**The Teacher Who Helped Propel Richard Burton to Fame**
Richard Burton, an iconic figure renowned for his powerful baritone voice and his passionate yet tumultuous romance with fellow Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor, has a backstory that often goes uncredited. Although Burton himself is a household name, few are aware of his mentor, Philip Burton, a significant influence in his rise to stardom. Philip was not only Richard’s teacher but also became his legal guardian and a guiding force that helped transform the young man’s life and career.
The recent biographical film titled “Mr. Burton,” directed by Ed Talfan and released in UK cinemas, sheds light on this fascinating and transformative relationship. As Talfan describes, the bond between Richard and Philip Burton was a friendship “built for the ages, an unlikely friendship.” This underscores the pivotal role Philip played in cultivating Richard’s dramatic talents, which would eventually lead to international acclaim.
The film carefully traces Richard’s early life in Port Talbot, South Wales, a place marked by socio-economic challenges. Portrayed by Harry Lawtey, the young Richard had dreams of becoming an actor despite his difficult upbringing. His mentor, played by Toby Jones, is depicted as a cultured and serious man dedicated to the arts, teaching English and theater production to his students. Philip’s influence was critical as Richard sought to develop his acting prowess; he trained him to improve his posture and diction, helping him round his vowels and articulate his consonants clearly.
Both men hailed from similar humble beginnings, albeit their outward personas suggested otherwise. As historian and Philip’s biographer, Professor Angela John, notes, Philip had a troubled childhood with the tragic loss of his father in a mining accident. Despite being gifted and obtaining a scholarship to Cardiff University where he studied mathematics, he chose the path of theater, honing his skills and losing his Welsh accent in the process—an unfortunate necessity for acceptance in a world that often undervalued regional accents.
The relationship deepened when Richard was forced to leave school at the tender age of 16 to support his family. Philip intervened, ensuring that Richard could return to school—a significant and unusual step. He provided Richard with a stable environment, taking him into his home as a lodger and eventually becoming his legal guardian. This change allowed Richard to adopt the stage name “Richard Burton,” distancing himself from the connotations associated with his birth name, Richard Jenkins.
This mentoring relationship was steeped in trust and mutual respect. Although there have been speculations about the nature of their relationship, John asserts that there wasn’t any evidence of inappropriate conduct. Instead, their bond was characterized by mentorship, with Philip nurturing Richard’s gift in theater and elevating him to the level of an accomplished artist.
Richard made his screen debut in the film “The Last Days of Dolwyn” in 1949, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him starring in classics such as “Cleopatra” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” His contributions to acting were recognized with a Tony Award for his portrayal of King Arthur in the Broadway musical “Camelot” in 1960, and although he was nominated for seven Oscars, he never clinched an Academy Award.
While Richard pursued his stellar acting career, Philip also flourished, working on numerous radio programs and becoming the first director of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. The two men remained connected throughout their lives, despite a brief estrangement when Richard married his first wife, Sybil. Their bond was recommitted through Elizabeth Taylor, who, even before meeting Philip, played a crucial role in reuniting them.
Philip Burton’s influence on Richard’s journey to success and his lasting impact on the world of theater is often overlooked. However, the film “Mr. Burton” aims to honor and spotlight Philip as a remarkable figure in his own right, deserving of recognition not only for his guidance of Richard but for his achievements within the arts.
In conclusion, the poignant tale of Richard Burton’s rise to fame is deeply intertwined with the guidance of Philip Burton, portraying a profound narrative of mentorship that transformed the lives of both men. The movie opens in UK cinemas on April 4, 2025, an opportunity for audiences to revisit this powerful story and acknowledge the mentor who played a critical role in shaping an icon of cinema.