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The Taming of the Shrew

Play trailer Poster for The Taming of the Shrew Released Jan 12, 1967 2h 6m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Comedy is sustained in witty wedding ceremony. Jul 1, 2008 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader More debased Shakespeare from Franco Zeffirelli. Jul 1, 2008 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 PHH Entertaining! On of my favourite movies! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/17/22 Full Review robert p I have never enjoyed this movie before until I found this one. The woman is a total bitch and the husband is a drunk but somehow these two manage to pull it together and the ending is terrific!!!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Taming of the Shrew

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Movie Info

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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