My Fair Lady

( 43 )

Overview

At one time the longest-running Broadway musical, My Fair Lady was adapted by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe from the George Bernard Shaw comedy Pygmalion. Outside Covent Garden on a rainy evening in 1912, dishevelled cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle Audrey Hepburn meets linguistic expert Henry Higgins Rex Harrison. After delivering a musical tirade against "verbal class distinction," Higgins tells his companion Colonel Pickering Wilfred Hyde-White that, within six months, he could transform Eliza into a ...
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Overview

At one time the longest-running Broadway musical, My Fair Lady was adapted by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe from the George Bernard Shaw comedy Pygmalion. Outside Covent Garden on a rainy evening in 1912, dishevelled cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle Audrey Hepburn meets linguistic expert Henry Higgins Rex Harrison. After delivering a musical tirade against "verbal class distinction," Higgins tells his companion Colonel Pickering Wilfred Hyde-White that, within six months, he could transform Eliza into a proper lady, simply by teaching her proper English. The next morning, face and hands freshly scrubbed, Eliza presents herself on Higgins' doorstep, offering to pay him to teach her to be a lady. "It's almost irresistable," clucks Higgins. "She's so deliciously low. So horribly dirty." He turns his mission into a sporting proposition, making a bet with Pickering that he can accomplish his six-month miracle to turn Eliza into a lady. This is one of the all-time great movie musicals, featuring classic songs and the legendary performances of Harrison, repeating his stage role after Cary Grant wisely turned down the movie job, and Stanley Holloway as Eliza's dustman father. Julie Andrews originated the role of Eliza on Broadway but producer Jack Warner felt that Andrews, at the time unknown beyond Broadway, wasn't bankable; Hepburn's singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, who also dubbed Natalie Wood in West Side Story 1961. Andrews instead made Mary Poppins, for which she was given the Best Actress Oscar, beating out Hepburn. The movie, however, won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Harrison, and five other Oscars, and it remains one of the all-time best movie musicals.
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Richard Gilliam
My Fair Lady is one of the screen's joyous achievements, an elegant musical filled with adult characters who think before they speak. Exquisitely produced by Warner Bros, it represents the zenith of the movie musical as an art form and as popular entertainment. Rex Harrison leads an impeccable cast, and, yes, that's Marni Nixon singing for Audrey Hepburn, but Hepburn is perfectly cast otherwise. The major star of the film is perhaps set designer/costume designer Cecil Beaton, whose visual contributions immediately impacted European and U.S. fashion trends. One of the best-looking movies ever made, My Fair Lady took eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Hepburn failed to be nominated in the Best Actress category, which was won by Julie Andrews for Mary Poppins, in what many observers saw as backlash against Andrews' not being cast in the movie after originating the role of Eliza on stage.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 10/1/1996
  • UPC: 086162009754
  • Original Release: 1964

    • Rating:

  • Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
  • Presentation: Wide Screen
  • Format: VHS

