Plot Synopsis

In 1982, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Hollywood's most volatile on-again-off-again lovers, announce their reunion in Noel Coward's stage play, "Private Lives" - the account of a divorced couple, Elyot and Amanda, who unexpectedly reunite while honeymooning with their respective spouses. The project sparks rumors about the possibility of another marriage and public speculation begins to grow. In private, however, old frictions play out once again when rehearsals are rocky at best, and Elizabeth, often late, has not learned her lines. Richard suspects Elizabeth of substance abuse and begins to consider his own issues. Despite the odds, the play opens in New York City to eager crowds in the spring of 1983. Bad reviews prove to be no hindrance to ticket sales with the entire run of the show sold out by opening night. The audience responds enthusiastically as they pick up on what they imagine to be parallels with Richard and Elizabeth's own situation. Feeling exposed, Richard realizes their onstage reunion has provided a front-row seat into their personal lives, with the highs and lows of their turbulent relationship being played out in front of a live audience. As the run continues so does the tension behind the scenes. Richard and Elizabeth's relationship, as volatile as ever, threatens to be the demise of their newest endeavor.