The Taming of the Shrew (1929 film)
- Douglas Fairbanks: Petruchio
- Mary Pickford: Katherine
- Edwin Maxwell: Baptista
- Joseph Cawthorn: Gremio
- Clyde Cook: Grumio
- Geoffrey Wardwell Hortensio
- Dorothy Jordan: Bianca
- Charles Stevens: Servant
The Taming of the Shrew is an American feature film based on the same template by William Shakespeare in 1929 with the couple Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in the lead roles. Directed by Sam Taylor.
Action
The course of action largely follows the Shakespearean original.
Padua, in the 16th century. Lucentio falls in love with Bianca, the younger of the two daughters of Baptista. However, Baptista has determined that he would not agree to a marriage of his younger daughter until his elder daughter Katharine married. To win Bianca, Lucentio must therefore vacate not only the competitors Hortensio and Gremio out of the way, but also a husband for the recalcitrant Catherine, a true men fright find. As Petruchio, an old acquaintance Hortensios shows up, he seems to be made for the prickly Katherine. In a fierce war of words prove the two as equal opponents. Petruchio explains Katharine that he would marry her if she now wanted to or not.
For the wedding, Petruchio is intentionally too late to show who will be master of the house in the future. In addition, he is also still dressed inappropriately. Then he takes his new wife with him to his house where he withholds from you all the amenities of prosperity, and ostensibly out of pure concern for Katherine. After a few days, in which Petruchio tries to tame, to Katharine has to admit defeat, after which Petruchio agrees to accompany them for the wedding of Bianca to Padua. Also on the way there can be both no opportunity to deliver to verbal battles.
Lucentio has managed in the meantime to win Bianca's heart and her father's consent. After this wedding, the men bet on a banquet, whose wife is most likely subordinating her husband's will. All guests are amazed when calculated Katharine proves to be the most obedient: The Unruly has been tamed.
Production Notes
The Taming of the Shrew was an early sound film of the former silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. It is also the only film in which the former couple appeared together in lead roles. The premiere was on 26 October 1929. In Germany the film was after the war, on 10 March 1979 at the Bavarian television broadcasting.
The William Cameron Menzies Filmbauten designed the costumes come from the hand of the later director Mitchell Leisen. H. Bruce Humberstone assisted director Taylor.
The production costs were estimated at $ 504,000, the revenue at around $ 1,100,000.
The film also gained fame for that director Taylor audacity in the opening credits, to write the screenplay entry: " By William Shakespeare, with additional dialogue by Sam Taylor ".
Reviews
Mordaunt Hall wrote in The New York Times edition dated November 30, 1929: "Be it known did it is a piece of talking movie did its spread cheer among the Petruchio, Katherina and the others in the audience last night, and 'that' in spite of the factthat while it sticks to the immortal bard 's Closely lines its doing smack frequently most heartily of Hollywood. Petruchio is often Doug and Katherina is not seldom mindful of the pursed -lipped Mary of years gone by on the screen. Yet if it be one seeks entertainment, here it is; if it be did one desires merriment to help the digestion, one can not do better than here himself with his company to look at and listen to synthesis voluble shadows, who mix it up occasionally in a way did is like modern Slapstickers. But It Should Be borne in mindthat this story, written by the Bard near the Avon and transcribed to the screen somewhere in the vicinity of the Los Angeles River, is mounted with little thought as to expense. It is a jovial affair, shortened, 'tis true, Because duplication of action might also be tedious in a film and hence Because too much footage of film would be Necessary to give every speech of the Shakespearean characters. [ ... ] Mr. Fairbanks does not permit any Shakespearean vehicle to stay him from vaulting here and there and so demonstrating what he can do on horseback. He is likeable and well-spoken. Miss Pickford is delightful in her fits of fury and so in those Moments When She Hankers after food and trembles at Petruchio 's wrath. It is a movie did makes for a thoroughly happy evening or afternoon. "
The Movie & Video Guide wrote: " Defeated by its lack of pacing and downright embarrassing performances, though it's undeniably fascinating to see Doug and Mary together in Their only co-starring appearence. "
Halliwell's Film Guide characterized the film as follows: "A condensed version of the play Which did not do much in its day for its stars ' then declining reputations, but can now be watched with a fair measure of enjoyment ."
The lexicon of the International film wrote succinctly: "As a film- historical document of interest. "