Barbara we've all been told that this is a second honeymoon for your birth what do you say about it well it um really is the first we we didn't have one at all you know we were working when we were married and didn't get away and then uh we wanted to come to England in 1939 on a honeymoon but the war stop bobwin in the Navy and that was the end of that when it comes to Hollywood romances Barbara Stanwick and Robert Taylor's Love Story Rivals the plot of any classic film Noir much like the
ill-fated lovers in Casa Blanca who found their relationship tested by circumstance Wick and Taylor faced their own set of challenges in the glittering world of 1930s Hollywood in this video we'll explore the depths of their relationship and uncover why long after their separation Barbara Stanwick confessed that Robert Taylor was the love of her life the rise of a Hollywood icon well they took away all my privileges but there's one privilege they can't take away from me you dirty little snake why [Music] you before legendary romance with Robert Taylor Barbara Stanwick had already etched her name
into the annals of Hollywood history born Ruby Katherine Stevens in 1907 in Brooklyn New York Stan Wick's early life was marked by tragedy orphaned at age four she and her brother were raised by their older sister setting the stage for a life of resilience and determination swick's journey to stardom began in the Roaring 20s when she became a zigfield girl performing in various Broadway chorus lines her break came with the play The Noose in 1926 where she first adopted the stage name Barbara Stanwick her powerful performance in Burlesque the following year cemented her status as
a Broadway star the transition to Hollywood came naturally for Stanwick her first major film role in Frank Kaa Ladies of Leisure in 1930 showcased her raw talent and unique screen presence throughout the 30s she delivered a string of memorable performances in films like baby face and Stella Dallas the latter earning her the first of four Academy Award nominations Stan Wick's versatility as an actress was unparalleled she excelled in melodramas comedies westerns and film newr earning her the nickname the greatest lady of the screen her portrayal of the fem fatal Phyllis dieten and Billy Wilder's Double
Indemnity is considered one of the greatest performances in film Noir history by the time she met Robert Taylor stanok was not just a star but a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood her strength Independence and undeniable Talent had made her one of the highest paid actresses in the industry it was against this backdrop of professional success that her personal life took a dramatic turn with the entrance Of The Dashing Robert Taylor the beginning of a Hollywood romance well that doesn't tell me every doesn't seem to me like you got much to worry about right
now except what jock would do if he knew we'd been seeing each other you're not sorry are you no in the world of 1930s Hollywood Barbara and Robert Taylor's paths crossed on the set of his brother's wife in 1936 Stanwick already an established star found herself drawn to the younger strikingly handsome Taylor their initial relationship was more of a mentorship with Stanwick guiding Taylor through the intricacies of Hollywood culture she served as a support system and adviser to Taylor who hailed from a small Nebraska town and was still finding his footing in the bustling film
industry as they spent more time together their connection deepened Beyond mere friendship the couple began living together which quickly became became fod for newspaper gossip columns in an era when Public Image was tightly controlled by Studios their unconventional living Arrangement raised eyebrows but it was clear to those around them that something special was blossoming Stanwick who had previously been married to Frank Fay was initially hesitant to remarry her first marriage had ended painfully leaving her wary of commitment however the chemistry between her and Taylor was undeniable their shared love for the outdoors and unpretentious demeanor
created a strong found found for their relationship Taylor's physical Beauty often described as being at its peak during this time certainly didn't hurt either a marriage of convenience and love the night they married he went back and stayed with his mother he hadn't told his mother that he was getting married and he told Barbara that he had to go tell his mother before she found out and he did not spend that night with Barber he spent the night not with his mother but at his mother's house in 1939 sanwick and Taylor's relationship took a more
official turn though not entirely of their own volition Metro Goldwin mayor Taylor's Studio played a significant role in arranging the marriage this practice was not uncommon in Hollywood's golden age where Studios exerted considerable control over their Stars personal lives the Catalyst for this push towards marriage was an expose published in photoplay magazine which highlighted Hollywood's famous unmarried couples including Stanwick and Taylor fearing a potential Scandal that could damag both Stars careers MGM insisted that the couple marry as soon as possible on May 13th 1939 Stanwick and Taylor eloped to San Diego in a touch of
superstition or perhaps romance they waited until midnight to exchange vows avoiding the Unlucky 13th the Newly Weds then drove back to Los Angeles immediately after the ceremony as both were in the middle of filming new movies the Whirlwind wedding while partially orchestrated by Studio Executives marked the beginning of a significant chapter in both of their lives despite the somewhat forced nature of their nuptials the couple seemed to genuinely care for each other they purchased a large Ranch in the mandaville canyon section of Brentwood Los Angeles which became known as the old Robert Taylor Ranch long
after they had moved on challenges and separation while sanwick and Taylor's marriage began with promise it faced challenges the pressures of Hollywood their careers and personal differences began to take their toll during World War II Taylor enlisted and served as a flight instructor for for 3 years this separation created a strain on their relationship as they spent significant time apart upon Taylor's return the couple struggled to reconnect the demands of their careers often kept them busy and the Studio's insistence on public appearances and photo shoots to maintain their image as a happy couple added further
stress to the relationship behind closed doors the reality was far more complex in 1950 tensions came to a head when Stanwick confronted Taylor about rumors of his infidelity during filming of quovadis in Italy when she asked if he wanted a divorce Taylor's affirmative response caught her off guard despite the pain this caused Stanwick agreed to the separation perhaps in an attempt to save face or out of recognition that the relationship had fundamentally changed the divorce was finalized in 1952 ending their 12-year marriage while both went on to have other relationships Stanwick notably had a 4-year
romance with Robert Wagner in the ' 50s neither ever remarried enduring love is he real or is he only a Dream Lover this can happen to you too although their marriage ended Stan Wick's feelings for Taylor never truly faded in the Years following their divorce she spoke about him with a mixture of fondness and regret in a 1981 interview with the New York Times she reflected on the challenges of losing someone you love whether through death or divorce she acknowledged the difficulty of Letting Go when someone decides they want to be free stating quote there's
nothing to battle for you have to let go perhaps the most poignant Testament to stanwicks enduring love for Taylor came near the end of his life when Taylor was on his deathbed in 1969 his second wife Ursula th invited Stanwick to visit him in the hospital the gesture speaks volumes about the respect and understanding that existed between all parties involved stanwicks attendance at Taylor's funeral where she was seen weeping openly was a rare display of vulnerability for the typically composed actress according to those close to her including her friend and Big Valley co-star Linda Evans
Stanwick often referred to Taylor as the love of her life this sentiment persisted despite the years that had passed since their divorce and the relationship they had both had with others Stanwick kept photographs of Taylor until the day she died a touching tribute to a love that never truly faded now it's time to hear from you have you ever experienced a love that endured separation or challenges let us know in the comment section below
