Review of My Fair Lady (1964) by Dany D — 29 Oct 2011

How unfortunate Ms. Xu. I can't imagine what about it you don't like. Against the first charge, that was not Audrey Hepburn's singing voice; it was Marni Nixon. I hold nothing against her there, as not EVERY celebrity needs to be a triple-threat. One can have talent in a single, specific field and still pose an impact in Hollywood. Marni Nixon, after all, also dubbed the singing voices of other successful actresses (Ie: Natalie Wood as Maria in West Side Story and Deborah Kerr as Anna in The King and I). Audrey, however, is a simply brilliant actress, particularly in this movie. When you referred to her 'voice', I assumed you meant her singing voice-a voice which wasn't really hers. If you meant her speaking voice, there's really nothing else I can say. She has one of the most beautiful manners of speech I've ever heard-very particular and precise, but with a subtle lilt. I've always envied her her voice, so I can't imagine that anyone would hate her for it.

True, Rex Harrison has something of an irritating personality, but that's how he was supposed to be played. The character himself was extremely misogynistic and self-righteous, so I believe that considering the role, he played his part reasonably well.

In my opinion, My Fair Lady is one of the most elegant, charming musicals filmed. It's lovely to see Ms. Hepburn 'let her hair down' (so to speak) in this role. Her Cockney accent is composed of just the right measure of amusing and convincing that lends an enchanting comedic flare to the movie.

As for the music, it's purely wonderful. I perfectly understand Ms. Andrews (who I also adore) having won the award over Audrey, but I find it a scandal that she wasn't nominated at all for the role.

All in all, almost a perfect five stars.