Review of Major Barbara (1941) by Edith N — 04 Feb 2011
Gabriel Pascal's filmed version of the George Bernard Shaw play may be trying to put the work of the great playwright to film as best as possible, but not quite succeeding. Pygmailon fares much better.
Wendy Hiller is Major Barbara, a wealthy girl who has taken up with the Salvation Army and helping to spread the word of God. Rex Harrison is professor Adolphus Cusins who becomes immediately smitten with the Major.
The two become a couple. Barbara wants nothing from her rich father, despite still living under his provisions and house. Robert Newton is a low class man who solves his problems through drink and violence, but you know he will soon come around.
And eventually everything comes together to learn that everyone is not as bad as they may seem, including the rich old man. The acting and characterizations are very good. But the story doesn't hit the comedic moments well (perhaps just age?) and does tend to drag.
Nevertheless Shaw fans will probably love it.
This review of Major Barbara (1941) was written by Edith N on 04 Feb 2011.
Major Barbara has generally received positive reviews.
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