Most people know the story of "Pygmalion" by way of the musical version, "My Fair Lady" or the homage, "Trading Places," without ever having seen the original, which is unfortunate. It's simply one of the best films ever made, and stands up not only to time—it is, after all, nearly 80 years old—but to repeat viewing.
On a fresh viewing, what struck me most was the superb script—for which it won an Academy Award—which is hilarious and quite caustic, in no small part due to George Bernard Shaw.
Both performances by Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller are amazing to watch, every bit as good as the best contemporary actors. And Hiller's performance in this is stunning and heartbreaking. I'm certain Anthony Asquith, who also directed "The Browning Version," deserves much credit, and David Lean as editor.
Sometimes, I have to caveat older films with "it was really influential" or "It was good for the time." "Pygmalion," however, is timeless. A film anyone can enjoy.
On a fresh viewing, what struck me most was the superb script—for which it won an Academy Award—which is hilarious and quite caustic, in no small part due to George Bernard Shaw.
Both performances by Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller are amazing to watch, every bit as good as the best contemporary actors. And Hiller's performance in this is stunning and heartbreaking. I'm certain Anthony Asquith, who also directed "The Browning Version," deserves much credit, and David Lean as editor.
Sometimes, I have to caveat older films with "it was really influential" or "It was good for the time." "Pygmalion," however, is timeless. A film anyone can enjoy.