Taylor and Burton, Timeless Romance

The Spell
Often called the romance of the century, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's relationship, defined by extravagant lifestyles, boozing, womanizing (his), fabled jewels (hers) and their impassioned love for each other, bewitched the world for the 16 years they were together. When they hooked up, she was at the height of her popularity, while he was being hailed as a successor to Sir Laurence Olivier on the London stage. It all began during a long on-screen kiss scene on the set of Cleopatra, in which the two continued kissing even after the director called it a wrap. From then on, they were inseparable.

• Ageless Passion: Richard Burton's Love Letters to Liz Taylor