The Taming of the Shrew (1962 film)

The Taming of the Shrew is a 1962 Australian television play, adapted by Alan Burke from the play by William Shakespeare. It stars Ron Haddrick and Brigid Lenihan.[3]

The Taming of the Shrew
Based onplay The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Written byAlan Burke
Directed byAlan Burke
StarringRon Haddrick
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
Original release
Release22 August 1962 (1962-08-22) (Sydney)
Release2 September 1962 (1962-09-02) (Melbourne)[1]
Release9 September 1962 (1962-09-09) (Brisbane)[2]

The play was done live but it included some filmed sequences shot in Centennial Park.[4][5]

Australian TV drama was relatively rare at the time.[3]

Cast

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Production

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Alan Burke called the play "brilliantly theatrical. It plays like an express train and takes everyone with it." Burke said in adapting the play for television "I did a lot of work on the play - and fond that sub plots and prologue take up almost two thirds of the running time. We have trimmmed it back to about one third of the total length and the play now goes like a dream with the principals were strong and clear."[2]

Geoffrey Wedlock did the sets. The costumes and decor were from the mid 17th century. It was Alan Burke's 14th play (he had also done 8 operas and musicals) and second Shakesepare adaptation on TV.[2]

Reception

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The Bulletin praised the acting.[6]

The Sydney Morning Herald called it "a cheerfully handsome achievement."[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Advertisement". The Age. 1 September 1962. p. 7.
  2. ^ a b c Kemp, Kevon (6 September 1962). "A good spanking". TV Times. p. 20.
  3. ^ a b Vagg, Stephen (18 February 2019). "60 Australian TV Plays of the 1950s & '60s". Filmink.
  4. ^ "Shakespeare Play Adapted". Sydney Morning Herald. 13 August 1962. p. 14.
  5. ^ "Conversation with Ruth Page". ABC at Gore Hill. 2005.
  6. ^ Roberts, Frank (8 September 1962). "TELEVISION HIGH HUMOR, DEEP DRAMA". The Bulletin. p. 32.
  7. ^ ""The Taming of the Shrew" Televised". Sydney Morning Herald. 23 August 1962. p. 9.
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