Pygmalion
Pygmalion

Movie spotlight

Pygmalion

1937
Movie
95 min
Dutch

When linguistics professor Henry Higgins boasts that he can pass off Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle as a princess with only six months' training, Colonel George Pickering takes him up on the bet. Eliza moves into Higgins's home and begins her rigorous training after the professor comes to a financial agreement with her dustman father, Alfred. But the plucky young woman is not the only one undergoing a transformation.

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Director: Anthony Asquith, Leslie HowardGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A linguistics professor, Henry Higgins, makes a bet that he can transform a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady through elocution lessons. As Eliza's social standing improves, their relationship becomes complicated by class differences and personal feelings. The film explores themes of social mobility, identity, and the nature of education.

Critical Reception

Pygmalion was a critical and commercial success, praised for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play. It was particularly lauded for Wendy Hiller's portrayal of Eliza Doolittle.

What Reviewers Say

  • A sharp and witty adaptation of Shaw's classic play.

  • Praised for Wendy Hiller's star-making performance.

  • The film successfully balances social commentary with comedic elements.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available for this classic film, contemporary reviews and its enduring legacy suggest strong audience appreciation for its humor, intelligence, and performances.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Screenplay (bested by 'The Awful Truth'), nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Leslie Howard), Best Actress (Wendy Hiller), and Best Director.

Fun Fact

Wendy Hiller won the role of Eliza Doolittle after beating out over 400 other actresses, including Vivien Leigh, who later famously played Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'.

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