ROMEO AND JULIET

by Grace Sydney

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Two young dreamers from rival families find in each others arms a haven from the chaos which surrounds them, but are forced by fate to pay the ultimate price for their love in

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Franco Zeffirelli's version of Romeo and Juliet. Released in 1968, the renowned director rebelled against convention by daring to cast two unknown adolescents in the title roles. Still in the first blush of youth, 17-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey became the personification of that first, all-encompassing love which lies in everyone's memory. Through their reverent performances they bring to life the words of Shakespeare which, although written over four hundred years before, still have the ability to reach out over the expanse of time and touch the hearts of lovers.

FILMING LOCATIONS

This immortal tale is set in a village bathed in the glow of a sultry Italian summer- its beauty a sharp contrast to the

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turmoil that engulfs the lives of its inhabitants. To achieve this effect, the director chose several tiny hillside towns which dot the landscape for his cinematic portrait of Verona. The side streets of Gubbio set the stage for Romeo and Tybalt's fateful duel, while in nearby Pienza Shakespeare aficionados can stroll through the main square where Mercutio delivered his Queen Mab speech and visit Piccolomini Palace, which served as the Capulet residence. The tiny hamlet of Tuscania is home to the location where the movie's most poignant moments took place. In this tiny village known for its Etruscan ruins stands Saint Peter's Church (Basiliche di San Pietro), which lovers of Zeffirelli's classic will recognize as the house of worship in which Romeo and Juliet were joined in matrimony. Its crypts were later utilized in the film's final act, as the couple were reunited- this time for eternity.

JULIET'S HOUSE

Although the actual existence of the star-crossed lovers has remained a mystery, devoted followers of the Bard and his tragic masterpiece make a pilgrimage to No. 27

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Via Capello- Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta), where the walls are decorated with declarations of love left by Juliet's admirers from around the globe. Keeping a silent vigil in the courtyard is a bronze depiction of Shakespeare's doomed heroine, whose right breast, due to a legend of unknown origin, has been touched for good luck by so many visitors that it has been polished to a golden sheen. Overlooking the scene is Juliet's balcony, where today it is still possible to hear the lovers whispered words of passion echoed by today's young romantics.

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