Zeffirelli's absolutely ravishing version of The Bard's most popular piece packed in 60s teens because he chose to cast two beautiful children - 15-year-old Olivia Hussey and 17-year-old Leonard Whiting - rather than experienced Shakespearians as the star-crossed lovers.
As a result, some of the poetry and power are lost (two of the most famous soliloquies were jettisoned), but the adolescent passions and grief are quite palpable. The location work is breathtaking, with the duel between John McEnery's Mercutio and Michael York's Tybalt a thrilling set piece. Nino Rota's score is simply rapturous, and there were well deserved Oscars for photography and costumes.
