The Taming of the Shrew

Three suitors of a young woman persuade a fortune‑hunter to court her short‑tempered older sister, setting the dramatic comic conflict in motion. This original Shakespearean comedy is staged with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the production’s principal leading roles.

The Taming of the Shrew is listed as a programme delivered in the form of a motion picture, classified under the comedy genre. It presents a screen adaptation of the well‑known Shakespearean work, offering viewers a cinematic rendition of the playwright’s humorous take on courtship and sibling rivalry. It is presented in a style that aims to capture the lively spirit of the original stage production. The central plot follows three men who are each courting a younger woman. To further their own interests, they persuade a man motivated by financial gain—a fortune‑hunter—to turn his attention to the younger woman's older sister, who is characterised by a sharp, short‑tempered disposition. This scheme sets the stage for the ensuing comic entanglements. The story remains faithful to Shakespeare’s original comedy, preserving the lively banter and the contrast between the sisters' temperaments. By focusing on the older sister’s fiery nature and the younger sister’s more compliant attitude, the narrative highlights the clash of personalities that fuels the humour throughout the film. The dialogue retains the sharp wit that typifies the source material. In this cinematic version, the interplay of suitors, the mercenary match‑maker, and the volatile elder sibling drives the comedic action. The programme delivers the classic plot in a filmic format, allowing audiences to experience the familiar Shakespearean farce through the visual and narrative conventions of a movie.