Dame Elizabeth Taylor met Montgomery Clift on October 6, 1949... at a studio arranged date, both attending the grand première of Monty's film, "The Heiress". Soon, they would be starting production on the George Stevens directed classic, "A Place in The Sun". Being seen together at this première was intended to emphasize the love story between them that was part of the plot of "A Place in the Sun". Elizabeth was instantly infatuated with Monty. She, two weeks prior, had broken her engagement with fiancé, William Pawley....who wanted her to give up life as an actress. Soon, production of 'A Place in The Sun' went to Lake Tahoe on location. Montgomery and Elizabeth bonded in such a very special way, that they created a world of their own. Montgomery was a New York City method actor who guided Elizabeth through her role as the wealthy debutante Angela Vickers, who falls deeply in love with Monty's character, George. But, in real life, Elizabeth fell in love with Montgomery (as well) and he was torn...being a closeted homosexual, he was unable to prevent himself from falling in love with Elizabeth, as well. This secret kept them from become intimate, and Elizabeth took this as rejection and was devastated. Only 17, she hadn't ever experienced this deep hurt before. Their on screen love scenes were astonishing, as the chemistry they shared knew no bounds. Soon, Montgomery had to disclose his orientation.....though was hesitant in doing this as he feared Elizabeth would walk out of his life. It was a tragic love story. She wanted to marry him, and that option was now nonexistent. He so sadly wanted to be with her, as well. Elizabeth told Montgomery that she wanted to be in his life, no matter what the role was. He told her that he would never desert her. Their love for each other soon superseded the physical and a very deep, personal friendship developed and lasted until the day he died...in 1966. Montgomery had a place in Elizabeth's heart that even her husband's did not have access to. They shared joys and sorrows together over the years....always being supportive of each other. They made three films together and Elizabeth attempted to salvage his deteriorating career, but sadly, he passed away in the midst of this process. He was the best friend and confidant that Dame Elizabeth would ever have among the thousands who were in her life. They could both shut the world off when they were together, focusing only on each other and no one else. By Richard Bassett