Step into the vibrant world of Shakespearean comedy with The Taming of the Shrew, a delightful romantic comedy from 1929, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. Directed by Sam Taylor, this adaptation brings William Shakespeare’s classic tale to life with the legendary duo Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks as its leads. Perfect for fans of classic cinema and literary adaptations, this HD download offers a fresh perspective on one of Hollywood’s earliest “talkies.”
Set in 16th-century Padua, The Taming of the Shrew tells the story of two sisters: the charming and sought-after Bianca (Dorothy Jordan) and her fiery, headstrong older sister Katherine (Mary Pickford). Their father, Baptista Minola (Edwin Maxwell), has decreed that Bianca cannot marry until Katherine is wed—a seemingly impossible task given Katherine’s sharp tongue and disdain for suitors.
Enter Petruchio (Douglas Fairbanks), a bold and confident man from Verona seeking a wealthy wife. Undeterred by Katherine’s reputation, Petruchio takes on the challenge of wooing her. What follows is a spirited battle of wits as Petruchio employs humor, persistence, and unconventional tactics to “tame” Katherine. Meanwhile, Bianca’s suitors eagerly await the outcome, hoping for their chance to win her hand.
The film captures the humor and romance of Shakespeare’s play while adding a touch of 1920s Hollywood flair. With its lively performances and sharp dialogue, The Taming of the Shrew remains a delightful exploration of love, gender roles, and human relationships.
This adaptation features an iconic cast:
Mary Pickford as Katherine
Douglas Fairbanks as Petruchio
Edwin Maxwell as Baptista Minola
Dorothy Jordan as Bianca
Clyde Cook as Grumio
Geoffrey Wardwell as Hortensio
The Taming of the Shrew is a romantic comedy with elements of farce and slapstick humor. Its combination of Shakespearean wit and Hollywood charm makes it a unique entry in both literary adaptations and early sound films.
Released in 1929, The Taming of the Shrew was one of Hollywood’s first “talkies,” marking a significant transition from silent films to synchronized sound. It was also notable for being one of the few films to feature Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks together during their marriage. At the time, they were considered Hollywood royalty, making this film a major cultural event.
This adaptation stands out for its bold decision to modernize Shakespeare’s language while retaining much of his original text. It also showcases early innovations in sound recording and comedic timing that would influence future generations of filmmakers.
This colorized version has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. Each frame was carefully analyzed to assign authentic colors that enhance the film’s Renaissance-inspired costumes, ornate sets, and outdoor scenes. The result is a visually stunning experience that breathes new life into this classic tale while preserving its original charm.
The colorization highlights Katherine’s fiery personality through vibrant hues in her wardrobe while accentuating Petruchio’s boldness with rich tones. This modern touch allows contemporary audiences to connect with the story on an even deeper level.
: Sam Taylor
: William Shakespeare (play), Sam Taylor
: Karl Struss
: Allen McNeil
: United Artists
: United Artists
: 63 minutes
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
Upon its release, The Taming of the Shrew received acclaim for its lively performances and innovative use of sound technology. Critics praised Mary Pickford’s portrayal of Katherine as both fiery and vulnerable, while Douglas Fairbanks’ energetic Petruchio brought humor and charisma to every scene.
Though some critics debated its departure from Shakespeare’s original text, audiences embraced it as a fresh take on a beloved classic. Today, it is celebrated as an important milestone in cinematic history—both as an early talkie and as one of Hollywood’s first major literary adaptations.
: Is The Taming of the Shrew faithful to Shakespeare’s play?
A: While it retains much of Shakespeare’s plot and dialogue, this adaptation modernizes some language for 1920s audiences.
: Who are the stars of this film?
A: The film stars Mary Pickford as Katherine and Douglas Fairbanks as Petruchio—two icons of early Hollywood.
: How does the colorized version enhance the film?
A: The colorization adds depth to costumes and sets while making the story more visually engaging for modern viewers.
: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 63 minutes—perfect for an evening’s entertainment.
: What makes this version unique among adaptations?
A: Its status as an early talkie featuring Hollywood’s golden couple makes it both historically significant and uniquely charming.
Experience Shakespeare’s Comedy Like Never Before—Download The Taming of the Shrew Today!