Romeo and Juliet 1936

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Romeo and Juliet ★★★½ 1936

One of MGM producer Irving Thalberg's pet projects (and starring Thalberg's wife, Norma Shearer), this Shakespeare classic was given the spare-no-expense MGM treatment. Physically too old to portray teenage lovers, both Howard and Shearer let their acting ability supply all necessary illusions. Also notable is Barrymore's over-the-top portrayal of Mercutio. 126m/B VHS . Leslie Howard, Norma Shearer, John Barrymore, Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver; D: George Cukor; C: William H. Daniels.

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