After the great theatrical success of "Romeo and Juliet" in England, Italy, and on tour, Zeffirelli considered returning to cinema by bringing a Shakespeare play to the screen. His attention fell on "The Taming of the Shrew", which he initially wanted to offer to Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. However, his English agent persuaded him to make the film in English with an international cast. Zeffirelli then contacted Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the most famous cinematic couple of those years, who agreed to act in and co-produce the film.
The shooting took place entirely in Rome, at the soundstages of Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, where the set designer Renzo Mongiardino recreated the interiors and exteriors of the city of Padua. The costumes were designed by Danilo Donati; however, Elizabeth Taylor insisted that her image — including makeup, hairstyles, and costumes — be entrusted exclusively to Irene Sharaff, who had become her preferred costume designer since "Cleopatra".
The film was released worldwide, receiving acclaim and recognition everywhere, further establishing Zeffirelli as a film director of international significance.