Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. To keep up with our latest features, sign up for the Weekly Edit newsletter and follow us @mubinotebook on Twitter and Instagram.Dear readers: We are pleased to share the first Rushes roundup of 2025, with big plans for how this feature will develop throughout the year. Among our ambitions is to better represent the film culture everywhere our readers live. Please help us do so by submitting screenings, series, talks, and other events for our listings consideration. Many thanks! –Ed.NEWSIt’s a Wonderful Life.This holiday season, fans of Frank Capra’s Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) were outraged to discover that Amazon Prime streams an abridged version of the film that cuts almost 25 minutes from the original, including the entire “Pottersville” sequence: what Bedford Falls would look like if George Bailey had never been born. Prime also...
- 1/10/2025
- MUBI
Olivia Hussey, star of the iconic 1974 film Black Christmas has died at the age of 73 from recurring breast cancer. Although horror fans know her from Black Christmas, she originally shot to fame in Franco Zefferelli’s film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. She beat out over 500 actresses for that role.
Hussey was only 15 years old when she was chosen to play the coveted role of Juliet, and the adaptation caused quite a sensation. She and her 17-year-old costar Leonard Whiting appeared nude in one scene. Much later in 2022, both of them participated in a $5 million lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, in which they claimed sexual exploitation/harassment and fraud. Zefferelli had initially told them they would wear flesh-colored body stockings for the scene, then changed his mind, promising the scene would be tastefully shot. Ultimately, the case was dismissed.
While most people think of Hussey as being British, she was actually born in Buenos Aires.
Hussey was only 15 years old when she was chosen to play the coveted role of Juliet, and the adaptation caused quite a sensation. She and her 17-year-old costar Leonard Whiting appeared nude in one scene. Much later in 2022, both of them participated in a $5 million lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, in which they claimed sexual exploitation/harassment and fraud. Zefferelli had initially told them they would wear flesh-colored body stockings for the scene, then changed his mind, promising the scene would be tastefully shot. Ultimately, the case was dismissed.
While most people think of Hussey as being British, she was actually born in Buenos Aires.
- 12/30/2024
- by Carla Davis
- 1428 Elm
Actor who was catapulted to fame as one of the teen stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet in 1968
When Franco Zeffirelli’s film version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was released in 1968, it made the two lead actors, Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, into instant stars. Hussey, who has died aged 73, later said that “while it brought me fame – for whatever that’s worth – and glamour, it also thrust me into a spotlight that, while intoxicating, was at times too bright and too revealing”.
At the time of the filming in Italy of Romeo and Juliet, Whiting was 17 years old, Hussey 16. Zeffirelli was determined that his star-crossed lovers be credible teenagers. In his autobiography, Zeffirelli remembered that he was not immediately impressed with Hussey, saying “she was unfortunately overweight, clumsy-looking and bit her nails constantly”. But later he took a second look, and found that “she was...
When Franco Zeffirelli’s film version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was released in 1968, it made the two lead actors, Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, into instant stars. Hussey, who has died aged 73, later said that “while it brought me fame – for whatever that’s worth – and glamour, it also thrust me into a spotlight that, while intoxicating, was at times too bright and too revealing”.
At the time of the filming in Italy of Romeo and Juliet, Whiting was 17 years old, Hussey 16. Zeffirelli was determined that his star-crossed lovers be credible teenagers. In his autobiography, Zeffirelli remembered that he was not immediately impressed with Hussey, saying “she was unfortunately overweight, clumsy-looking and bit her nails constantly”. But later he took a second look, and found that “she was...
- 12/30/2024
- by David Thompson
- The Guardian - Film News
Leonard Whiting has shared a moving tribute to his Romeo and Juliet (1968) co-star Olivia Hussey Eisley, who died yesterday at the age of 73.
“Olivia, we have shared so much since we were two sweet innocent children clinging onto each other for dear life as every photo of us attests to,” read a comment posted from his wife Lynn Whiting’s Instagram on the photo shared by Hussey’s account announcing her death. “You have never been frightened of fighting to fix everything wrong in this world.”
