Katharina’s younger sister Bianca can find many suitors pining away for her, but their father has insisted that Bianca will not marry until after a husband has been found for Katharina. Not an easy task since Katharina is an untamable wild cat whose temper tantrums are well-known around town.
Petruchio is a poor man from Verona who has come to town to “thrive and wive”. His intention to find a rich young woman to marry is greeted with much pleasure by those who want Katharina married so Bianca can marry as well. After seeing Katharina’s wildness, Petruchio accepts the challenge to tame her.
Elizabeth Taylor gave a stunning performance as Katharina playing opposite Richard Burton’s heroic Petruchio. Their chemistry brought intensity and humor to the screen. Richard Burton’s voice was strong and rich in the moments he burst into song. Quite enjoyable.
Rollicking fun is the only way I can describe the scene where Katharina runs from Petruchio before he announces their engagement to her father.
I’ve seen it a few times and always enjoy Elizabeth Taylor’s acting. Richard Burton doesn’t play the traditional hero, but a great one nevertheless.
It was a lot of fun to see the changes that take place over time in Katharina. I saw her learn patient submission. When she treated the workers in her new home with kindness, there was a hope in her face that hadn’t been there before. She came from tearing down to building up, and she glowed with glamorous glee in the end.
Young Michael York was a starry-eyed lad in love with the golden-haired good sister, Bianca. His strategy to win fair Bianca and the conflict that followed was well-done and humorous.
This film, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, was nominated for ten national and international awards, and it won four.
In the list of credits on the back of the DVD box are the words “with acknowledgements to WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE without whom they would have been at a loss for words”.
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