Richard Burton: Taylor-made for Stardom is the title of a documentary to be shown on BBC Prime on DStv at 22h30 on February 26.

The 12th of 13 children of a Welsh miner, Richard Burton came from humble origins to make his reputation on the stage, but it was his relationship with Elizabeth Taylor which propelled him into stardom. While he starred in a number of big-budget movies, his career in film never took off as he had hoped, and his powerful dominance of the stage seemed less suited to the big screen.

Alcohol, insomnia, and a tumultuous private life which included not one but two marriages to Liz Taylor, also contributed to a life that was fraught with difficulties.

In this documentary, people who knew him – including his fourth wife, brother, and photographer – reveal a complex man who was haunted by his sense of unfulfilled promise.