The statement continued, “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever. Leonard.”
Hussey “went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” per her family’s original announcement.
Both Whiting and Hussey broke out in Franco Zeffirelli’s controversial adaptation of the Shakespearean romantic tragedy. Two years ago, the duo sued Paramount Pictures,...
“Olivia, we have shared so much since we were two sweet innocent children clinging onto each other for dear life as every photo of us attests to,” read a comment posted from his wife Lynn Whiting’s Instagram on the photo shared by Hussey’s account announcing her death. “You have never been frightened of fighting to fix everything wrong in this world.”
The statement continued, “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever. Leonard.”
Hussey “went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” per her family’s original announcement.
Both Whiting and Hussey broke out in Franco Zeffirelli’s controversial adaptation of the Shakespearean romantic tragedy. Two years ago, the duo sued Paramount Pictures,...
- 12/28/2024
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Deadline Film + TV
Olivia Hussey, the world renowned actress of stage, screen, and even video games, widely recognized for her portrayal of Juliet in the 1968 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” passed away peacefully at her home in Burbank, California on Friday, December 27 at the age of 73. News of her death was announced on the actress’ official social media channels.
Born Olivia Osuna in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 17, 1951, she was the daughter of Argentine tango singer Andrés Osuna, known by his stage name as Osvaldo Ribó. However, at the age of seven, she separated from her father and moved to London with her mother and younger brother, where she was accepted at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and began her career in performance. By 13, Hussey was already acting professionally on stage using her mother’s maiden name.
At 15, her career was accelerated upon Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli seeing her in a...
Born Olivia Osuna in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 17, 1951, she was the daughter of Argentine tango singer Andrés Osuna, known by his stage name as Osvaldo Ribó. However, at the age of seven, she separated from her father and moved to London with her mother and younger brother, where she was accepted at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and began her career in performance. By 13, Hussey was already acting professionally on stage using her mother’s maiden name.
At 15, her career was accelerated upon Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli seeing her in a...
- 12/28/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Olivia Hussey, an Argentine-British actor noted for her performance as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” passed away on Friday at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 73 years old.
Hussey had been facing breast cancer since 2008, and in 2018, she was told she had it again. Olivia died, and her official Instagram account said, “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
She became famous worldwide for her performance as Juliet, which she began when she was 15 years old. The film was notable for putting teenagers Hussey and Leonard Whiting in the lead parts. The goal was to make the ages of the young lovers seem more real. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Both stars were nominated for Golden Globes for Most Promising Newcomer.
Olivia Osuna was born in...
Hussey had been facing breast cancer since 2008, and in 2018, she was told she had it again. Olivia died, and her official Instagram account said, “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
She became famous worldwide for her performance as Juliet, which she began when she was 15 years old. The film was notable for putting teenagers Hussey and Leonard Whiting in the lead parts. The goal was to make the ages of the young lovers seem more real. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Both stars were nominated for Golden Globes for Most Promising Newcomer.
Olivia Osuna was born in...
- 12/28/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
The ever-iconic Olivia Hussey Eisley, who captivated audiences as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 classic Romeo and Juliet, died on Friday at the age of 73.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in Romeo & Juliet (1968) Credits: Bhe Films
Hussey’s breakout role as Juliet earned her international acclaim, showcasing her remarkable talent and timeless beauty. However, despite her success, she later revealed some career regrets, reflecting on missed opportunities and choices she wished she had made differently.
Legendary actress Olivia Hussey dies at 73, leaving one regret behind
Born in Argentina and raised in London, Olivia Hussey‘s passing was announced through a heartfelt statement shared on her official Instagram account.
Related Paramount Slapped With $100M Sexual Abuse Lawsuit by ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Stars
Hussey passed away from cancer on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones. The social media post stated,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley,...
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in Romeo & Juliet (1968) Credits: Bhe Films
Hussey’s breakout role as Juliet earned her international acclaim, showcasing her remarkable talent and timeless beauty. However, despite her success, she later revealed some career regrets, reflecting on missed opportunities and choices she wished she had made differently.
