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Biography: Elizabeth Montgomery [VHS]

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Quite possibly one of the most underrated actresses ever, Elizabeth Montgomery left behind an indelible body of work that not only entertains, but amazes us. This A&E "Biography" piece of the lady who is best remembered, of course, as contemporary witch Samanatha Stevens, gives us a more thorough look at the enchantress who (career-wise) traded her broomstick for an axe and endured a savage rape not once, but twice, in a risky TV movie that commanded a national dialogue. We see a young Elizabeth at odds with her legendary actor father, Robert Montgomery, steadily establishing her own identity as an actress. Along the way, though, she enters into a violent marriage with a physically abusive and alcoholic husband (Gig Young) before marrying the man (Bill Asher) who would be with her in forging her most recognizeable public personna. But after "Bewitched," Ms. Montgomery takes on the challenge of being a victim of rape ("A Case of Rape"), and it's tough to think of Samantha being raped instead of twitching and sending her assailant into the stratosphere. Another unusual but successful career move was playing the suspected spinster axe-killer in "The Legend of Lizzie Borden." From there, the documentary takes us through Ms. Montgomery's numerous later TV movies up to and including the last one just weeks before her sad and premature death in 1995 of cancer. But we also see Ms. Montgomery as a rights advocate, marching for gay rights and against nuclear proliferation. It is unfortunate that this talented and humane lady hasn't really gotten her just due, but this "Biography" profile is a respectful start.

This is an excellent video about Elizabeth Montgomery, one of the greatest actress american television ever had ! Samantha Stephens, the main role of Liz in the long running serie "Bewitched" (1964-1972) was of course her most popular role, but in this tape, we can find the story of her debut in 1951, of her relation with her father, actor Robert Montgomery, her marriage with actor Gig Young, then with William Asher, the director of "Bewitched", and with actor Robert Foxworth. We discover also the "political" woman she was, defending people's rights, women's rights and gays's rights (her close friend actor Dick Sargent was gay). She was not afraid to walk in the streets with a rainbow flag and to be "Grand Marshall" at the Gay Parade in Los Angeles in the nineties... We also find here her work after "Bewitched", in many TV-Movies, from the excellent "A case of Rape" in 1974 to "Deadline for Murder" in april 1995, one month before her death at the age of 62 years old. Elizabeth Montgomery was a wonderful actress, an this biography can help you to discover that !

This was an eye opening biography into the life of Elizabeth. I have loved her for many years, as bewitched. I had also seen her in other movies, I must praise her in "The Lizzie Borden Movie". This bio, is wonderful! It shows footage from Elizabeth as a child until the end. I had always considered her as a funny, lovable, and wonderful actress. This bio also hits on her strong points, she had tremendous strengths and values. You will truly see her shine, as one of the all time talented and beloved actress's that she was! You will not be disappointed with this bio. WE LOVE AND MISS YOU LIZ!!

This Biography is one of my all time favorites. I really enjoy the interviews with Elizabeth's children and (ex)husbands, as well as the candid photos from her childhood. Most people remember Elizabeth for ethereal portrayal of Samantha Stephens, but she was one of Hollywood's hardest working women carrying a hit show with two inspired characters (Samantha and Serena), while being married to the director and raising three children. This Biography shows how Elizabeth never went back to her sweet and lovely portrayal of Samantha. She took on serious issues in her TV movie work and her charitable endeavors. She was looked over for an Emmy many times and never found her nitch in feature film, yet she reamins many peoples favorite actress of all time. A true talent!