Romeo and Juliet (1968 film)

Romeo and Juliet
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Franco Zeffirelli
Screenplay by	Franco Brusati Masolino D'Amico Franco Zeffirelli
Based on	Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Produced by	John Brabourne Anthony Havelock-Allan
Starring	Olivia Hussey Leonard Whiting Milo O'Shea Michael York John McEnery Pat Heywood Natasha Parry Robert Stephens
Narrated by	Laurence Olivier
Cinematography	Pasqualino De Santis
Edited by	Reginald Mills
Music by	Nino Rota
Production companies	BHE Films Verona Produzione Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica
Distributed by	Paramount Pictures
Release date	4 March 1968 (Royal Film Performance) 5 March 1968 (United Kingdom) 8 October 1968 (United States) 19 October 1968 (Italy)
Running time	138 minutes
Countries	United Kingdom Italy
Language	English
Budget	$850,000[1]
Box office	$38.9 million[2]

Romeo and Juliet (Italian: Romeo e Giulietta) is a 1968 period romantic tragedy film, based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. Directed and co-written by Franco Zeffirelli, the film stars Leonard Whiting as Romeo and Olivia Hussey as Juliet. Laurence Olivier spoke the film's prologue and epilogue and dubs the voice of Antonio Pierfederici, who played Lord Montague but was not credited on-screen. The cast also features Milo O'Shea, Michael York, John McEnery, Bruce Robinson, and Robert Stephens.

The film adaptation of a Shakespeare play was a financial success during its time of release. It became popular among teenagers because it was the first adaptation to cast actors close to the age of the characters from the original play. Many critics also praised the film. It won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Additionally, it was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture, making it the last Shakespearean film to be nominated for the latter category up to date. Whiting and Hussey both won Golden Globe Awards for Most Promising Newcomers.