AllMovie

This made-for-television adaptation of the American Conservatory Theater of San Francisco's acclaimed production of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy focuses on the broad humor of the piece, using a minimal stage set and con brio performances to put the focus squarely on the characters and the actors performing them. A successful merchant is trying to marry off his two single daughters. Bianca (Sandra Shotwell) is well-mannered and quiet, while her sister Katherina (Fredi Olster) is brash, brusque, and has no qualms about saying what she wants when she wants. When dashing Petruchio (Marc Singer) arrives on the scene, it's hoped he'll ask for Bianca's hand in marriage, but he instead finds himself drawn to Katherina; she, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with him, and his bid to win her heart becomes a comedic battle of the wills. Keep your eyes peeled for future L.A. Law star Harry Hamlin in a supporting role. The Taming of the Shrew was produced for the PBS anthology series American Playhouse, where it first aired in 1976.