Rent Pygmalion (1938)

A brilliant film interpretation of GBS's play. - Pygmalion review by Maureen

It is just as good as the musical version. Having seen and thoroughly enjoyed "My Fair Lady" we wondered how this film, now 81 years old, would compare. The answer is that it compares very well and does not seem remotely dated. The main parts, played by Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller, are very well acted as is the rest of the cast, particularly Eliza's father and the story is completely believable. It really is most enjoyable and a real delight.

George.

Comedy Drama (spoiler). - Pygmalion review by Steve

This is a very funny social comedy which makes satirical observations about English class system. It is compassionate about the suffering of the poor and critical of the pitiless entitlement of the rich. It's difficult to watch without comparing it to the musical remake, My Fair Lady. But Pygmalion is much more than a point of reference.

Phonetics expert Henry Higgins (Leslie Howard) makes a wager that he can pass off grubby flower seller/beggar Eliza Doolittle (Wendy Hiller) as a lady at a grand ball... But this isn't really a romance, and the pair do not become a convincing couple. Eliza has no status and her modified accent prevents her from rejoining the working poor, so she no longer has any home.

Howard is excellent as the arrogant, careless Professor. But it's Hiller's film and she is both extremely moving, and really very funny. The bath scene, when the housekeeper scrubs the filth off the indignant pupil is hysterical. Eliza has her own moral code, and an awareness of her social position, which is a notch above a prostitute.

And that difference is crucial to her self respect. Hence her catchphrase: 'I'm a good girl I am!' It's a kind of fairytale, but while Pygmalion is clearly not social realism, there is far more care for the realities of poverty than in My Fair Lady. It's a handsome production with an Oscar winning script and wonderful cast performances. And Wendy Hiller is a sensational Eliza.