In 1961, after starring opposite Elvis Presley in Wild in the Country, he and Tuesday Weld began an off-screen romance. In Hollywood, her reputation for a reckless lifestyle was fodder for the gossip columnists and Louella Parsons reportedly said, as politely as possible, that "Miss Weld is not a very good representative for the motion picture industry." The romance with Elvis did not last long after Colonel Tom Parker cautioned Presley against the relationship, fearful it would harm his image.
Tuesday Weld appeared with Jackie Gleason and Steve McQueen in the 1963 comedy/drama, Soldier in the Rain, and although her performance was well received, the film was only a minor success. Although frequently typecast as the "blonde in the tight sweater," both the critics and working members of the film industry acknowledged her talent.
Weld never achieved the level of stardom many thought her looks and talent could bring. In part, her lack of great success was a result of her turning down roles in films that became great successes and that made mega-stars out of others, such as Lolita, Bonnie and Clyde,True Grit, and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Although Weld had the final say in such matters, many question the quality of advice her agent was providing. Actor Roddy McDowall, who co-starred with her in a 1966 film, said: "no actress was ever so good in so many bad films."
Tuesday Weld pictured with Steve McQueen in "Soldier In The Rain."
Gahd, I ADORE Tuesday... LORD LOVE A DUCK, (George Axelrod's twisted satire of 1966) and PRETTY POISON are both neglected gems of low/high art: "Everybody has got to love me. Everybody. This is my year. My horoscope says I am going to be famous. I am a Capricorn and I can't miss. I deserve it, too. I've been good. I haven't done bad things with boys. Well, a little. But not really bad. And only if I liked a boy." -- Tuesday (as teen-evil Barbara Ann, queen of the Cashmere Sweater-Girl Club in LLAD).
Posted by: Cary | Monday, September 19, 2005 at 04:20 AM