In a full day’s tribute to the stunning, late Elizabeth Taylor, one of the big screen’s fieriest women, The Astor Theatre presents three of her most iconic films.

First up in the programme, all-American ranching heartthrob Rock Hudson courts Liz in her iconic role as a sophisticated socialite; their already unlikely love story further complicated by the dashing James Dean and a whole lot of subplot concerning racism against Mexican Americans. Mirroring our protagonists’ romance is the film’s focus on the oil industry’s transformation of an entire generation of Texas ranchers into the nouveau riche. A rare opportunity to appreciate one of Hollywood’s greatest leading ladies and one of its most iconic screen legends back on the big screen, Giant (1956) kicks off the tribute at 2pm.

Following this epic tale of desire is a double feature you’d have to be entirely crazy not to want to see: the outstanding film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ incredible Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) matched with the dramatic rom-tragedy, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? (1966). Whatever your feelings towards Liz, this double bill absolutely affirms her title as a Screen Legend. Both films display the best of her talent, from spatting with Paul Newman in one of the most exciting screen performances she ever gave (the heat between them unbearably palpable) in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, to the emotionally demanding performance, pushing her abilities as an actress rather than a beauty, in Mike Nichols’ Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Nominated for thirteen Academy Awards – and achieving no small feat of being the only film to be nominated in every eligible category – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a whole lot more than just Taylor and Burton playing out their own lives and complicated relationship onscreen.

Beyond the screen, the Astor Theatre welcomes Wayne Griffin, a sure contender for Liz Taylor’s number one fan and certainly her biggest memorabilia collector in Australia, and his superb collection which will be on display in the foyers for patrons to view throughout the tribute day. Wayne will also be launching his new book, featuring items from his extensive collection of Ms Taylor memorabilia, on the day. The book, titled: Elizabeth Taylor: The Girl Who Had Everything ought to aptly counterbalance the films which more often than not show Liz’s more vulnerable side, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, there were some things she didn’t have.

Elizabeth Taylor Tribute

Sunday, June 19

The Astor Theatre, 1 Chapel St, St Kilda

2pm Giant

7pm Cat On A Hot Tin Roof & Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

+ 7

+ 1