In 1959, Katharine Hepburn worked with her most “frustrating” co-star. The movie made $9million
Katharine Hepburn clashed with director Joseph L Mankiewicz and co-star Elizabeth Taylor while making the 1959 film *Suddenly, Last Summer*. The disputes highlight the difficult production behind a film that was still a commercial success and brought both actors major award recognition.
Hepburn objected to Taylor regularly arriving late, saying it kept cast and crew waiting, though she also praised Taylor’s acting when she did arrive. Taylor, then a major star after *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof* and newly free of her MGM contract, had influence over the production, including helping secure Montgomery Clift’s casting. The film earned $9 million and both Hepburn and Taylor received Golden Globe nominations; Taylor won.
- Hepburn criticised Taylor for keeping the cast and crew waiting.
- Their 1959 film earned $9 million.
- Hepburn and Taylor both received award nominations.
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Suddenly, Last Summer is a 1959 film based on a play by Tennessee Williams. It stars Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, two leading Hollywood actors, and was directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz.
Taylor had become a major star and had a say in the film’s production, including helping secure Montgomery Clift for a role. Hepburn was an established actor whose career stretched back to the 1930s. Their differing expectations on set, including disagreements over punctuality, formed part of the film’s difficult production.
The film earned $9 million and brought award recognition to both actors. Taylor won a Golden Globe, while Hepburn was also nominated, making the film notable both for its commercial success and for the recognition of its cast.