Legendary actress Olivia Hussey dies at 73, leaving one regret behind
Born in Argentina and raised in London, Olivia Hussey‘s passing was announced through a heartfelt statement shared on her official Instagram account.
Related Paramount Slapped With $100M Sexual Abuse Lawsuit by ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Stars
Hussey passed away from cancer on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones. The social media post stated,
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley,...
- 12/28/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Olivia Hussey, the British-Argentine actress best known for her starring role in the 1968 film version of Romeo And Juliet, has died, aged 73.
According to a posting on an Instagram account in her married name of Olivia Hussey Eisley, Hussey died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Friday (December 27).
Born in Buenos Aires, Hussey went to drama school in London and began her career on the UK stage and in television and film. As a 15-year-old she was picked by director Franco Zeffirelli for his Romeo And Juliet adaptation, playing Juliet to Leonard Whiting’s Romeo. She...
According to a posting on an Instagram account in her married name of Olivia Hussey Eisley, Hussey died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Friday (December 27).
Born in Buenos Aires, Hussey went to drama school in London and began her career on the UK stage and in television and film. As a 15-year-old she was picked by director Franco Zeffirelli for his Romeo And Juliet adaptation, playing Juliet to Leonard Whiting’s Romeo. She...
- 12/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Olivia Hussey has sadly passed away.
The actress, well known for starring in the 1968 Romeo and Juliet movie, died on Friday (December 27), according to a post on her official Instagram account. She was 73 years old.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the post started out.
“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” the tribute continued. “Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
“Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss,...
The actress, well known for starring in the 1968 Romeo and Juliet movie, died on Friday (December 27), according to a post on her official Instagram account. She was 73 years old.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the post started out.
“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” the tribute continued. “Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
“Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss,...
- 12/28/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Olivia Hussey, the actress who gained acclaim after starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73.
Her family announced her death on the actress’ Instagram on Friday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” read the statement, which was shared alongside a photo of Hussey. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Her family announced her death on the actress’ Instagram on Friday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” read the statement, which was shared alongside a photo of Hussey. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
- 12/28/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Hussey, who dazzled moviegoers as the female lead in Franco Zeffirelli‘s noteworthy 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, died Friday at her Los Angeles home of breast cancer. She was 73.
The Argentina-born actress died “surrounded by her loved ones,” according to an announcement on her official Instagram account. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” the post reads.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Olivia Hussey eisley (@oliviahusseyeisley)
Hussey was just 15 when she starred opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, 16, as Romeo in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Both were unknowns. The Paramount-distributed film, co-written by Zeffirelli, was nominated for the best picture Oscar and three other Academy Awards, and she received a David di Donatello prize and a Golden Globe for her efforts.
Hussey also...
The Argentina-born actress died “surrounded by her loved ones,” according to an announcement on her official Instagram account. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” the post reads.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Olivia Hussey eisley (@oliviahusseyeisley)
Hussey was just 15 when she starred opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, 16, as Romeo in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Both were unknowns. The Paramount-distributed film, co-written by Zeffirelli, was nominated for the best picture Oscar and three other Academy Awards, and she received a David di Donatello prize and a Golden Globe for her efforts.
Hussey also...
- 12/28/2024
- by Mike Barnes and Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Olivia Hussey Eisley, the British-Argentine actor who shot to fame as a teenager starring as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” and went on to star in the slasher classic “Black Christmas” and the 1978 “Death on the Nile,” died Friday. She was 73.
Hussey’s death was confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle by filmmaker Marc Huestis, who said she died of cancer, and announced on the actor’s Instagram. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and suffered a recurrence in 2018.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” reads the social media statement. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. … Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts,...
Hussey’s death was confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle by filmmaker Marc Huestis, who said she died of cancer, and announced on the actor’s Instagram. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and suffered a recurrence in 2018.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” reads the social media statement. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. … Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts,...