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Audrey Hepburn Eliza Doolittle
Rex Harrison Prof. Henry Higgins
Stanley Holloway Alfred P. Doolittle
Wilfrid Hyde-White Col. Pickering
Gladys Cooper Mrs. Higgins
Jeremy Brett Freddy Eynsford-Hill
Theodore Bikel Zoltan Karpathy
Mona Washbourne Mrs. Pearce
John Holland Butler
John Alderson Jamie
Andrew Brown
Frank Baker Elegant Bystander
William Beckley Footman
Marjorie Bennett Cockney with Pipe
Oscar Beregi Greek Ambassador
Betty Blythe Ad Lib at Ball
Diana Bourbon Ascot Type
Walter Burke Main Bystander
Colin Campbell Ascot Gavotte
Paulle Clark
Robert Coote
Natalie Core
Tom Cound
Maurice Dallimore Selsey Man
Henry Daniell Gregor of Transylvania
Allyson Daniell Ad Libs at Ascot
Roy Dean Footman
Brendan Dillon Leaning Man
Anne Dore
Pauline Drake
Harvey B. Dunn
Isobel Elsom Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
Martin Eric
Joe Evans
Raymond Foster
Stanley Fraser
Charles Fredericks King
Ayllene Gibbons Fat Woman at Pub
Jack Greening George
Major Sam Harris Guest at Ball
Eric Heath
Monika Henreid
Clyde Howdy
Kendrick Huxham
Lillian Kemble-Cooper Lady Ambassador
Phyllis Kennedy
Colin Kenny
Alma Lawton Flower Girl
Queenie Leonard Cockney Bystander
Moyna MacGill Lady Boxington
Laurie Main Hoxton Man
Sid Marion
Owen McGiveney Man at Coffee Stand
John McLiam Harry
Carol Merrill
John Mitchum Ad Libs at Church
Barbara Morrison
Alan Napier Ambassador
Nick Navarro Dancer
Marni Nixon Voice Only
James O'Hara Costermonger
Pat O'Moore Man
Richard Peel
George Pelling
Barbara Pepper Doolittle's Dance Partner
Hilda Plowright Bystander
Jack Raine
David Robel Cockney
Dinah Anne Rogers
Victor Rogers Policeman
Wendy Russell
Orville Sherman
Bill Shirley Voice Only
Michael St. Clair Bartender
Geoffrey Steele Taxi Driver
Grady Sutton Dancer at Ball
William Taylor
Gwendolyn Watts Cook
Ron Whelan Algernon/Bartender
Nick Wolcuff
James Wood
Ben Wright Footman at Ball
Ben Wrigley
Technical Credits
George Cukor Director
Gene Allen Production Designer
Gordon Bau Makeup
Cecil Beaton Costumes/Costume Designer, Production Designer
David Berman Costumes/Costume Designer
Alexander Courage Musical Arrangement
Linwood G. Dunn Special Effects
George James Hopkins Set Decoration/Design
Alan Jay Lerner Screenwriter
Herman Levin Producer
Frederick Loewe Score Composer
Hermes Pan Choreography
André Previn Score Composer, Musical Direction/Supervision
Harry Stradling Cinematographer
Jack L. Warner Producer
William H. Ziegler Editor
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 43 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(28)

4 Star

(8)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(3)

1 Star

(2)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 43 Customer Reviews

  • Posted February 27, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    PYGMALION

    This movie is originally titled Pygmalion. It starred Julie Andrews on broadway, which earned her prestige. Unfortunately Julie was not Jack Warner's choice when he bought the rights on the story for $5M, a whooping amount then. Jack Warner had Audrey Hepburn on mind, to play Eliza Doolittle, though she does not sing in films. George Cukor, the director did a magnificent musical out of the story and Rex Harrison was excellent as Prof. Higgins. The other cast was superb too. Though a studio movie, it was a huge success. Warner Brothers refurbished its studio and made monumental production design for My Fair Lady. Prof. Higgins study was equipped with more than 4000 books and the costumes were made by a fleet of designers and sewers. The movie employed the latest camera bought by Warner Brothers that time. The scenes came to life with interesting characters in each of them. This one of the must see musicals that is a classic by itself. No one should miss Audrey Hepburn's performance in this movie as well as George Cukor's directorship.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted May 9, 2013

    Get it

    I love it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    My Fair Lady - a wonderful time

    The purchase was originally for my daughter who is working vocally on "Isn't it Lovely". We had a wonderful time watching My Fair Lady and it took me back to when I was young. Melodious tunes keep you singing right along. The only issue for my children was I had to interpret Eliza's cockney which played havoc on understanding the first 5 - 10 minutes of the movie. But once I translated they found it delightful and fun to watch. It's a classic worth buying.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Wonderful Hepburn Film

    One of my favorite Audrey Hepburn films, wonderful soundtrack, smart script

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Not such a bad movie!

