Butterfield 8
Lots Of Men Knew Her Number. No One Knew Her Heart.
Gloria Wondrous awakens in a luxurious bedroom that's not hers. She swallows a jolt of distilled courage, tosses aside $250 left by an admirer, leaves a scornful reply in lipstick on the mirror, dials her service for messages and slips into a mink coat she finds in the closet. The day and the movie are off to a roaring start.
Moviegoers and Hollywood left a message of "Hurrah!" for Elizabeth Taylor and Butterfield 8. Audiences made the film, co-starring Laurence Harvey and Eddie Fisher as a married lover and platonic friend who matter to Gloria, a box-office hit. And Taylor won her first Best Actress Academy Award as the call girl whose life comes with a complete set of emotional baggage. For a glossy, good time, don't call. Watch.
Member Reviews
Beautiful Liz - busychick
Having been born just after this movie was made
in 1960, I'd never really seen any early Elizabeth Taylor movies. Now I can understand her appeal. Taylor is stunning as Gloria Wondrous, a woman trying to dig herself out of a gritty life of wine, men and song. If anything else, this is a great portrait of Taylor's acting abilities that stands the test of time.A Middle Of The Road Film - Radio_Jane
This was a really dark film. The story lines about wealth vs poverty, prostitution and obsession are reminiscent of films such as Of Human Bondage. However, it is sometimes hard to follow and at moments, totally bizarre. As well there is some use of language that doesnt help the story line. This film is terrible, but it aint that great either. However, the Mrs. Thurber character is positively grand.Liz Taylor is Sexy yet Tragic - Rainbow
Well, this movie has its strengths, but I felt it was somewhat moralistic and I don't blame Liz for not wanting to act in it. She portrays a flawed, yet strong woman, who is transformed by love, then consumed by it. I thought Eddie Fisher was bland as Gloria's lifelong pal.I really disliked the ending, but in the times the movie was made, it was probably satisfying to many. The best part of this movie were the performances by the two main characters. If you liked "Little Red Riding Hood," (the version where she gets eaten by the wolf and is not saved by anyone) you'll love "Butterfield 8."
Member Reviews
Read All...
Beautiful Liz - busychick
Having been born just after this movie was made
in 1960, I'd never really seen any early Elizabeth Taylor movies. Now I can understand her appeal. Taylor is stunning as Gloria Wondrous, a woman trying to dig herself out of a gritty life of wine, men and ...A Middle Of The Road Film - Radio_Jane
This was a really dark film. The story lines about wealth vs poverty, prostitution and obsession are reminiscent of films such as Of Human Bondage. However, it is sometimes hard to follow and at moments, totally bizarre. As well there is some use of language ...Liz Taylor is Sexy yet Tragic - Rainbow
Well, this movie has its strengths, but I felt it was somewhat moralistic and I don't blame Liz for not wanting to act in it. She portrays a flawed, yet strong woman, who is transformed by love, then consumed by it. I thought Eddie Fisher was bland as Gloria's ...