- 12/28/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
A second lawsuit brought by Romeo & Juliet stars Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey has been dismissed, according to The Wrap. Whiting and Hussey originally filed a suit in 2022 alleging that director Franco Zeffrelli tricked them regarding the nudity in the movie, which was filmed when they were 16 and 17 years old.
- 10/22/2024
- by Mary Kate Carr
- avclub.com
A second lawsuit surrounding the bedroom scene in 1968’s “Romeo and Juliet” has been dismissed by a judge, according to court documents reviewed by TheWrap.
Actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey – who played the titular characters and were 17 and 16 at the time – filed a suit in 2022 alleging director Franco Zefforelli tricked them into being nude for the film’s bedroom scene. That lawsuit was thrown out out in May 2023, partly due to being past statute of limitations. A second suit, filed in February 2024, has now been dismissed.
The newer filing came after Whiting and Hussey argued the 2023 Criterion Collection re-release of the film negated those statue of limitations issues. Judge Holly J. Fujie ruled the re-release wasn’t grounds enough for a new suit and also found that the actors consented to their appearance in the film’s scenes.
“A comparison of the 2023 release with the prior versions shows no...
Actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey – who played the titular characters and were 17 and 16 at the time – filed a suit in 2022 alleging director Franco Zefforelli tricked them into being nude for the film’s bedroom scene. That lawsuit was thrown out out in May 2023, partly due to being past statute of limitations. A second suit, filed in February 2024, has now been dismissed.
The newer filing came after Whiting and Hussey argued the 2023 Criterion Collection re-release of the film negated those statue of limitations issues. Judge Holly J. Fujie ruled the re-release wasn’t grounds enough for a new suit and also found that the actors consented to their appearance in the film’s scenes.
“A comparison of the 2023 release with the prior versions shows no...
- 10/21/2024
- by Jacob Bryant
- The Wrap
A second lawsuit filed by the stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet was dismissed in a California courtroom Monday after a judge said she found no difference between a Criterion re-release of the film issued on Blu-ray in 2023 and older versions of the movie that were the subject of a prior lawsuit tossed out last year.
In her new ruling that the latest claims “lack merit,” Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Holly J. Fujie rejected the assertion from actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting that...
In her new ruling that the latest claims “lack merit,” Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Holly J. Fujie rejected the assertion from actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting that...
- 10/21/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
A judge on Monday dismissed a second lawsuit over the bedroom scene in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” finding that the lead actors consented to their appearance in the film.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 at the time of filming. They first sued Paramount in December 2022, alleging that they were duped by director Franco Zeffirelli into appearing in the nude. The scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s bare buttocks and a glimpse of Hussey’s naked breasts.
The original lawsuit was thrown out in May 2023, partly on statute of limitations grounds. The actors filed a new lawsuit in February 2024, arguing that the 2023 Criterion re-release, with a digital restoration, triggered a new statute of limitations
Judge Holly J. Fujie dismissed that claim on Monday, finding that the re-release is not different enough to warrant revisiting the earlier ruling.
“A comparison of the 2023 release with the...
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 at the time of filming. They first sued Paramount in December 2022, alleging that they were duped by director Franco Zeffirelli into appearing in the nude. The scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s bare buttocks and a glimpse of Hussey’s naked breasts.
The original lawsuit was thrown out in May 2023, partly on statute of limitations grounds. The actors filed a new lawsuit in February 2024, arguing that the 2023 Criterion re-release, with a digital restoration, triggered a new statute of limitations
Judge Holly J. Fujie dismissed that claim on Monday, finding that the re-release is not different enough to warrant revisiting the earlier ruling.
“A comparison of the 2023 release with the...
- 10/21/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Pat Heywood, the veteran Scottish actress who made her film debut as Olivia Hussey’s nurse and confidant in Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died. She was 92.
Heywood died June 26, the Scottish Daily Mail reported.
During her four-decade career, Heywood portrayed the maid in the manor at the center of Freddie Francis’ horror comedy Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly (1970) and the wife of British serial killer John Christie (Richard Attenborough) in the Richard Fleischer-directed 10 Rillington Place (1971).
Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet (1968), which also starred Leonard Whiting alongside Hussey and featured narration from Laurence Olivier, was a hit at the box office as it introduced a new generation to Shakespearean tragedy. Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and Anjelica Huston had been among those considered for the top roles.
The film won Oscars for cinematography and costumes and was nominated for best picture and director, and Heywood...
Heywood died June 26, the Scottish Daily Mail reported.
During her four-decade career, Heywood portrayed the maid in the manor at the center of Freddie Francis’ horror comedy Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly (1970) and the wife of British serial killer John Christie (Richard Attenborough) in the Richard Fleischer-directed 10 Rillington Place (1971).
Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet (1968), which also starred Leonard Whiting alongside Hussey and featured narration from Laurence Olivier, was a hit at the box office as it introduced a new generation to Shakespearean tragedy. Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and Anjelica Huston had been among those considered for the top roles.
The film won Oscars for cinematography and costumes and was nominated for best picture and director, and Heywood...
- 7/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before praising the 2024 Oscars and their approach to sex, we need to acknowledge one truth. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences completely ignored one of the best movies of the year, and a movie that features one of the most frank and vulnerable sexual scenes committed to film. It, of course, involves a bathtub, where one man’s desire for another becomes clear in a way that not even he had heretofore acknowledged.
What? No, not Saltburn. I said a good movie, not a loud nothing that approaches sex like a 12-year-old who just learned a few rude words.
I’m referring to the beautiful Andrew Haigh film All of Us Strangers, which received no Oscar attention, not even for its outstanding leads Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The scene in question occurs after screenwriter Adam (Scott) returns from his parents’ home, where he just came out to his mother,...
What? No, not Saltburn. I said a good movie, not a loud nothing that approaches sex like a 12-year-old who just learned a few rude words.
I’m referring to the beautiful Andrew Haigh film All of Us Strangers, which received no Oscar attention, not even for its outstanding leads Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The scene in question occurs after screenwriter Adam (Scott) returns from his parents’ home, where he just came out to his mother,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Lee Grant, the Oscar-winning actress (“Shampoo”) says she decided after her win to try to direct since good roles for older women were limited. It turns out that was about the halfway point of her 98 year (so far) life. What followed was a narrative feature (“Tell Me a Riddle”) and several documentaries, including “Down and Out in America,” which won an Oscar.
When we last ran our list of the oldest living feature film directors in late 2022, where Grant stood was a mystery. Since her breakout in William Wyler’s “The Detective Story” (1951), her first nomination, her year of birth was unclear. But recently she has clarified that that she was born in 1925. That makes her, to the best of our knowledge, older than any of her peers.
Below are listed the 25 oldest. Since our most recent list, Norman Lear, Robert M. Young (both of who briefly were the oldest...
When we last ran our list of the oldest living feature film directors in late 2022, where Grant stood was a mystery. Since her breakout in William Wyler’s “The Detective Story” (1951), her first nomination, her year of birth was unclear. But recently she has clarified that that she was born in 1925. That makes her, to the best of our knowledge, older than any of her peers.
Below are listed the 25 oldest. Since our most recent list, Norman Lear, Robert M. Young (both of who briefly were the oldest...
- 2/16/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Nearly nine months after a judge dismissed a case involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet — who claimed they were sexually exploited by Paramount and the film’s director — both Leonard Whiting (Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet) are again suing the studio, this time alongside boutique label The Criterion Collection, who released the Shakespeare adaptation last year.
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
- 2/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
A judge has put a dagger in the heart of the lawsuit involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet, siding with Paramount Pictures in deciding that its use of underage nudity actually falls under the First Amendment and that the stars “had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.”
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
- 5/28/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Los Angeles County judge Alison Mackenzie confirmed she would grant Paramount Pictures’ motion to throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, citing the First Amendment.
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
- 5/26/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
A judge has granted Paramount Pictures’ motion for dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, the stars of a 1968 film adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet” who claim they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing a nude scene as teenagers.
