Richard Burton’s Battle with Alcoholism on The Klansman Film Set

In 1974, Richard Burton took on a role in the race drama film, The Klansman, portraying a liberal landowner alongside Lee Marvin's Southern sheriff in a town plagued by the Klu Klux Klan following a rape incident.

Directed by Terence Young, known for his work on James Bond movies, the film marked OJ Simpson's acting debut.

Filming occurred just outside Sacramento, California, where Burton and Elizabeth Taylor resided in a rented house amid their impending divorce.

Despite describing Oroville as “enchanting” and reminiscent of his homeland in Wales, Burton, then nearly 50, battled poor health, including depression and sciatica.

Alongside smoking about 60 cigarettes daily, he consumed two to three liters of vodka per day to alleviate his mental and physical suffering.

Consequently, Burton remained intoxicated throughout filming, later having no memory of his involvement in the movie.

Throughout his time on The Klansman set, Burton's deteriorating condition led to instances where he struggled to stand, necessitating that his scenes be shot while seated or lying down.

Notably, his speech was often slurred, demonstrating the extent of his inebriation.

Despite his challenges, co-star Simpson acknowledged Burton's remarkable ability to alter the scene's dynamics solely through his voice, highlighting the actor's undeniable talent.

The film's production environment was not devoid of alcohol-related issues, as Marvin, another lead actor, frequently joined Burton in drinking heavily.

Post-production, Burton admitted to encountering Marvin at a gathering but had no recollection of their collaboration on The Klansman.

Reflecting on the experience, Burton credited Marvin with saving his life, emphasizing the profound impact the latter had on him during that tumultuous period.

Sources also suggest that Burton's excessive drinking stemmed from underlying emotional pain, possibly linked to his relationship with Taylor.

When it came time to shoot his character's death scene, the director commended the makeup artist's work, only to discover that no makeup had been applied.

It became evident that Burton's condition had deteriorated significantly, with the star teetering on the brink of death.

This revelation underscored the severity of Burton's battle with alcoholism during the filming of The Klansman, shedding light on the personal struggles he faced behind the scenes.