Movie Love #19

In sixteenth-century Europe, Prince Roland of Haagen fights alongside French forces against Spanish invasion, but learns his home nation has fallen under the influence of Spain through his brother King Stephan—who now holds him prisoner rather than allow him to warn France of the danger. Roland must find a way to expose the conspiracy before an alliance between Haagen and Spain can crush their French allies, with only the help of those loyal to him and the brave Nita Orde, whose father died fighting at his side.

Elizabeth Taylor reflects on her determination to land the coveted role of Velvet in "National Velvet," overcoming studio doubts about her height and riding ability through sheer willpower—growing three inches in three months and mastering horsemanship to prove herself. Now an established star recently married to Michael Wilding, she looks back on the ambition and hard work that launched her film career.

Esther Williams charts her path from champion swimmer to Hollywood star, tracing her early rejections of film roles and her eventual partnership with M-G-M, who promised to train her thoroughly before the cameras rolled. Along the way, she married radio announcer and singer Ben Gage and built a life beyond the pool. This 1953 biography captures the woman behind one of cinema's most glamorous aquatic stars.