Wherefore Art Thou, Romeo? :: Valentine's Day with Leonard Whiting

Many hearts fluttered in 1968 when Franco Zeffirelli's now-legendary production of "William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet" first appeared in cinemas. The film marked the first time the Bard's starstruck but doomed teen lovers were played by age-appropriate actors.

The stunning beauty of the two leads was underscored by the director's decision to shoot the film in the ancient Italian city of Verona, the story's actual setting - this was another first. Verona has streets and castles that have remained unchanged for centuries. By the time Zeffirelli dressed his cast in a series of colorful and authentic period costumes, then added Nino Rota's lush score to the soundtrack, one of cinema's most beautiful and romantic classics had been produced.

Then, as now, gay male viewers swoon at the mere sight of the ethereal-looking Romeo, actor Leonard Whiting, whose beauty in the film remains incomparable. On Valentine's Day, master showman Marc Huestis brings Whiting to the stage of the Castro Theatre for a Q&A, autograph signing, and of course, a screening of Romeo & Juliet.

"I had never been out of England before I did Romeo & Juliet, so filming in Italy was spectacular," Whiting told the B.A.R. from his home in London. "I was completely seduced by the beauty of the country, food, the buildings, the colors. Italy is still my favorite country to visit."

The actor remains a close friend with Olivia Hussey, his onscreen Juliet. Hussey has also appeared at the Castro in conjunction with the film.

"It wasn't just publicity that Olivia and I were fond of each other," Whiting recalled. "But now I certainly believe in love at first sight. Before shooting we always found time to be alone, and get to know each other and spend quality time together."

The co-stars realized early on that they were part of a classic in the making.

"With the whole hippie thing happening, we became a couple who represented love, even forbidden love," Whiting explained. "This was a generation with a sense of hope and belief that everything in society could change for the better."

One of the film's most iconic scenes is a shot of the young lovers lying in bed. Whiting lay on top of the blankets fully nude. This sequence now stands as one of cinema's most breathtaking depictions of youthful male beauty.

"In retrospect, it was a privilege to be part of something that was beautiful, tasteful, passionate and iconic," the actor said.

Forty-five years later, Leonard Whiting can now speak proudly of a resume that includes a great deal of British TV and theater, and films across Europe. He has also directed and painted. His friendship with Hussey remains strong - the pair was recently reunited for a Romeo & Juliet-inspired film which stars Hussey's daughter India Eisley.

"It was great fun, only a small cameo," he said. "India, I call light-bulb, because she lights up in front of the camera and is as special as her mother. This is one of my greatest joys, our friendship, and supporting each other's children."

The Valentine's Day event will include a tribute performance and film clips. There will also be a 1 p.m. screening of the great Romeo & Juliet-inspired musical West Side Story, although there will be no appearances or live performances at the matinee screening. Separate admission is required.

The evening gala with Leonard Whiting begins at 8 p.m., and includes a screening of the film. Gala ticket prices range from $25-$45 (VIP ticket also grants admission to the 6:30 p.m. signing.) Children under 16 are admitted free. Film-only tickets (9:10 p.m. entry) are $11.

Go to ticketfly.com/purchase/event/730079 or call (415) 863-0611