Ava et Elizabeth

James Dean with his Siamese kitten, Marcus, in 1955. Photos by Sanford Roth. James received Marcus as a gift from Elizabeth Taylor, who he became good friends with while making “Giant” that same year.

In late September of 1955, James was to attend a racing competition in Salinas. The night before he left, he brought Marcus over to his close friend and former girlfriend Jeanette Doty’s place so she could care for him in James’ absence. Along with the cat, James brought Jeanette a list with detailed instructions for Marcus’ care (pictured.)

James would never return to pick Marcus up as he tragically died in a car wreck on his way to Salinas.

Elizabeth Taylor on the set of “Giant” in 1955.

Mirror

Elizabeth Taylor by Mark Shaw, 1956

Ava Gardner in The Killers, 1946 dir. Robert Siodmak

This is actually from "The Bribe" (1949), not The Killers. ;)

Ava Gardner, c.1950

Ava Gadner photographed by Giuseppe Palmas in Rome, 1953.

“He had a thing in his voice I’ve only heard in two other people – Judy Garland and Maria Callas. A quality that makes me want to cry for happiness, like a beautiful sunset or a boys’ choir singing Christmas carols.”

- Ava Gardner on Frank Sinatra

One Touch of Venus (1948)

Elizabeth Taylor at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, 1954

Ava Gardner by Virgil Apger, 1951

Ava Gardner, c.1949