Watch The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew, a film adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play from 1929, features the legendary Hollywood couple, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. The couple plays the lead characters in this romantic comedy set in Renaissance Italy. The director, Sam Taylor, has done an excellent job of bringing to life the iconic characters in a charming, light-hearted tale that's sure to delight audiences.

Mary Pickford plays the role of Katherina, a well-educated and sharp-tongued woman that's considered too headstrong to be deemed marriageable by the men of Padua. She's a refreshing and feisty character for the time, commanding the screen with her energy and intelligence. Katherina's younger sister Bianca, played by Dorothy Jordan, is the complete opposite of her outspoken sibling. Bianca is desired by many suitors, but her father has decreed that she won't be wed until Katherina is married.

Douglas Fairbanks plays Petruchio, a man who's come to Padua to seek a wealthy match. When he learns of Katherina's reputation as an unpleasant woman, he sets his sights on her because of the ample dowry that comes with her hand. The two meet and quickly engage in a battle of wits, leading to some of the film's funniest moments. The chemistry between Pickford and Fairbanks on screen is exceptional, with the two perfectly complementing each other's performances.

The Taming of the Shrew is a story about love vs. power, how much one is willing to give up to be respected, and a lesson in learning to love someone for who they are. It's a light-hearted comedy that brings Shakespeare's classic to life in a way that's accessible and enjoyable. The film's comedic moments are the strongest, with its use of physical comedy and witty dialogue earning plenty of laughs from audiences.

Edwin Maxwell plays Baptista, father to Katherina and Bianca. Maxwell does an excellent job of portraying the patriarchal figure, his interactions with his daughters and suitors highlighting the societal expectations of the time. The film's supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Joseph Cawthorn, as Grumio, delivering some of the funniest moments in the film.

The costumes and set design in The Taming of the Shrew are exceptional, with the film's period setting fully realized in its construction. The costume design by Mitchell Leisen is exemplary, with the dresses and suits looking both period-accurate and visually striking. The set design by Harry Oliver complements the costume design, bringing to life the world of Renaissance Italy in a way that is both authentic and cinematic.

Overall, The Taming of the Shrew is an enjoyable and charming film that's elevated by the performances of its leads, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. The film's period setting, set design, and costumes are exceptional, bringing the world of Shakespeare's play to life in a way that's both authentic and cinematic. The film's comedic moments are strong, with its physical comedy and witty dialogue earning laughs from audiences. The story of love vs. power and learning to love someone for who they are is a timeless message, making The Taming of the Shrew a film that's as relevant today as it was in 1929.

The Taming of the Shrew is a 1929 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.