This film screened 12th June 2016.

The setting is Padua in Italy in the late 1500s; the rich merchant Baptista Minola (Michael Hordern) is attempting to marry off his two daughters, but he will only part with his youngest, the sweet natured Bianca (Natasha Pyne), if he can find someone who is up to the task of marrying his eldest, the formidable, ill-tempered Kate (Elizabeth Taylor). Enter lusty nobleman Petruchio (Richard Burton).

Originally intended as a vehicle for Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, Burton and Taylor put a million of their own cash into the production to secure their roles; their undeniable chemistry adds layers to this playful adaptation. (Notes by David O’Mahony.)

This film is screening as part of our Shakespeare Lives season June 8th – 30th.