In a tentative ruling filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Alison Mackenzie ruled that the plaintiffs’ case did not sufficiently prove that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography” and therefore overrode the film’s First Amendment protections as an artistic work. While a new California law lifted the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims, the judge said that the plaintiffs did not comply with the provisions required for such claims under that law.
In a statement sent to TheWrap, Hussey and Whiting’s attorney Solomon Gresen is looking into a potential appeal of the case and is also planning to...
In a tentative ruling filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Alison Mackenzie ruled that the plaintiffs’ case did not sufficiently prove that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography” and therefore overrode the film’s First Amendment protections as an artistic work. While a new California law lifted the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims, the judge said that the plaintiffs did not comply with the provisions required for such claims under that law.
In a statement sent to TheWrap, Hussey and Whiting’s attorney Solomon Gresen is looking into a potential appeal of the case and is also planning to...
- 5/25/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
‘Romeo & Juliet’ $100M Sex Abuse Suit Is “Gross Mischaracterization” & Will Be Dismissed, Judge Says
“Thus with a kiss I die,” wrote William Shakespeare in Romeo & Juliet, and thus echoed a Los Angeles judge today over the alleged sexual abuse and negligence lawsuit from the stars of Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated 1968 adaptation of the doomed lovers play.
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
- 5/25/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film have tentatively lost their battle to receive damages over a sex scene filmed when they were teenagers
A California judge has signalled she will throw out a child abuse lawsuit put forward by the two lead actors from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Last December, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film, accused Paramount of sexual exploitation over a nude scene they allege was insisted upon after being told it wouldn’t take place.
A California judge has signalled she will throw out a child abuse lawsuit put forward by the two lead actors from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Last December, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film, accused Paramount of sexual exploitation over a nude scene they allege was insisted upon after being told it wouldn’t take place.
- 5/25/2023
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Paramount won’t have to face a lawsuit accusing the studio of sexual abuse over a nude scene in the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
- 5/25/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A judge on Thursday said she will throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” after finding that the film is protected by the First Amendment.
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
- 5/25/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount has filed a motion to throw out a lawsuit over the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” arguing that a nude scene with underage actors does not amount to “childhood sexual assault.”
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
To mark the release of Frankenstein: The True Story on 27th March, we’ve been given Blu-ray copies to give away to 2 winners.
In 19th Century England, Dr Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting), bitter over his brother’s death, voices his wish that men could have power over life and death. Following a chance encounter with Dr Henry Clerval, a surgeon experimenting in this very field, they begin to work together. Victor achieves the impossible, the creation of life, but with it comes unforeseen and unimaginable terror.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 30th March 2023 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not be stored once the competition has ended and the winners...
In 19th Century England, Dr Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting), bitter over his brother’s death, voices his wish that men could have power over life and death. Following a chance encounter with Dr Henry Clerval, a surgeon experimenting in this very field, they begin to work together. Victor achieves the impossible, the creation of life, but with it comes unforeseen and unimaginable terror.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 30th March 2023 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available To coincide with Gdpr regulations, competition entry information will not be stored once the competition has ended and the winners...
- 3/20/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Franco Zeffirelli apprenticed to Luchino Visconti, stage directed operas and directed several movie hits, the biggest of which was this exuberant, attractive Shakespeare adaptation, filmed like an opera with sumptuous sets and sunswept Italian locations. The novelty for 1968 was casting the Bard’s star-crossed young lovers with actual teenagers. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are attractive kids directed to give spirited performances; the critics may have had mixed reactions but the public received the film well. If memory serves, Criterion’s new remaster looks better than Paramount’s original release prints.
Romeo and Juliet
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1171
1968 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date February 14, 2023 / 39.95
Starring: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O’Shea, Pat Heywood, Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson, Paul Hardwick, Natasha Parry, Antonio Pierfederici, Esmeralda Ruspoli, Roberto Bisacco, Roy Holder, Keith Skinner, Dyson Lovell, Richard Warwick, Laurence Olivier.
