This 'play without a play' follows the travails of two bickering, formerly married, thespians as they play the leads in a new musical version of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew'. Baritone Howard Keel and coloratura soprano Kathryn Grayson are in great voice in this colourful confection although the best song (IMO) in the film comes from the unlikely duo of Keenan Wynn (Lippy) and James Whitmore (Slug), who warble the witty and amusing 'Brush up on your Shakespeare'. There is some excellent, energetic dancing, especially by Tommy Rall, Bobby Van and Bob Fosse, who play Bianca's three suitors in the 'play' (Rall also plays Bill, the scheming boyfriend of Bianca's 'real life' counterpart Lois Lane). The film is fun but not an 'A-lister' like 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' (1954), which also starred Keel and Rall.
Review of Kiss Me Kate
