🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: George Cukor
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Tragedy
- Release year: 1936
- Runtime (length): 2h 5min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (2.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two teenagers from rival families fall in love, make a series of terrible decisions, and accidentally kill themselves over a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with a single text message.
🍿 Romeo and Juliet: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Feud and a Fateful Encounter
The film opens by establishing the bitter, long-standing feud between two prominent families in Verona: the Montagues and the Capulets. Their animosity frequently spills into public brawls, causing unrest in the city. Romeo, son of Lord Montague, attends a masked ball at the Capulet estate, disguised among their guests. There, he first encounters Juliet, daughter of Lord Capulet, and they are instantly captivated by one another.
Forbidden Love and Secret Vows
Unaware of each other’s family identities at first, Romeo and Juliet quickly fall deeply in love, confessing their feelings during the iconic balcony scene. Upon discovering they are sworn enemies, their love deepens in defiance of their families’ hatred. With the help of Juliet’s Nurse and the sympathetic Friar Laurence, the young lovers secretly marry, hoping their union might eventually reconcile their warring households.
Tragedy Strikes and Banishment
The fragile peace is shattered when Tybalt, Juliet’s hot-headed cousin, confronts Romeo. Though Romeo attempts to avoid conflict due to his new ties to Juliet, his friend Mercutio intervenes and is fatally wounded by Tybalt. Enraged by Mercutio’s death, Romeo slays Tybalt in retaliation, leading to his immediate banishment from Verona by the Prince. Juliet is devastated by Romeo’s exile, compounded by her parents’ decision to marry her off to Count Paris, a nobleman.
A Desperate Plan
Faced with forced marriage and separation from Romeo, Juliet turns to Friar Laurence for help. He devises a perilous plan: Juliet will drink a potion that simulates death for 42 hours, allowing her to avoid marrying Paris. The Friar intends to send a message to Romeo, informing him of the plan so they can reunite when Juliet awakens in the Capulet family tomb.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Juliet – Daughter to Capulet (Norma Shearer): The passionate young Capulet daughter who falls deeply in love with her family’s sworn enemy, Romeo.
- Romeo – Son to Montague (Leslie Howard): The impulsive Montague son who defies his family’s bitter feud to secretly marry Juliet.
- Mercutio – Kinsman to the Prince and Friend to Romeo (John Barrymore): Romeo’s witty and fiery friend whose tragic death at Tybalt’s hand directly leads to Romeo’s banishment.
- Tybalt – Nephew to Lady Capulet (Basil Rathbone): Juliet’s hot-headed and aggressive cousin whose intense hatred for the Montagues escalates the tragic family feud.
- Friar Laurence (Henry Kolker): The sympathetic friar who secretly marries Romeo and Juliet and later devises a desperate, ill-fated plan to reunite them.
- Nurse to Juliet (Edna May Oliver): Juliet’s loyal, bawdy, and affectionate confidante who serves as a crucial messenger for the star-crossed lovers.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Juliet: “O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?” – Juliet speaks these famous lines from her balcony, lamenting Romeo’s name, which signifies him as a Montague and an enemy.
- Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Juliet muses on the insignificance of a name compared to the essence of the person or thing, expressing her wish that Romeo’s name were not Montague.
- Romeo: “But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” – Romeo, hidden in the Capulet orchard, beholds Juliet at her balcony and delivers this poetic declaration of her beauty.
- Mercutio: “A plague o’ both your houses!” – Mercutio utters this curse upon both the Montague and Capulet families as he lies dying, having been fatally wounded in a street brawl caused by their feud.
- Escalus – Prince of Verona: “For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” – The Prince delivers these concluding lines, reflecting on the tragic consequences of the family feud and the deaths of the young lovers.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2.5 million
- Domestic Gross: $1.7 million
- Worldwide Gross: $3.1 million
💥 Romeo and Juliet Reviews
Personal Review
Watching the 1936 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was such a fascinating trip back in time! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about an older adaptation, but the sheer beauty of the sets and costumes totally drew me in. Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard as the leads, even though they’re a bit older than I imagined the characters, really brought out the heartbreak. The famous balcony scene still gets me every time, and the ending, wow, it’s just as gut-wrenching as you remember from the play. It’s a great way to experience the story with a different feel from modern versions.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema from the 1930s”
- “Devotees of William Shakespeare’s original play and its adaptations”
- “Viewers interested in theatrical, dialogue-driven dramas”
- “Those who appreciate elaborate period costumes and sets”
- “Individuals seeking a grand, visually rich interpretation of a tragic romance”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Thematic elements of suicide”
- “Depictions of tragic death”
- “Staged sword combat and violence”
- “Mature romantic themes”
Professional Reviews
- Original: “George Cukor’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ captures the tragic romance with a grandeur befitting Shakespeare. Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard, though perhaps a tad mature for their roles, bring a poignant dignity to the star-crossed lovers. The lavish sets and costumes transport you directly to Verona, making it a compelling watch for classic film enthusiasts. It’s a visually stunning portrayal of timeless passion and despair.
- Original: “This 1936 adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a masterclass in early Hollywood spectacle. The meticulous attention to detail in the production design and cinematography is breathtaking, creating a truly immersive world. While the pacing might feel deliberate by modern standards, the film’s commitment to Shakespearean dialogue and its powerful emotional performances make it a cornerstone of cinematic history. A must-see for those appreciating classic drama.
Audience Reactions
Viewers loved the gorgeous period costumes and the authentic feel of old Hollywood romance.: Many agreed that despite its age, the film powerfully conveys the tragic love story and is a testament to classic filmmaking.
Overall Consensus: A lavish and historically significant adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, praised for its production values and heartfelt performances.
