January 26, 1950: Elizabeth Taylor, 17, on what would be her official high school graduation day. The event took place at University High School in West Angeles, though Elizabeth had never stepped foot in it before that evening. It was, however, the same high school that actress Debbie Reynolds had attended. And all of this was orchestrated through MGM publicity executive, Howard Strickling, and the MGM publicity department in an attempt to give the public some semblance of Elizabeth maintaining a somewhat normal life. After all, everyone was expected to have a graduation day. But it was a sham. For Elizabeth, it was nothing more than a scene in a movie. It was scripted and she was told exactly what to do, where to sit and what to say. Having attended (on and off) MGM’s educational facility, The Little Red Schoolhouse, since the autumn of 1943, Elizabeth’s own educational experience was somewhat disjointed. She attended classes with several other MGM contractual performers of all ages and who all had various levels of fame. Everyone was studying whatever suited their educational level regardless of what the student next to them was studying. A fifth grader sat behind a tenth grader. Classes were held between scenes when the pupils were working and classes had to be a minimum of three hours a day, according to California’s State Board of Education. But these hours did not have to be consecutive. Actors and actresses who were needed on the set were brought in and out of the class throughout the day. There was always some sort of disruption of another. Clearly, this was not ideal and Elizabeth, herself, has stated that she didn’t receive much of an education at all. From time to time photographs were taken of diligent students; most were studying books that were closed. When Elizabeth went on location to work, she was tutored in between scenes, rehearsals, wardrobe, make-up, publicity photos, and interviews. When her educational requirements were fulfilled, Strickling contacted University High. There was ‘an’ actual graduation but Elizabeth was to arrive, pick up her diploma, and leave. An hour before the event, she arrived and was soon within the mix of students who were preparing to go on stage. Of course, there was a flurry of activity the moment that she made her appearance. She heard whispers, “Is that really her?” and “What is SHE doing here?” Initially, no one dared to approach her. During the ceremony, she intensely listened to the principals’ speech as he told the students that it was “a tough road out there, and that success would not come easily but they had to continue to try.” Elizabeth, then, felt a bit alien as she was making a four figure salary every week at MGM and was about to announce her engagement to a millionaire. Finally, the entire ordeal was over. Pictures (on this post) include Elizabeth smiling proudly with her mother, University High School students brave enough to approach her after the ceremony and a small home gathering with good friend, Jane Powell and acquaintances. But again, that was for the press. The real celebration came later that night when steady beau, Nicky Hilton, took her out to ‘The Mocambo Nightclub’ where they discussed when they were going to formally announce their engagement.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:13:32 +0000
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