A witty, fast-moving romantic comedy set in London in 1593, follows the trials and tribulations of Will Shakespeare, a struggling young playwright suffering from a dreadful bout of writer's block. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to make any headway with his latest work, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." Somehow, even the title doesn't sound quite right.

But then, Will meets and falls instantly in love with the startlingly beautiful Viola who, desperate to become an actor (in a time when women are not allowed to perform in the theater), disguises herself as a man to audition for his play. Inspired by love, Will's creative powers are unleashed as his great love story, "Romeo and Juliet," is brought to life for the first time.

Directed by
John Madden

Cast
Geoffrey Rush - Philip Henslowe
Joseph Fiennes - Will Shakespeare
Gwyneth Paltrow - Viola De Lesseps
Judi Dench - Queen Elizabeth
Ben Affleck - Ned Alleyn
Tom Wilkinson - Hugh Fennyman
Steven O'Donnell - Lambert
Rupert Everett - Christopher Marlowe
Tim McMullen - Frees

Production Co.
Bedford Falls Company

Produced by
Bob Weinstein
Julie Goldstein
David Parfitt

Studio
Miramax Films

Writer
Marc Norman
Tom Stoppard

Music
Stephen Warbeck