Cinematography: Pasquelino De...
Romeo and Juliet
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1171
1968 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date February 14, 2023 / 39.95
Starring: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O’Shea, Pat Heywood, Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson, Paul Hardwick, Natasha Parry, Antonio Pierfederici, Esmeralda Ruspoli, Roberto Bisacco, Roy Holder, Keith Skinner, Dyson Lovell, Richard Warwick, Laurence Olivier.
Cinematography: Pasquelino De...
- 2/21/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Brooke Shields became a star and attracted mild controversy in this show, director Louis Malle’s first American production. Co-writer & producer Polly Platt and cinematographer Sven Nykvist collaborated on Malle’s fascinating look at life in a New Orleans brothel early in the 20th century. Prostitute Susan Sarandon raises two children in the upscale bawdy house, and art photographer Keith Carradine becomes an artist in residence. It’s a non-moralizing portrait of a bygone lifestyle. The handsome remastered release co-stars Diana Scarwid and Barbara Steele — and comes with a new interview with Brooke Shields.
Pretty Baby
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 174
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 109 min. / Street Date November 4, 2022 / Available from / £
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine, Brooke Shields, Frances Faye, Antonio Fargas, Gerrit Graham, Matthew Anton, Mae Mercer, Diana Scarwid, Barbara Steele.
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Production Designer: Trevor Williams
Costume Supervisor: Mina Mittelman
Film Editor: Suzanne Fenn, supervisor Suzanne Baron
Music adapted by Jerry Wexler,...
Pretty Baby
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 174
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 109 min. / Street Date November 4, 2022 / Available from / £
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine, Brooke Shields, Frances Faye, Antonio Fargas, Gerrit Graham, Matthew Anton, Mae Mercer, Diana Scarwid, Barbara Steele.
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Production Designer: Trevor Williams
Costume Supervisor: Mina Mittelman
Film Editor: Suzanne Fenn, supervisor Suzanne Baron
Music adapted by Jerry Wexler,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey rewrote a piece of film history on Dec. 30, when they filed a lawsuit alleging they were sexually exploited in the 1968 film version of “Romeo and Juliet.”
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
From Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver to Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon, are films that used teen actors for sexual roles heading for a reckoning? As Paramount is sued over Romeo and Juliet, we look at the scenes cinema and TV might want to forget
Spoiler alert: Romeo and Juliet does not have a happy ending. But Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the Shakespeare play did – at least until recently. The 1968 movie was a huge commercial success and became a secondary school fixture. Its stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, even briefly dated – a dream come true publicity-wise. But now it has emerged that the pair are suing the studio, Paramount, for 500m over Zeffirelli’s handling of a scene in which both actors, then 16 and 17, briefly appeared partially naked. According to the complaint, the actors “were told by Mr Zeffirelli that they must act in the nude or...
Spoiler alert: Romeo and Juliet does not have a happy ending. But Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the Shakespeare play did – at least until recently. The 1968 movie was a huge commercial success and became a secondary school fixture. Its stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, even briefly dated – a dream come true publicity-wise. But now it has emerged that the pair are suing the studio, Paramount, for 500m over Zeffirelli’s handling of a scene in which both actors, then 16 and 17, briefly appeared partially naked. According to the complaint, the actors “were told by Mr Zeffirelli that they must act in the nude or...
- 1/10/2023
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Pippo Zeffirelli, the son of the late Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, has publicly criticized the two lead actors of his father’s 1968 Shakespeare adaptation Romeo and Juliet for their decision to sue the film’s producer, Paramount Pictures, for child abuse over a nude scene in the movie.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
- 1/9/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A lawsuit filed by “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them as teenagers starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film, is drawing ire from Italy’s Franco Zeffirelli Foundation.
