Like other successful actresses in old Hollywood, Gardner’s personal life was as famous as her film roles, and her relationships were often discussed in tabloids at the time. Throughout the late ’40s to the early ’60s, Gardner had been romantically linked to Mickey Rooney, Howard Hughes, and, most famously, Frank Sinatra. The gossip rags often described the relationships as whirlwind romances worthy of a John Williams score, but the reality was often very different.

Reportedly, Gardner and Sinatra had violent arguments that resulted in bottles being thrown. She was punched by Hughes during an argument, which dislocated her jaw, and, according to Kendra Bean and Anthony Uzarowski in Ava Gardner: A Life in the Movies, famed director John Huston made “violent attempt[s] at seduction” towards the actress early in her career. Predictably, none of the tabloids ever mentioned that Gardner was often subjected to physical violence and sexual harassment by Hollywood heavyweights.

By 1963, Huston had been obsessed with Gardner for years, and wanted her to play Maxine in his upcoming film, “The Night of the Iguana.” The film was based on a play by Tennessee Williams, who often wrote emotionally vulnerable characters that required Oscar-worthy performances, and the actress wasn’t sure she was up for the task. 

In typical fashion, Huston refused to take no for an answer and went to her home in Madrid to convince her. Gardner eventually agreed to take the part.