Romeo and Juliet (1968) {2}

Romeo (Leonard Whiting) romances Juliet (Olivia Hussey) at her family's masquerade ball.

Director Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was touted at the time of its release (successfully, if the box-office receipts are any indication), as something of a "youth trip" movie. This is because Zeffirelli broke the long-standing tradition of casting over-aged, sometimes grey-haired players in the title roles. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting plays Romeo, with 15-year-old Olivia Hussey as Juliet. The youthfulness and inexperience of the leading players works beautifully in the more passionate sequences (some of these breaking further ground by being played in the nude). Among the younger players are Michael York as Tybalt and John McEnery as Mercutio. The duel between Romeo and Tybalt starts out as a harmless, frat-boy exchange of insults, then escalates into tragedy before any of the participants are fully aware of what has happened. Photographed by Pasqualino DeSantis on various locations in Italy, Romeo and Juliet was one of the most profitable film adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced. Its most lasting legacy is its popular main theme music, composed by Nino Rota.

Romeo and Juliet (1968) {1}

At the Capulet masquerade ball, Romeo (Leonard Whiting) falls in love with Juliet (Olivia Hussey) at first sight.

Director Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was touted at the time of its release (successfully, if the box-office receipts are any indication), as something of a "youth trip" movie. This is because Zeffirelli broke the long-standing tradition of casting over-aged, sometimes grey-haired players in the title roles. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting plays Romeo, with 15-year-old Olivia Hussey as Juliet. The youthfulness and inexperience of the leading players works beautifully in the more passionate sequences (some of these breaking further ground by being played in the nude). Among the younger players are Michael York as Tybalt and John McEnery as Mercutio. The duel between Romeo and Tybalt starts out as a harmless, frat-boy exchange of insults, then escalates into tragedy before any of the participants are fully aware of what has happened. Photographed by Pasqualino DeSantis on various locations in Italy, Romeo and Juliet was one of the most profitable film adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced. Its most lasting legacy is its popular main theme music, composed by Nino Rota.

Rose Study for Juliet {8}

Rose Study for Juliet {8} by Ron Villejo

Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.

Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii)

Rose Study for Juliet {7}

Rose Study for Juliet {7} by Ron Villejo

Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.

Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii)

Rose Study for Juliet {6}

Rose Study for Juliet {6} by Ron Villejo

So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title.

Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii)

Rose Study for Juliet {5}

Rose Study for Juliet {5} by Ron Villejo

Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
... O, be some other name!


Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii)