Montgomery Clift

Author: Jeff Little

Being born with a twin sister was one of many ironies in the life of Montgomery Clift. For he was truly one of a kind.

From his birth on October 17, 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska 'til his death in 1966, Clift's embodied qualities that were unique even by Hollywood's standards. He was remarkably handsome (not so unusual). He was a brilliant actor (common enough in the movie business). And he was homosexual (arguably rare and a marketing nightmare in 1950's show business).

Sexuality aside (since he had to keep it a secret from the public anyway), Clift was obviously born with a tremendous gift. In fact, his acting ability was so magnetic that it landed him on the Broadway stage by age thirteen.

His performance in the play Fly Away Home drew the attention of movie producers almost immediately. But Clift resisted the allure of Hollywood for many years.

Finally offered a script that appealed to him, he debuted in 1948's Red River, a film that had everything a studio could possibly want. It delivered great reviews, great box office…and John Wayne.
 

In the same year Clift appeared in The Search, a film that provided an even greater showcase for the young actor's talents. He was later nominated for an Academy Award for the role.

From then on, Montgomery Clift was, among other things, a "movie star". And along with this label came fame, fortune, and pressure (especially for a gay man at that time)

The incredibly sensitive Clift sought refuge in alcohol and drugs and fought with various substance abuse problems for the rest of his life. Even though the incredibly charismatic Clift had innumerable friends who adored him to the point of lying about his sexuality to protect his career, he still felt the need to find solace in liquor and pills.

In the 50's, Montgomery Clift was one of the most recognizable of film stars and truly became the model of a matinee idol. Studios even played-up the fact that he was often seen with attractive women. What the public wasn't told was that Clift just happened to have several female friends and that most (if not all) of the relationships were strictly plutonic.

 

Success continued for "Monty" until 1956 when an automobile accident nearly ended his life. But once again an attractive woman came to his aid. Co-star and close friend Elizabeth Taylor (who was filming Raintree County with Clift at the time) alertly pulled two teeth from his throat after the crash and saved the star from choking.

Clift never fully recovered from the crash but went on to make several more memorable films, furthering his already impressive reputation. Often compared to Marlon Brando and James Dean, he is considered to be one of the most influential actors of his generation.

 

In his career, Montgomery Clift was nominated for four Academy Awards and provided entertainment for millions of stage and screen fans. In films such as From Here to Eternity, Judgment at Nuremberg, and many others Clift demonstrated an amazing talent that made him one of the most popular film stars of all time.

But all the success in the world could not save him from his inner demons. Montgomery Clift died of a heart attack attributed to lengthy drug and alcohol abuse in 1966. But his films live on.