Romeo and Juliet (1968)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  138 Minutes

Rated:  A

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Franco Zeffirelli

Starring: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O’Shea, Pat Heywood, Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson

IMDB Rank: 7.6 /10

Part 1 Time:  71 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  67 Minutes

The intermission point following the conclusion of Act II Scene VI.

Where does the first part end? Romeo (Leonard Whiting) and Juliet (Olivia Hussey) are married by Friar Lawrence (Milo O’Shea).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone till Holy Church incorporate two in one.” Friar Lawrence speaks to Juliet.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire.” Benvolio (Bruce Robinson) states to Mercutio (John McEnery) as they walk down the street.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets forbids intermarriages between members of both families. Romeo and Juliet have forsaken this belief going ahead with the marriage. This not only brings danger to themselves, but also members of both families. Will there be retribution for dishonouring their families houses?

Which part is better? Part two is significantly better as we see the fallout of Romeo and Juliet’s impulsiveness and the tragedy that befalls them.

Academy Awards:  1969- Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Director (Nominated),

Other Awards: 1969- BAFTA– Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Direction (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- John McEnery), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated- Pat Heywood); 1969- Golden Globes– Best English-Language Foreign Film, Most Promising Newcomer- Female (Olivia Hussey), Most Promising Newcomer- Male (Leonard Whiting), Best Original Score (Nominated), Best Director (Nominated).