ALS signed “Richard,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.5, April 27, 1973. Marked “Private” at the top of the page, Burton writes “Gianni.” In full: “There is perhaps no way for you splendid men to understand my vile temper when I am faced with being on the edges of a film which is essentially vulgar at its base and vicious in its implications. There is not, apart from Elizabeth (possibly) if she acts it well, one single person who shall and will command our sympathy. I asked Fonda last night ‘Why in the name of your God are you doing this piece of shit?’ And he replied ‘For the chance of working with Elizabeth, Richard, and what the hell Richard, I need the bread.’ ‘Good enough,’ I answered. ‘If you need the loot go in there and get what you can when you can!’ Once upon a time I did a film (Walter E.) simply for the money. No longer do I have to do that. E’s singular acceptance of this film is because she wants to remain a famous enter. star. What the stupid (occasionally) maniac doesn’t realize is that she is already immortalized (as a film person) forever. Because films are coming to an end. But, day after day, Is here vulgarised by the idea that my wife is doing—violent against my ‘taste’ a fucking lousy nothing bloody film. The critics are going to crucify her…There is absolutely no way out. Don’t ever show this letter to anybody. I am very fond of you. But indeed to God! That poor child! More and more poor!” A few words have been crossed out. Intersecting horizontal and vertical folds, a few tiny edge tears, creased lower left corner, wrinkling, and two punch holes along the left side, otherwise fine condition.
This incredible rant was sent to Gianni Bozzacchi, who worked as the personal photographer to Burton and Taylor for several years. At the crux of the correspondence was Burton’s intense displeasure with his wife’s decision to co-star with Henry Fonda in the 1973 drama, Ash Wednesday. The motion picture examined the effect that extensive cosmetic surgery has on the life of a middle-aged married woman—and was roundly trashed with one reviewer calling it ‘another in the long string of mediocre films by Taylor.’ Such a verdict must have devastated Taylor, who, in Burton’s eyes, accepted the role “because she wants to remain a famous [entertainment] star.” Instead, he was correct when he wrote here that “the critics are going to crucify her.” Burton was just as right in his prediction that “the stupid ...maniac doesn’t realize...she is already immortalized.” Strong and insightful words! Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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