People: Apr. 6, 1962

Emerging from a three-day "rest and a general checkup" in a private psychiatric hospital in Manhattan, Vagabond Crooner Eddie Fisher protested at a high-pitched press conference that the only romance between Wife Elizabeth Taylor and her Cleopatra costar, Richard Burton, was onscreen. Laughing off rumors of breakup and breakdown as "preposterous, ridiculous and absolutely false," Fisher predicted a similar public disclaimer from Liz, but after a 15-minute transatlantic call, returned to the conference with a stricken look. "You know," he warbled in the most pitiable understatement of the week, "you can ask...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!