Review of My Fair Lady (1964) by Gracie S — 14 Nov 2009

There's a rather elegant treatment to this Pygmalion/Ugly Duckling/quasi-Cinderella (cross out where applicable) story that provides style and charm to this otherwise lightweight musical. Hepburn's transformation from an initially irritating, dowdy Cockney street urchin to glamorous, high-profile chick is indeed remarkable, and Harrison's deconstruction of Professor Higgins' big misanthropic ego is subtle - but excellent performances aside, there's no escaping the film's technical faux pas, burdened with the Hollywood studio system's manipulation over Hepburn's dubbing. You'd think My Fair Lady would've learned the lesson from the grandaddy of musicals, Singin' in the Rain, but apparently not.

RATING: B+.