Studio: Columbia
Running time: 108 minutes
Zee & Co./X Y & Zee (1972)
“Elizabeth Taylor is Zee Blakeley, the wife of eternally philandering Robert (Michael Caine), in this story of swinging Londoners directed by Brian G. Hutton (Where Eagles Dare). When Robert’s fancy for the beautiful young widow Stella (Susannah York, Tom Jones) threatens to break up her marriage, Zee takes matters into her own hands to try to gain the advantage in their tumultuous relationship. Taylor plays the vulgar, loud and shrewish wife with great relish in the role, her star persona illuminating every scene, making her fun to watch no matter what outrageous lengths she goes to in her bid to eliminate her husband’s mistress. Written by Edna O’Brien (Girl with Green Eyes).” [From the DVD]
Cast
Zee Blakeley: Elizabeth Taylor
Robert Blakeley: Michael Caine
Stella: Susannah York
Gladys: Margaret Leighton
Gordon: John Standing
Rita: Mary Larkin
Gavin: Michael Cashman
Head Waiter: Gino Melvazzi
Oscar: Julian West
Shaun: Hilary West
Crew
Director: Brian G. Hutton
Executive Producer: Elliott Kastner
Producers: Jay Kanter and Alan Ladd, Jr.
Screenwriter: Edna O’Brien
Cinematographer: Bill Williams
Art Director: Peter Mullins
Set Decorator: Arthur Taksen
Musical Score: Stanley Myers
Songs: “Going in Circles” by Ted Myers and Jaiananda; “Whirlwind” and “Coat of Many Colours” by Rick Wakeman and Dave Lambert, Played by Iroko; “Revolution” and “Granny’s Got a Painted Leg,” Played by The Roy Young Band; “Gladys’ Party” by John Mayer
Editor: Jim Clark
Costumes: Beatrice Dawson
Hairstyles: Allen McKeown
Did You Know?
The British film Zee and Co. was released in the United States under the title X, Y and Zee.
Margaret Leighton, who plays Gladys in the film, was married to Elizabeth’s former husband and the father of her two sons, Michael Wilding. Leighton and Wilding wed in 1964 and were married until her death in 1976.
Arguably the most famous photograph taken during the filming of X, Y and Zee was almost never seen at all. Elizabeth’s dear friend and personal photographer, Gianni Bozzacchi—whom she once called “Brilliant, sensitive, [he] always catches the soul”—worked on the film as a still photographer. “This photograph appeared in more than three thousand publications in one week—Elizabeth wanted to throw this photograph away, but Richard dedicated a poem to it, or maybe the poem was for Elizabeth. Either way, I was the provocateur. What beautiful memories. . .”
Elizabeth would later inscribe the photo with the following: “Dearest Gianni[,] I love, love you forever—so many memories! So many great ones! Elizabeth”
Author Edna O'Brien described the title character, Zee, who was played on screen by Elizabeth, as follows: “Her aura is crimson ... her manner a trifle raucous, her face masked with mechanical joy, her wardrobe of clothes vast; her energy, ruthlessness and willpower are prodigious. Perhaps she is a monster. Zee is a ruthless survivor.”
Michael Caine, who played Elizabeth’s husband, Robert, in the film, said: “She was delightful, utterly professional, and the only actor I’ve ever been on set with never to mess up a line.”
Elizabeth was awarded the prestigious David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Actress for her riotous performance in this film.