The Taming of the Shrew (1929)

In sixteenth century Padua, Hortensio loves Bianca, the youngest daughter of Baptista. But Baptista will not allow the two to get married until his eldest daughter, the extremely headstrong... See full summary »

Director:

Sam Taylor

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play), Sam Taylor (adaptation)

Stars:

Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Edwin Maxwell

Cast

Credited cast:
Mary Pickford	...	Katherine
Douglas Fairbanks	...	Petruchio
Edwin Maxwell	...	Baptista
Joseph Cawthorn	...	Gremio
Clyde Cook	...	Grumio
Geoffrey Wardwell	...	Hortensio
Dorothy Jordan	...	Bianca
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Frankie Genardi

Storyline

In sixteenth century Padua, Hortensio loves Bianca, the youngest daughter of Baptista. But Baptista will not allow the two to get married until his eldest daughter, the extremely headstrong Katherine, is betrothed. This task seems impossible because of Katherine's shrewish demeanor. They believe their prayers have been answered with the arrival from Verona of the lusty Petruchio, whose father has just passed, leaving him to travel the world and marry. Having not yet met her, Petruchio agrees to court Katherine when he is told of her beauty and wit. Petruchio is even more excited at the prospect of marrying this wildcat of a woman after meeting her. Katherine will have none of it, even if it means her sister's spinsterhood, but has no choice but to marry him. Beyond the fact of the marriage itself, Katherine is even more irked by Petruchio's less than conventional behavior at the ceremony and post ceremony bridal feast. Each starts to play what they consider sly games of oneupsmanship ...

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Plot Keywords:

verona | marriage | love | wife and husband lead actors | male female relationship | 

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Taglines:

The King and Queen of Moviedom in their first co-starring picture- and what a vehicle.. an adaptation of Shakespeare's immortal comedy! You'll laugh as you've never laughed before! Swaggering, swashbuckling, a fearless lover faces the fiercest of females and emerges her lord and master... after a fashion! (Print Ad-Providence News, ((Providence R.I.)) 5 November 1929)

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film premiered only days before the great Wall Street stock market crash of 1929.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Petruchio: Ha, ha, ha! There's a Wife. Come on, and kiss me, Kate!... Drink!

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Alternate Versions

After many years out of circulation, the film was re-released in 1966 in a new cut supervised by Mary Pickford herself. New sound effects were added throughout, much of the voice dubbing was enhanced with newly available technology, and seven minutes were cut from the initial print. This re-released version is the only version now available on DVD or VHS.

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Connections

Version of Makacs Kata (1943)

User Reviews

The earliest sound film of Shakespeare's comedy

Mary Pickford's corporation produced this early talking version of "Taming of the Shrew." So, naturally, Pickford played the female lead. And, naturally, her film business partner, Douglas Fairbanks, has the male lead. Pickford later bemoaned her performance in this film. It isn't that bad, but it's quite different from the type of roles she was used to playing in her mostly silent film career.

Besides being one of the very first sound films, this version of the Shrew is more harsh than the original. Apparently, it is similar to the performance that the renowned British actor, David Garrick, staged. On film, it appears quite raw in places. The scene of Katherine traveling in the heavy storm, trudging through mud and soaked to the bone, is more in line with heavy drama than the comedy of most productions. And, the scenes inside Petruchio's castle, with his servants, the dinner and more - all are very raw.

But, this is still Shakespeare, and the comedy rises to the top like cream as the shrew gradually becomes tame. This isn't as much fun or with near the laughs of a more direct production or adaptation of Shakespeare's work. But it will do for an early look at a sound production.

One of the best on film is the 1967 movie that stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 1929 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Taming of the Shrew

Filming Locations:

United Artists Studios - 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$504,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elton Corporation, Pickford Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

63 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1