The Taming of the Shrew

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The Taming of the Shrew

Released Jan 12, 1967

2h 6m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

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22 Reviews

73%

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5,000+ Ratings

In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio (Cyril Cusack) and Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father (Michael Hordern) will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio (Richard Burton) is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katherina.

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Critics Consensus

It may not be reverent enough for purists, but This Taming of the Shrew is too funny -- and fun -- for the rest of us to resist.

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Bosley Crowther

New York Times

As for Mr. Zeffirelli's settings and the elaborate Renaissance costumes, they look very rich and mellow in the misty pastel colors that are used. But they, too, like Nino Rota's music, tend to monotony.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jul 1, 2008

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Variety Staff

Variety

Comedy is sustained in witty wedding ceremony.

Jul 1, 2008

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

More debased Shakespeare from Franco Zeffirelli.

Jul 1, 2008

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Eve Tushnet

Patheos

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton supposedly smolder but actually screech and mock each other, seeming extremely emotionally involved but not in a good way.

Aug 14, 2020

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Wendy Michener

Maclean's Magazine

The Bard has not been badly served. The Taming has a justness and balance to it that puts it up into the ranks of the best of Shakespearean films.

Jul 16, 2019

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Penelope Houston

The Spectator

Given the richness of costume, and a muted, almost autumnal colour scheme of greens and russets and rods, the film should be marvelously pleasurable to watch.

Jul 5, 2018

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Rami A

The film is a faithful adaption of Shakespeare's original play, but as a play itself, it's pretty forgettable. The story isn't as interesting as Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caeser, or even some of the more known Shakespeare plays.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

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El L

If you like Richard Burton or Elizabeth Taylor this an Absolute Must See!!! Some might not enjoy this. But the Actors are at their Best. Watching their energy off of each other is AMAZING! You can close your eyes and Imagine the two of them each enjoying the Quick Wit and Barbs. Literally Laughing at how each scene played out. Yes because of the muted colors in the background is lost at times. But that Does Not change the hilarity of the movie its self. If you need a pick me up and laughter and Enjoy the actors then Please check this out. Your won't be disappointed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

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Audience Member

I absolutely love this movie. Has been one of my favourites since I first saw it at 10. I was already a huge fan of Elizabeth Taylor's since National Velvet. I loved the costumes, the humour and especially Elizabeth. I watch this movie at least once a year.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

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Logan D

A greedy man woos a short tempered daughter of a rich man. Taylor was worried performing this role as she'd never done Shakespear before and rightfully so. She's fine until she opens her mouth and speaks her lines over emotionally. Burton is a bit better. I did enjoy the costumes with their pastel colors.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

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Dinos K

The film is a very good adaptation of Shakespeare's work. The problem is that authentic work is evil and promotes a patriarchal society

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/24

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Mark A

This is Taylor and Burton's best film. They are perfect in the roles.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/22

Full Review

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Franco Zeffirelli

Director

Elizabeth Taylor

Katharina

Richard Burton

Petruchio

Cyril Cusack

Grumio

Michael Hordern

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Synopsis

In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio (Cyril Cusack) and Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father (Michael Hordern) will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio (Richard Burton) is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katherina.

Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Producer: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Franco Zeffirelli
Screenwriter: Franco Zeffirelli, Suso Cecchi d'Amico, Paul Dehn, William Shakespeare
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 1967, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2011
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Stereo

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