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Young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter," before it's even written. When a lovely noblewoman auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love -- and his play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship progresses, Shakespeare's comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Love is the only inspiration.

Genres: History, Romance

Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush

Released: December 11, 1998

Runtime: 122.0

Popularity Rating: 13.813

Bedford Falls Productions, Miramax Films, Universal Pictures

United States of America

Will Shakespeare Joseph Fiennes
Viola De Lesseps Gwyneth Paltrow
Philip Henslowe Geoffrey Rush
Hugh Fennyman Tom Wilkinson
Queen Elizabeth Judi Dench
Nurse Imelda Staunton
Lord Wessex Colin Firth
Ned Alleyn Ben Affleck
Tilney Simon Callow
Makepeace Steven Beard
Ralph Bashford Jim Carter
Christopher Marlowe Rupert Everett
Richard Burbage Martin Clunes
Frees Tim McMullan
John Webster Joe Roberts

Art — Art Direction: Steven Lawrence
Art — Set Decoration: Jill Quertier
Camera — Director of Photography: Richard Greatrex
Costume & Make-Up — Costume Design: Sandy Powell
Directing — Director: John Madden
Editing — Editor: David Gamble
Production — Casting: Michelle Guish
Production — Executive Producer: Bob Weinstein
Production — Executive Producer: Julie Goldstein
Production — Producer: David Parfitt
Production — Producer: Donna Gigliotti
Production — Producer: Edward Zwick
Production — Producer: Harvey Weinstein
Production — Producer: Marc Norman
Sound — Original Music Composer: Stephen Warbeck
Writing — Screenplay: Marc Norman
Writing — Screenplay: Tom Stoppard