In 1965, the Hollywood power couple,Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, starred in an American drama film that was a box office success. Its main theme song, with music by Johnny Mandel and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, ended up winning an Oscar and more.
The two actors starred in Vincente Minnelli‘s The Sandpiper, which dominated the box office, having made over $13 million against its $5 million budget. Taylor played the leading role of artist Laura Reynolds, while Burton played boarding school headmaster Dr. Edward Hewitt. The drama’s storyline focused on Laura’s son being sent to boarding school instead of reform school to deal with his legal trouble.
While Dr. Hewitt is “happily” married, there’s a spark between him and Laura. The Sandpiper explored the relationship between the repressed religious-school headmaster and the free-spirited artist. The film also took on the theme and details of the beatnik and hippie movement of the 60s.
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The Sandpiper wasn’t a hit among the critics, despite having done well at the box office. Instead, what gained notable acclaim was the movie’s theme song, “The Shadow of Your Smile.” It was originally introduced in the film as an instrumental version with an uncredited chorus group. Jazz trumpeter Jack Sheldon is also heard on the track with a solo. At the 1965 Academy Awards, the popular track ended up winning for Best Original Song against “The Ballad of Cat Ballou” (Cat Ballou), “I Will Wait for You” (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), “The Sweetheart Tree” (The Great Race), and “What’s New Pussycat?” (What’s New Pussycat?).
The track gained more critical acclaim when it was covered by legendary singer Tony Bennettas part of his The Movie Song Album in 1966. It ended up entering the Billboard Hot 100 charts at No. 95 and won a Grammy for Song of the Year. Its popularity led the American Film Institute to tag it as one of the top tracks in American cinema.
Since the 1965 film and 1966 cover, “The Shadow of Your Smile” has been covered by other known artists. Brazilian and American singer Astrud Gilberto covered the track, alongside Wes Montgomery, in 1965. Alongside Bennett, Hampton Hawes, and Oscar Peterson released their versions. Other covers have largely been done by jazz artists like Bill Evans,Benny Carter, and Hank Jones.