Pygmalion is a British film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s famous play, telling the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who undergoes a dramatic transformation under the tutelage of linguistics professor Henry Higgins. Higgins wagers that he can teach Eliza to speak and act like a refined lady, leading to a witty and insightful exploration of class, language, and identity. The film retains much of Shaw’s sharp dialogue and social critique while presenting the story with cinematic flair.
Genre: Drama / Comedy / Romance
Directors: Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard
Anthony Asquith (1902–1968) was a British director known for his refined and literate style, often adapting plays and novels for the screen. His works include The Browning Version (1951) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1952). Asquith became recognized as one of Britain’s leading filmmakers of the mid-20th century. Leslie Howard (1893–1943) was an acclaimed British actor and director. Best remembered for his performances in Gone with the Wind (1939) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934), Howard co-directed Pygmalion, bringing his artistic sensibilities to both sides of the camera.
Star Cast:
- Leslie Howard as Professor Henry Higgins
- Wendy Hiller as Eliza Doolittle
- Wilfrid Lawson as Alfred Doolittle
- Marie Lohr as Mrs. Higgins
- Scott Sunderland as Colonel Pickering
- Leueen MacGrath as Clara Eynsford-Hill
- David Tree as Freddy Eynsford-Hill
The film was a critical and commercial triumph, praised for its witty script, faithful adaptation of Shaw’s themes, and outstanding performances. Wendy Hiller’s portrayal of Eliza was particularly celebrated for balancing vulnerability with strength, while Leslie Howard’s Higgins was admired for his sophistication and arrogance. Pygmalion won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay (shared by Shaw, though he famously criticized cinema) and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Fun Facts:
- George Bernard Shaw, though skeptical of cinema, worked on the adaptation and received an Oscar for Best Screenplay, making him one of the few people to win both a Nobel Prize (Literature) and an Academy Award.
- Wendy Hiller, then a relative newcomer, was handpicked by Shaw for the role of Eliza, which helped launch her long and distinguished career.
- The film’s ending, softened from Shaw’s more ambiguous conclusion, sparked debate about whether it betrayed the play’s social critique.
- The success of Pygmalion directly inspired the later stage musical and film My Fair Lady (1956 stage, 1964 film), which became one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
- Leslie Howard’s dual role as actor and co-director was unusual for a film of this scale, reflecting his deep investment in the project.
- The film’s crisp, witty dialogue and satirical look at class structure resonated strongly with audiences in 1938 Britain, on the cusp of war.
Subscribe to our Rumble Channel for daily updates. Click here to register if you don't have a Rumble account.
