1972: Richard Burton family head for Elizabeth Taylor's 40th birthday party.

In February 1972, Taylor turned 40. Burton organised a spectacular birthday party in Budapest. Via brother Graham, he invited members of his family to travel to join the celebrations and here his brothers Tom, Verdun and his sister Hilda (and spouses) are interviewed on thier way to London before flying out.
They shared the limelight with many other famous guests attending the party, including Princess Grace of Monaco, ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, the poet and critic Stephen Spender, the actors Michael Caine, Susannah York, Raquel Welch and Victor Spinetti, and the comedian Frankie Howerd.
The interviewer refers to a telegram which had been sent on 16 February explaining the arrangements and which included the phrase "All expenses paid including caviar and bloaters".
The present the family gave to Elizabeth turned out to be a stainless-steel rose, chosen to remind her of her husband's town of origin - Port Talbot.
A BBC Wales TV documentary about Richard Burton's diaries is due to be broadcast in November.
Thanks to Prof Chris Williams of Swansea University for historical context.

[@LenHummelChannel]

The Welch singing near the end was absolutely marvelous !

[@knowzmyname]

A big party with the Burtons in Budapest, What fun !

[@Dragnet5]

I knew Graham, he was a lovely man, I was glad to of known him

[@scoates9910]

lovely people , innocent times. thanks for this.

[@dtzjones7632]

Marvelous

[@artisrinidhi]

Thanks love!! That was delicious!!

[@marcmorrissey1147]

Wonderful

[@westernkentucky5956]

What great footage! Who's the guy at the 3:00 mark? Ivor?

[@zigulimiguli]

i was born same year ,in may...