    I saw the play of this at a college once befor and when I learned that Audrey Hepburn was in this one I knew I had to have it! It was great. Just two little things, Hepburns accent got a bit on my nerves, but I guess that's the point of her character and some of the songs just seemed to go on and on just a little bit too much. Rather than that two thumbs WAY UP!! :)

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    What possesses Hollywood?

    What possesses Hollywood to palm off inferior products on an unsuspecting public? This new DVD released 10/6/09 is not a wise buy. Notice in the product description of this Paramount/CBS DVD release no mention is made of the sound. That's because it doesn't have Dolby 5.1, but instead some hokey stereo track of much inferior quality. Likewise, and contrary to the product descriptions online, the original aspect ratio of 2.20:1 has been cut to 16:9 as stated on the DVD sleeve.

    If you love My Fair Lady as much as I do consider purchasing either of the Warner Home Video releases which are available new online through private sellers at moderate prices. The first Warner release was issued 12/08/98 and reputedly has the best picture. The second Warner release was a 02/03/04 deluxe two-DVD set with expanded special features well worth watching. The quality of this deluxe set is also far superior to the newly released Paramount/CBS DVD version. Both Warner versions have the original aspect ratio and Dolby 5.1

    Why does Hollywood issue inferior products like this? And to ad insult to injury their doing a remake of My Fair Lady to be released in 2010. I'd call that a "must miss." The very thought is repulsive.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great

    I really like this movie, but I think that Audrey should have sung the part she sounded fine. They should have used her and had someone help with the high notes. Other than that it is a great movie!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Still A Pretty Fair Lady

    To answer a reviewer below, two of Audrey Hepburn's original vocals have been included on the dvd. Hearing them makes it clear that she needed some help with the more difficult parts of the score...however, I think they should have found someone other than Marni Nixon to do the dubbing. Marni's voice does not match Audrey's in timbre or style at all...and it is jarring to watch. Although not as perfect for the part as Julie Andrews, who originated it...Audrey has undeniable talent, and it shows. Wildly popular in its day, I think this film seems less magical and more overblown when viewed today....But it is gorgeous to look at, and the acting is first rate.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Best Movie I Have Ever Seen

    'My Fair Lady' is by far the best movie I have ever seen. It's got music, romance...something for everyone. Before I saw this movie, I was sure I wouldn't like it. I was shocked after viewing it. I absolutely loved it! I have never seen a better film.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Shaw/Cukor

    I am looking for the version with the voice of Audrey Hepburn singing all the songs of the musical...It was show in American Classics....A new copy with the original soundtrack singed by Audrey Hepburn.....

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sensational Humor

    This movie is good clean family fun with lots of humor and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family without fear of offending anyone!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Audrey Hepburn Was Probably The Best Choice.

    MY FAIR LADY is a musical adaptation of Bernard Shaw's play PYGMALION. It enjoyed a long and successful run on Broadway with Julie Andrews starring as Eliza Doolittle. Julie was replaced by Audrey Hepburn for the movie. This was of course a major change which was met with much skepticism. Audrey turned in a superlative performance although her singing voice was provided by Marni Nixon. Rex Harrison in the role of Professor Higgins proved to be as good in the film as he was on the stage. Stanley Holloway was superb as Alfred P. Doolittle. The movie walked off with most of the Academy Awards in 1964 winning Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor (Rex Harrison), Best Director (George Cukor), Color Cinematography, Color Art Direction, Sound, Adapted Musical Scoring and Color Costume Design. Nominations were also receivedfor Best Supporting Actor (Stanley Holloway), Best Supporting Actress (Gladys Cooper), Adapted Screenplay and Editing. Ironically Julie Andrews won the Oscar for Best Actress in that same year for her appearance in MARY POPPINS.

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    Posted May 10, 2009

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    Posted November 9, 2008

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    Posted October 25, 2008

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    Posted March 23, 2010

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    Posted July 19, 2010

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    Posted September 3, 2009

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    Posted October 30, 2008

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    Posted June 1, 2010

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 43 Customer Reviews