“Pygmalion” is a 1938 film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play of the same name. The movie was directed by Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard and stars Leslie Howard as Professor Henry Higgins and Wendy Hiller as Eliza Doolittle.
The film follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is taken under the wing of Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert. Higgins makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can transform Eliza’s speech and manners and pass her off as a refined lady in high society.
Over the course of several months, Higgins and Pickering work tirelessly with Eliza, teaching her proper diction and behavior. Eliza’s transformation is successful, and she is able to pass as a member of high society at a ball. However, Eliza is also frustrated with Higgins’ rude and condescending behavior towards her, and she decides to leave him and strike out on her own.
In the end, Eliza returns to Higgins, but on her own terms. She has gained a sense of self-confidence and independence, and she no longer needs Higgins’ help. The movie ends with Eliza telling Higgins that she is leaving to marry Freddie, a young man who has fallen in love with her.
Overall, “Pygmalion” is a witty and charming movie that explores themes of class, language, and independence. It has become a classic of British cinema and a timeless story of self-discovery and transformation.
Directors:
Anthony Asquith, Leslie Howard
Writer:
George Bernard Shaw, W.P. Lipscomb, Cecil Lewis
Stars:
Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller, Wilfrid Lawson
