at 217 East 61st Street. The star attempted to put the record straight, suggesting that, despite the immediate impact of the crash, he could now proclaim confidently: Im exactly the same as I was before. The evidence on screen, however, indicated otherwise. Allegedly, hed been forewarned that the truth would destroy his career, and as a result, the actor became increasingly wary of appearing feminine in any way. 12023, Dance with demons: the life of Jerome Robbins by Lawrence, Greg, p. 127, Jerome Robbins: his life, his theater, his dance by Jowitt, Deborah, pp. He was linked to actresses Libby Holman[64][65] and Phyllis Thaxter. Clift was unhappy with the quality of the script, and reworked it himself. Edward Montgomery Clift was born on October 17, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska. [66][67][68] Clift's longest relationships were with men. Actor Montgomery Clift is best remembered for his striking good looks and his compelling dramatic performances in such films as "A Place in the Sun" (1951) and "From Here to Eternity" (1953), per IMDb. But her heroism didnt end there. He was filming "Raintree County," which also starred Taylor and Lee Marvin. Whlen Sie aus erstklassigen Inhalten zum Thema Montgomery Clift in hchster Qualitt. There are a few versions that detail the aftermath of Clifts accident, but one has all the drama of a motion picture itself. Palgrave Macmillan, London. The New York World-Telegram noticed Clifts "amazing poise and dexterity" while producer Theo Bamberger commended him for what he called a "natural histrionic instinct. Brando: The Men, Streetcar Named Desire, Viva Zapata. He owed his life to his close friend Taylor, who immediately went to help him when she learned of the incident. Clift reunited with Taylor for "Raintree County," a Civil war era romantic drama. Little did he know, he was always destined for something more. Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. Hollywood Stars. Instead, Clift enjoyed reading, filling his spare moments with Chekov and Aristotlediving into history, or learning about economics. A policeman examines the wreckage of actor Montgomery Clift's car after it crashed into a power pole following a dinner party at the home of Michael Wilding and Elizabeth Taylor. Alerted by friend Kevin McCarthy, who witnessed the collision, Taylor found Clift conscious yet bleeding and swelling rapidly under the shattered dashboard. 1467, Montgomery Clift: Beautiful Loser, Hoskyns, Barney, p. 96, Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them, by Langella, Frank, p. 336, Capote: A Biography, Clarke Gerald, p. 235, Montgomery Clift: Beautiful Loser, Hoskyns, Barney, p. 34, Lost Friendships: A Memoir of Truman Capote,Tennessee Williams, and Others, Windham, Donald, p. 64, Original Story By: A Memoir of Broadway and Hollywood, Laurents, Arthur, pp. [6] His mother was Ethel Fogg "Sunny" Clift (ne Anderson; 18881988). One sign of how much Hollywood has changed: Clift's close friend Elizabeth Taylor matter-of-factly identified him as gay while accepting a . Something was seriously wrong. (1936), Titled Marnie the Victor, in Clifts handwriting. For his character's scenes in jail, Clift spent a night in a real state prison. His mother wanted all of her children to be raised as distinguished aristocrats, and as such, little Clift and his siblings received an elite upbringing: private tutors, extensive travel, and language lessons. Over the years, the two close friends were there for each other during various times of crisis and tragedy, including the 1956 car crash that left Clift's famous face permanently marred. And even more shocking? [76][77] He told Clift "I could make you love me," at the end of their two-year affair. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Years before, Clift had battled dysentery, which introduced him to the sinister side effects of pain management. The next morning, James returned to Clifts room to rouse him but found the door locked. Whether this captivating story is real or not remains to be seen. He naturally gravitated to the theater. 18. ", Montgomery Clift at London Airport from New York to make the new film "Suddenly, Last Summer" on 13 May, 1959 | Photo: Getty Images. Star of such film classics as Red River (1947) and A Place in the Sun (1951), Montgomery Clift's emotional power and hypnotic good looks made him an ideal actor suited to the screen close-up and studio portraits. Continued pain from his injuries led him to rely on alcohol and pills for relief as he had done after an earlier bout with dysentery left him with chronic intestinal problems. 6. In addition to lingering effects of dysentery and chronic colitis, an underactive thyroid was later revealed during the autopsy. The entire experience had a cursed tinge to it, and before long, it left disaster in its wake. [20] Clift proved to be a successful young stage actor working with, among others, Dame May Whitty, Alla Nazimova, Mary Boland, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Fredric March, Tallulah Bankhead, Alfred Lunt, and Lynn Fontanne. 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