AllMovie

William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew was the inspiration for this delightful comedy directed and co-scripted by Ernst Lubitsch. Actress Henny Porten is showcased in a dual role, playing the titular daughters of innkeeper Mathias Kolhiesel (Jakob Tiedtke). But these twin sisters are anything but identical: Gretl is sweetness itself, but Liesl is a nasty virago who's quick with her fists. Two travelers in the mountains, Peer (Emil Jannings) and Paul (Gustav von Wagenheim), are both smitten with Gretl and set out to woo her, but her father insists that Liesl must be married before Gretl can wed. Paul suggests that Peer marry the ferocious Liesl, then divorce her and wed Gretl. Peer follows the plan, not realizing that Paul intends to marry Gretl as soon as Liesl is wed. Peer however proves tough enough not just to control Liesl but to win her love as well -- and besides, she is an excellent cook! -- while Paul and Gretl go to the altar. 20/70