The Taming of the Shrew

About This Movie

The Taming of the Shrew from 1923 is an interesting take on Shakespeare’s classic. It really zeroes in on the dynamic between Petruchio and Katerina, which is, I’d say, the heart of the story. The pacing feels a bit uneven, especially with the Bianca subplot, which seems a bit tacked on at times. Still, the performances hold a certain charm; you can see the actors grappling with the text, and it gives the film a distinct texture. The practical effects, well, they reflect the era, adding to the quaint atmosphere. Overall, it’s a curious piece that might appeal to those who appreciate early adaptations of Shakespeare.

This film is relatively scarce, not frequently turning up in auction or collector circles, which could make it an interesting find for enthusiasts of early cinema or Shakespeare adaptations. Its silent format certainly adds a layer of charm, but that also contributes to its limited appeal among more mainstream collectors. If you stumble upon a print, it’s worth studying the different interpretations of the original text and their varying impacts on the narrative.