The Taming of the Shrew (1929 film)

The Taming of the Shrew

Poster
Directed by Sam Taylor
Produced by Mary Pickford
Written by William Shakespeare (play)
Sam Taylor (adaptation)
Starring Mary Pickford
Douglas Fairbanks
Production
company
Pickford Corporation
Elton Corporation
Distributed by United Artists
Release dates
  • October 26, 1929
Running time
 63-66 minutes
Country United States
Language English

The Taming of the Shrew (1929) is the first sound film adaptation of the Shakespearean play of the same name. The movie was directed by Sam Taylor, adapted by Taylor from William Shakespeare's play, and stars Mary Pickford and her husband Douglas Fairbanks.

Cast

Production

The first sound version of the play on film, this version was originally shot as a silent film, with all the dialogue and sound effects added at a later stage.[1] This version of the film is primarily known for how Pickford delivers Katherina's last speech. As she moves though the litany of reasons why a woman should obey her husband, she winks toward Bianca, unseen by Petruchio. Bianca smiles in silent communication with Katherina, thus acknowledging that Katherina has not been tamed at all. Pickford and Fairbanks' marriage was breaking down even before filming began, and animosity between the couple increased during filming. In later years, Pickford stated that working on the film was the worst experience of her life, although she also acknowledged that Fairbanks' performance was one of his best.

Home media

After many years out of circulation, the film was re-released in 1966 in a new cut supervised by Pickford herself. New sound effects and music 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.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ Kenneth S. Rothwell, 'The Age of Sound' (2002)
  2. ↑ Aikman Archive DVD booklet

External links

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