TAMING OF THE SHREW (1929) Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks & Edwin Maxwellt | B&W | Timeless Film

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The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction,[a] in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is actually a nobleman himself. The nobleman then has the play performed for Sly's diversion.

The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship; however, Petruchio "tames" her with various psychological and physical torments, such as keeping her from eating and drinking, until she becomes a desirable, compliant, and obedient bride. The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina's younger sister, Bianca, who is seen as the "ideal" woman. The question of whether the play is misogynistic has become the subject of considerable controversy.

The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre, perhaps the most famous adaptations being Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate; McLintock!, a 1963 American Western comedy film, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara; and the 1967 film of the play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The 1999 high-school comedy film 10 Things I Hate About You and the 2003 romantic comedy Deliver Us from Eva are also loosely based on the play.

Synopsis

Directed by Sam Taylor, this early sound adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic comedy stars Mary Pickford as the fiery Katherina and Douglas Fairbanks as the bold Petruchio. Set in Padua, the story follows the romantic and comedic clash between Katherina, a headstrong woman with no intention of marrying, and Petruchio, a charming suitor determined to "tame" her wild spirit.

The film begins with Baptista, a wealthy merchant, declaring that his younger daughter Bianca may not marry until Katherina finds a husband. Bianca's many suitors conspire to match Katherina with Petruchio, who is intrigued by the challenge. Through a series of humorous and exaggerated encounters, Petruchio uses wit, persistence, and unconventional methods to win Katherina's compliance and affection. Their relationship evolves as both characters adapt to each other's strengths, culminating in a playful yet contentious reconciliation.

The film is notable for its lavish sets, energetic performances, and innovative early sound techniques.

Cast & Crew

Katherina (Kate) Minola – the "shrew" of the title
Bianca Minola – sister of Katherina, the ingénue
Baptista Minola – father of Katherina and Bianca
Petruchio – suitor of Katherina
Gremio – elderly suitor of Bianca
Lucentio – suitor of Bianca
Hortensio – suitor of Bianca and friend to Petruchio
Grumio – Petruchio's manservant
Tranio – Lucentio's manservant
Biondello – servant of Lucentio
Vincentio – father of Lucentio
Widow – wooed by Hortensio
Pedant – pretends to be Vincentio
Haberdasher
Tailor
Curtis – servant of Petruchio
Nathaniel – servant of Petruchio
Joseph – servant of Petruchio
Peter – servant of Petruchio
Nicholas – servant of Petruchio
Philip – servant of Petruchio
Officer
Characters appearing in the Induction:

Christopher Sly – a drunken tinker
Hostess of an alehouse
Lord – plays a prank on Sly
Bartholomew – Lord's page boy
Lord's Huntsman
Players
Servingmen
Messenger

Directed by: Sam Taylor
Writing Credits: William Shakespeare (play)
Sam Taylor (adaptation)

Produced by:
Mary Pickford

Music by:
Hugo Riesenfeld (uncredited)
Cinematography by

Karl Struss

Editing by:
Allen McNeil

Art Direction by:
Laurence Irving (settings)
William Cameron Menzies (settings)