The 1967 classic dramatic comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” from Columbia Pictures was directed by Franco Zeffirelli with the screenplay written by Paul Dehn and Suso Cecchi d’Amico based on the play by William Shakespeare. Starring: Richard Burton, Lino Capolicchio, Giancarlo Cobelli, Cyril Cusack, Mark Dignam, Vernon Dobtcheff, Anthony Garner, Roy Holder, Michael Hordern, Alfred Lynch, Valentino Macchi, Ken Parry, Natasha Pyne, Victor Spinetti, Elizabeth Taylor, Milena Vukotic, Alan Webb and Michael York.

Set in the time period of the late 1500s, the beginning of this rollicking screen adaptation of the classic “battle of the sexes” comedy play by William Shakespeare, is focused on Baptista (Michael Hordern), one of the wealthiest merchants in Padua, Italy announcing to the citizens that his oldest daughter Katharina (Elizabeth Taylor) must be wed before his young daughter Bianca (Natasha Pyne) can marry. Katharina is known far and wide for her volatile temper which has caused every potential suitor to date to wither away for lack of ability to control her.

But the son of a Pisan merchant and Lucentio (Michael York) is madly in love with Bianca, who because of her sweet disposition has many suitors. Lucentio takes a position in her father’s house to be near her and discover what pleases her to win her hand. Shortly after Baptista’s announcement, Petruchio (Richard Burton), a scoundrel from Verona who is always seeking easy fortune, arrives in Padua and is captivated by Katharina. But Hortensio (Victor Spinetti), who is also hoping to win Bianca’s hand in marry warns Petuchio about Katharina’s attitude, the challenge only increases his interest. Hortensio and Gemio (Alan Webb) another man who is interested in marrying Bianca agree to manage his courtship expenses.

Determined to marry Katharina, Petruchio set out and begins to court her, but true to the rumors, Katharina refuses to bow to Petruchio and thus the games begin with Katharina determined to have things her way and Petruchio determined to break her unruly will.

As the citizens of Padua watch the rough and ready land owner tangle with the fire-breathing maiden, few are hopeful that Petruchio will be able to bring Katharina under control. After what seems like an eternity, Katharina can no longer deny that she is just as much in love with Petruchio as he is with her.

To the joy of all, the two impassioned lovers wed, freeing Lucentio to confess his love to Bianca. Katharina and Petruchio continue to battle, but after the honeymoon, Katharina returns for Bianca’s wedding with a changed attitude.

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