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
- 1/9/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Franco Zeffirelli’s son Pippo has hit out at the sexual exploitation lawsuit filed by Romeo and Juliet actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
- 1/9/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Pippo Zeffirelli, son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli, is criticizing the lawsuit brought by that film’s stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
- 1/8/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli has criticized that film’s stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting after the actors filed a sexual exploitation and child abuse lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the 1968 big screen adaptation.
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
- 1/8/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Two former child movie stars are seeking closure and not “vengeance” in a 500,000 lawsuit for nude scenes they say they were forced to perform by celebrated director Franco Zeffirelli, their manager has claimed.
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
- 1/4/2023
- by Andrew Buncombe
- The Independent - Film
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are suing over their experience making 1968’s “Romeo and Juliet”.
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
- 1/4/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
The question of informed consent on Zeffirelli’s 1968 film has revived the historical abuses argument – will movie production companies be hit by a tidal wave of lawsuits?
Romeo and Juliet actors sue Paramount for child abuse in 1968 film
Just when the #MeToo movement looked to be getting marginalised in just the way activists had feared, a new frontier has opened up – history.
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who as teens starred in Franco Zeffirelli’s movie version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968, are suing Paramount for more than $500m for child abuse in the semi-nude scene they say they were made to do, having originally been assured by the director that this would not be necessary. This was act three, scene five – in which the star crossed, loved-up hero and heroine awake after their (secret) wedding night.
To a modern eye, it looks pretty tame: Romeo is naked face down...
Romeo and Juliet actors sue Paramount for child abuse in 1968 film
Just when the #MeToo movement looked to be getting marginalised in just the way activists had feared, a new frontier has opened up – history.
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who as teens starred in Franco Zeffirelli’s movie version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968, are suing Paramount for more than $500m for child abuse in the semi-nude scene they say they were made to do, having originally been assured by the director that this would not be necessary. This was act three, scene five – in which the star crossed, loved-up hero and heroine awake after their (secret) wedding night.
To a modern eye, it looks pretty tame: Romeo is naked face down...
- 1/4/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were teenagers when they stunned the audiences in the 1968 version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, reports Variety.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
- 1/4/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Romeo and Juliet stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount, accusing the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Almost 55 years after Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated adaptation of Romeo & Juliet came out, the then-young stars of the film are now suing Paramount Pictures for more than 100 million for alleged sexual abuse, negligence and more.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
- 1/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The former teen stars of the 1968 Paramount Pictures production of “Romeo and Juliet” have sued the studio, claiming the film’s nude scene amounted to sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse and intentional infliction of emotional distress upon the title actors, who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time.
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
- 1/4/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet remains one of the more iconic movies based on the work of William Shakespeare, but the project wasn’t exactly free from controversy. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just 15 and 16 years old at the time of filming, respectively, and the movie included a bedroom scene which included glimpses of Hussey’s breasts and Whiting’s buttocks. The two Romeo and Juliet actors have now filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court accusing Paramount Pictures of “sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.“
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There are a handful of films that seemingly every American high schooler watches at some point in class, but Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting is arguably the one most watched. I distinctly remember my teacher warning us not to complain when Hussey lets out a wailing cry lamenting the turmoil between the Capulet and Montague families, joking, "yes, yes, she's very annoying, you'll just have to deal with it." Nowhere in my teacher's laundry list of preemptive warnings did she include the fact both Hussey and Whiting would be shown partially nude during a bedroom scene.
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
- 1/3/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet sits at the center of a lawsuit from the film’s leading actors. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have sued Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. They are seeking damages amounting to more than 500 million, according to Variety.
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
- 1/3/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting accuse studio of sexual exploitation in nude scene in Franco Zeffirelli adaptation
The two leads from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount for child abuse over a nude scene in the film.
According to Variety, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making the Oscar-winning film, filed a lawsuit on 30 December accusing the studio of sexual exploitation.
The two leads from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount for child abuse over a nude scene in the film.
According to Variety, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making the Oscar-winning film, filed a lawsuit on 30 December accusing the studio of sexual exploitation.
- 1/3/2023
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Former “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount alleging sexual exploitation at the time of the 1968 film.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
- 1/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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