Awards
- Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1937
- Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1937
- Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1937
- Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1937
- National Board of Review (Top Ten Films)- 1936
- Film Daily (Top Ten Films)- 1937
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This lavish production was the final film personally overseen by MGM’s legendary head of production, Irving Thalberg, before his untimely death in 1936.”
- “Basil Rathbone, known for his sword-fighting prowess, won his only on-screen sword fight in his entire film career in this movie, playing Tybalt.”
- “Despite his iconic performance, Leslie Howard initially resisted taking the role of Romeo, arguing that at 43, he was too old to play the teenage character.”
- “Andy Devine, cast as the Nurse’s servant Peter, reportedly approached director George Cukor expressing his bewilderment at being in a Shakespearean film; Cukor supposedly told him it was a good thing, as he wouldn’t tell him how to direct.”
🖥️ How to Watch Romeo and Juliet?
The 1936 adaptation of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is typically available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your preferred platform for current streaming availability or to purchase a digital copy to own.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Romeo and Juliet, you might like these similar films:
- Romeo and Juliet (1968): Often considered the definitive cinematic version for its youthful leads and passionate portrayal, directly addressing the age issue of the 1936 film.
- Romeo + Juliet (1996): A highly stylized, modern adaptation that retains Shakespeare’s original dialogue while setting the story in a contemporary, gritty Verona Beach.
- West Side Story (1961): A classic musical reimagining of the Romeo and Juliet story, setting the star-crossed lovers’ conflict between rival street gangs in 1950s New York City.
- Gone with the Wind (1939): Another lavish, epic melodrama from MGM’s golden age, showcasing grand production values, sweeping romance, and tragic themes, much like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (1936).
- Wuthering Heights (1939): Explores a similarly intense and doomed romance, driven by societal barriers and passionate, often destructive, personalities, set against a classic backdrop.
🛒 Romeo and Juliet Related Products
- Romeo and Juliet (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray: Experience this cinematic masterpiece in stunning high-definition. The Criterion Collection edition features a newly restored 4K transfer, making the sumptuous visuals and classic performances shine. Includes exclusive bonus features like scholarly commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and an essay by a film historian.
- No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet: A modern translation of Shakespeare’s classic play, presented side-by-side with the original text. This edition makes the complex language accessible without losing the poetic essence, perfect for understanding every nuance of the tragic romance.
- Verona Map & Family Crest Poster – Inspired by Romeo and Juliet: A beautifully designed, antique-style map of Verona highlighting key locations from the play, alongside the detailed crests of the Montague and Capulet families. Printed on high-quality archival paper, perfect for framing.
- Shakespearean Insults Mug – ‘Thou Art a Scullion!’: A sturdy ceramic mug featuring a collection of hilariously creative insults drawn directly from Shakespeare’s plays, including some from ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Perfect for your morning coffee or tea.
🎧 Soundtrack
Romeo and Juliet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Main Title” – performed by Herbert Stothart & The MGM Studio Orchestra
- “Balcony Scene” – performed by Herbert Stothart & The MGM Studio Orchestra
- “The Death of Mercutio” – performed by Herbert Stothart & The MGM Studio Orchestra
- “Love Theme” – performed by Herbert Stothart & The MGM Studio Orchestra
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Norma Shearer, who played Juliet, was 34 years old during filming, while Leslie Howard, as Romeo, was 43. John Barrymore, playing Mercutio, was 54. This casting choice, featuring mature actors in teenage roles, remains a significant point of discussion and criticism among viewers, contrasting sharply with Shakespeare’s original character ages.
The 1936 film is largely considered a very faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s original play. Director George Cukor and screenwriter Talbot Jennings prioritized using Shakespeare’s actual dialogue, though some scenes were abridged for cinematic flow and pacing. It maintains the core plot, character arcs, and thematic elements of the source material.
The role of Mercutio is played by the celebrated actor John Barrymore. His performance is often highlighted as one of the film’s most memorable, though it drew mixed reactions for its idiosyncratic and at times controversial portrayal of the character.
The film received four Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Norma Shearer), Best Supporting Actor (Basil Rathbone), and Best Art Direction. It was also recognized by the National Board of Review and Film Daily as one of the best American films of its year, cementing its status as a significant early sound adaptation of Shakespeare.
While highly praised for its lavish production, stunning cinematography, and strong supporting performances, opinions vary on whether it’s the ‘best’ adaptation. Many viewers and critics often compare it to Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 version, which featured age-appropriate lead actors. The 1936 film remains a landmark achievement for its grand scale and theatrical fidelity, influencing subsequent Shakespearean cinema.
🔥 Bonus Content
Title Track (Full Song) | Romeo vs Juliet | Ankush | Mahiya Mahi | Akassh
Dive into the energetic title track from ‘Romeo vs Juliet’! It’s a catchy song that perfectly captures the modern romantic tension of the classic tale. I think the music really makes you feel the drama!
kangal thirakum romeo juliet movie song
Looking for another fantastic musical take on Romeo and Juliet? This ‘Kangal Thirakum’ song is a vibrant tune from a different modern adaptation, and it’s just so enjoyable to listen to. You’ll find yourself humming along!
André Rieu – Love theme from Romeo and Juliet
Prepare to be swept away by André Rieu’s enchanting rendition of the ‘Love Theme’ from Romeo and Juliet. It’s a beautiful, timeless piece that truly captures the romance and tragedy, and honestly, it gives me chills every time!
A time for us Romeo and Juliet 1968
Want to relive some of the most memorable moments from the iconic 1968 ‘Romeo and Juliet’? This video pairs the timeless ‘A Time for Us’ theme with beautiful scenes, and it’s such a lovely way to revisit the classic. It’s definitely a must-watch for fans!
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