This is actually a pretty good film, especially for an early talkie. The camera moves, and moves well - the action is very rarely static. And there are quite a few good laughs. But Mary really is bad - she looks superb, but her acting consists of a strange little sideways pout and much declamation. She is like an over-grown Shirley Temple. But the treat here is Fairbanks' Petruchio - which may be the best Petruchio I have seen on stage or film. His boundless energy and simmering sexuality make this film live - he would have made a great talkie actor if producers had had faith in him.
The film leaves little of Shakespeare's text in place, and all the other characters are reduced to nothing, but don't let that stop you enjoying it.
The film leaves little of Shakespeare's text in place, and all the other characters are reduced to nothing, but don't let that stop you enjoying it.