McDowall was introduced to Clift by his Lassie Come Home co-star Elizabeth Taylor.Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them, by Langella, Frank, p. 336 During the two and a half years that Clift stayed away from films, McDowall's career was nonexistent.LaGuardia, pp.138–39Bosworth, p. 281 McDowall devoted himself entirely to Clift and moved from Los Angeles to New York to be closer to his idol. Reportedly, McDowall attempted suicide after their breakup. Nevertheless, he showed no bitterness and also remained one of Clift's loyal friends. McDowall starred with Clift in his final picture, The Defector. Clift later stated that he could never have finished the film without McDowall's moral support.
