My Fair Lady (1964)

A Lavish, Timeless Musical Masterpiece

Few films in cinematic history have captured the magic of musical theatre as successfully as My Fair Lady (1964). Adapted from the acclaimed Broadway production, which itself was based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, this film is a dazzling showcase of music, wit, and stunning production design. Directed by George Cukor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, My Fair Lady is a triumph of classic Hollywood film making—elegant, witty, and brimming with unforgettable performances.

Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, My Fair Lady remains one of the greatest musical films of all time. Its sophisticated humour, lush visuals, and sweeping romance have ensured its lasting appeal. More than just a fairy tale transformation, the film offers sharp social commentary wrapped in the grandeur of Golden Age Hollywood.

A Timeless Story of Transformation and Class Struggles

Set in Edwardian London, My Fair Lady follows the story of Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), a poor flower girl with a thick Cockney accent, and Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison), an arrogant and highly opinionated linguist. Higgins makes a bold wager with his friend Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) that he can transform Eliza from a lowly street vendor into a refined lady simply by teaching her proper English pronunciation.

What starts as a mere linguistic experiment soon becomes a deeper exploration of identity, class, and self-worth. As Eliza struggles with the rigorous training, she begins to challenge Higgins’ views on women and society. The film’s underlying themes—social mobility, independence, and the clash between heart and intellect—give it depth beyond its sparkling exterior.

Through lavish musical numbers and brilliantly written dialogue, My Fair Lady takes audiences on a journey that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle: A Performance of Grace and Strength

Audrey Hepburn, already an established star thanks to Roman Holiday (1953) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), brings charm and elegance to the role of Eliza. She masterfully conveys Eliza’s transformation—from the brash, rough-speaking flower girl to the poised and sophisticated lady.

Early Eliza: Hepburn’s performance in the first act is full of energy and humour. With her exaggerated Cockney accent, wild mannerisms, and fiery spirit, she makes Eliza both endearing and hilarious.

Refined Eliza: As the film progresses, she subtly shifts her posture, speech, and demeanour, making her transformation believable while never losing Eliza’s essential spirit.

While there was controversy over the decision to dub her singing voice with that of Marni Nixon (instead of using Hepburn’s own voice), her acting remains impeccable. She captures Eliza’s vulnerability and defiance, particularly in the emotional confrontation scenes with Higgins.

Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins: A Performance for the Ages

Rex Harrison reprises his legendary Broadway role as Professor Henry Higgins, a performance that won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of Higgins is a masterclass in controlled arrogance, sharp wit, and unexpected vulnerability.

A Unique Singing Style: Rather than traditionally singing his musical numbers, Harrison delivers them in a rhythmic, spoken manner (a style now known as “talk-singing”), which became one of the film’s defining characteristics. Songs like “I’m an Ordinary Man” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” perfectly showcase his distinct vocal delivery.

A Character You Love to Hate: Higgins is un apologetically condescending and dismissive of women, treating Eliza as a mere experiment. Yet, Harrison’s dry humour and impeccable comedic timing make him oddly likeable despite his flaws.

What makes his performance so brilliant is that he never softens Higgins’ arrogance, yet still allows glimpses of emotion to peek through, making his eventual realisation of Eliza’s worth deeply satisfying.

A Strong Supporting Cast

Wilfrid Hyde-White as Colonel Pickering: As Higgins’ kindly and gentlemanly counterpart, Pickering provides warmth and contrast to Higgins’ cold logic. He treats Eliza with respect from the start, making him one of the film’s more sympathetic characters.

Stanley Holloway as Alfred P. Doolittle: Eliza’s boisterous and opportunistic father steals every scene he’s in. His big musical numbers, “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time,” are some of the film’s liveliest moments.

Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Higgins: Higgins’ refined and no-nonsense mother is one of the only people who can put him in his place. Her subtle disapproval of her son’s behaviour adds another layer of humour.

Jeremy Brett as Freddy Eynsford-Hill: As Eliza’s love struck admirer, Freddy is amusingly useless, serving as a symbol of upper-class ineffectiveness. His solo “On the Street Where You Live” is beautifully sung and remains one of the film’s most famous songs.

Musical Highlights: An Unforgettable Score

With music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, My Fair Lady is packed with some of the most beloved songs in musical history.

“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” – A charming, dreamy ballad that introduces Eliza’s longing for a better life.

“With a Little Bit of Luck” – A playful, raucous number performed by Eliza’s father.

“The Rain in Spain” – The pivotal moment when Eliza finally masters proper speech.

“I Could Have Danced All Night” – One of the most famous songs, capturing Eliza’s excitement and joy.

“On the Street Where You Live” – A beautifully romantic ballad by Freddy.

“Get Me to the Church on Time” – A lively, comedic showstopper featuring Eliza’s father.

“I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” – Higgins’ emotional realisation that he needs Eliza, closing the film on a poignant note.

Each song is perfectly integrated into the story, advancing character development and providing emotional depth.

Lavish Production Design and Costumes

Winning the Academy Award for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design, My Fair Lady is a visual feast.

Extravagant Costumes: Designed by Cecil Beaton, the costumes are breathtaking, particularly the Ascot Racecourse scene, where the high society attendees wear stunning black-and-white ensembles.

Authentic Set Design: The re-creation of early 20th-century London is magnificent, from Covent Garden’s flower market to Higgins’ grand study.

The film’s visual grandeur adds to its fairy-tale charm, making it one of the most beautifully crafted musicals ever made.

Despite its lighthearted nature, My Fair Lady explores deep themes:

Class and Social Mobility: Eliza’s journey highlights the rigid class distinctions of Edwardian England.

Identity and Independence: The story questions whether transformation is truly beneficial if it strips someone of their identity.

Gender Dynamics: The relationship between Higgins and Eliza remains a topic of debate—does Eliza truly find agency, or does Higgins remain unchanged?

These complexities make the film as engaging today as it was in 1964.

Final Verdict: A True Hollywood Classic

My Fair Lady is a masterclass in musical film making. With its stellar performances, unforgettable music, lavish visuals, and sharp wit, it remains one of the most cherished musicals of all time. Audrey Hepburn’s grace, Rex Harrison’s commanding presence, and the film’s dazzling production ensure its place in cinematic history.