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The Taming of the Shrew

Play trailer Poster for The Taming of the Shrew 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 and Hortensio both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katharina, also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katharina.
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The Taming of the Shrew

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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 Jul 1, 2008
2.5/5
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. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety Jul 1, 2008
Comedy is sustained in witty wedding ceremony. Go to Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Jul 1, 2008
More debased Shakespeare from Franco Zeffirelli. Go to Full Review Eve Tushnet Patheos Aug 14, 2020
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton supposedly smolder but actually screech and mock each other, seeming extremely emotionally involved but not in a good way. Go to Full Review Wendy Michener Maclean's Magazine Jul 16, 2019
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. Go to Full Review Penelope Houston The Spectator Jul 5, 2018
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Clinton R @CWRoss48 Dec 3, 2025 Michael Horden's performance is masterful. Burton's equally so. Along with McKellan's Richard III this film proves Shakespeare to be accessible to all. Bravo. See more Johnny G @RT31721372 Aug 10, 2025 It's both funny and entertaining ! See more Rami A @Bunt101 Apr 17, 2025 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. See more El L @RT38872774 Dec 1, 2024 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. See more Lena T @RT99342887 Nov 16, 2024 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. See more Logan D @Greynomad38 Feb 3, 2024 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. See more Read all reviews
The Taming of the Shrew

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Cast & Crew

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Franco Zeffirelli

Director

Elizabeth Taylor

Katharina

Richard Burton

Petruchio

Cyril Cusack

Grumio

Michael Hordern

Baptista

Alfred Lynch

Tranio

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The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew (1967) The Taming of the Shrew (1967) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio and Hortensio both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katharina, also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katharina.
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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