And the Best Picture goes to....

“My Fair Lady,” directed by George Cukor, is a film adaptation of the beloved stage musical that features the iconic performances of Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins. The story beautifully explores themes of social class and personal transformation, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark.

While the film is not one of my absolute favorites, it certainly has some standout elements. The stunning costumes, designed by Cecil Beaton, are a highlight and deservedly earned him an Academy Award. The film also boasts iconic musical numbers like “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” which are sure to linger in your mind long after watching.

Despite these merits, the film felt bloated with an almost three-hour runtime that left me feeling it had way too much content and too little coherent story to support it. The pacing was tediously slow, with certain scenes dragging on significantly, causing my interest to wane at times.

The character dynamics were also intriguing. Wilfred Hyde-White brought charm as Colonel Hugh Pickering, providing a delightful contrast to Rex Harrison’s portrayal of Henry Higgins, who came across as a pompous and unsympathetic figure. I had hoped for more chemistry between Higgins and Eliza, especially considering their pivotal relationship. It left me questioning the film’s conclusion—why would Eliza choose to return to the misogynistic Higgins over Freddy, a character who is young, handsome, rich, and genuinely adores her? Freddy seemed to be the better match and would likely have treated her with the respect and admiration she deserves.

Rex Harrison did win the Oscar for Best Actor, but I found it disappointing that Audrey Hepburn was snubbed for a nomination. Her character undergoes the crucial transformation that lies at the heart of the plot. Despite her cockney accent feeling a bit forced and her singing being dubbed by Marni Nixon, Hepburn’s performance should have warranted at least a nod for Best Actress in my view.

With a hefty seventeen-million dollar budget, making it the most expensive Warner Brothers production at the time, it felt like the director could have prioritized storytelling and editing instead of trying to dazzle us with costumes and sets. Overall, “My Fair Lady” leaves a mix of admiration for its key elements and frustration over its pacing and character choices, making it a memorable yet flawed cinematic experience.