Internet Shakespeare Editions

Shakespeare in Performance: Film

Kiss Me Kate (1953, George Sidney)

TitleKiss Me Kate
Year1953
Release LocationsUSA
DirectorGeorge Sidney
MediumColor video
Length1 hrs, 49 mins
LanguagesEnglish
Audiencecollege and university
general public
high school
Play ConnectionsThe Taming of the Shrew (adaptation)

Description

Musical adaptation by Cole Porter of The Taming of the Shrew. A group of actors are engaged in performing the play. The backstage feuding and tension between the two principals, Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel, mirror the action in Shakespeare's play. In 1988 a revival of this perennial favorite was playing at London's Savoy Theatre to packed houses

Description from Shakespeare on Screen : an International Filmography and Videography by Kenneth S. Rothwell and Annabelle Henkin Melzer. ©1990 Kenneth S. Rothwell. Cited by permission. — Added 2008-11-14

Cast Overview

Lilli Vanessi-KatharineKathryn Grayson
Lois Lane--BiancaAnn Miller
Fred Graham--PetruchioHoward Keel
PaulClaud Allister
CastAnn Codee
Bianca's SuitorBob Fosse
CastKurt Kasznar
RalphDavid O'Brien
Callaway, TexWillard Parker
Bill CalhounTommy Rall
Cole PorterRon Randell
HoodlumsJames Whitmore
CastKeenan Wynn

Production Team and Crew Overview

DirectorGeorge Sidney
ProducerJack Cummings
EditorRalph Winters
ComposerCole Porter
ChoreographyHermes Pan
Adaptor/TranslatorDorothy Kingsley
ScreenplaySamuel Spewack
ScreenplayBella Spewack
CostumesWalter Plunkett
SoundDouglas Shearer
CameraCharles Rosher
ProductionCedric Gibbons
ProductionUrie McLeary

Production information courtesy of: Kenneth Rothwell