My Fair Lady 1964
Directed by
George Cukor
Made by
Warner Bros.
Plot Summary
Henry Higgins, portrayed by Rex Harrison, is a conceited and irritable phonetics professor who boasts to Colonel Pickering, played by Wilfrid Hyde-White, about his ability to transform any woman into a refined speaker, capable of passing herself off as a duchess. His challenge comes to life with the arrival of Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl with a heavy Cockney accent, brought to life by the enchanting Audrey Hepburn. Determined to rise above her station, Eliza visits Higgins’ residence, offering to pay for speech lessons in order to secure work at a flower shop. Intrigued, Pickering wagers that Higgins will fail, prompting him to undertake the challenge without charge.
Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Doolittle, played by Stanley Holloway, appears three days later, claiming to be concerned for his daughter’s virtue but actually seeking monetary gain from Higgins. Doolittle’s raw honesty, entertaining language, and unapologetic morality fascinate Higgins, especially when he quips, “Can’t afford ‘em!”
Eliza embarks on a rigorous training regimen, which includes quirky exercises such as speaking with marbles in her mouth and reciting the tongue-twisting phrase “In Hertford, Hereford, Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen” without faltering on her ‘h’s. Initially, she struggles to make any progress due to Higgins’ stern teaching methods. However, just as despair looms, Higgins delivers a passionate discourse on the profound beauty and history of the English language, igniting Eliza’s determination to succeed. She finally masters the upper-class accent, showcasing her progress with remarkable elegance.
Higgins takes Eliza to her first public appearance at the Ascot Racecourse, where she manages to impress with her genteel manners—until a sudden slip into her Cockney roots shocks the crowd with the words, “C’mon Dover, move your bloomin’ arse!” Higgins, who secretly disdains elitism, can’t help but smirk at her audacity.
The acknowledgment of Higgins’ triumph comes during a ball at the embassy, where Eliza successfully passes herself off as a woman of noble lineage, even in the face of unexpected scrutiny from a Hungarian phonetics expert trained by Higgins himself. However, the story takes a poignant turn as Higgins exhibits callousness towards Eliza after the successful test, displaying a shocking disregard for her future. Feeling unappreciated and hurt, Eliza decides to leave, which leaves Higgins bewildered by her perceived ingratitude. In an unexpected moment of reflection, he realizes he has “grown accustomed to her face.”
With his pride bruised yet determined, Higgins embarks on a quest to win Eliza back the following day, engaging in a strained conversation that only leads to further rejection from his former pupil. Predicting her downfall without him, he stubbornly indulges in playing old recordings of her lessons, until unexpectedly, Eliza reappears, bringing a wave of exhilaration to Higgins that starkly contrasts with his previous arrogance.
Timeline
Higgins' Boast
Phonetics professor Henry Higgins brags to Colonel Pickering about his ability to transform any woman into a refined speaker. His confidence sets the stage for a challenge that will change the lives of those involved.
Eliza's Ambition
Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, arrives at Higgins' residence seeking speech lessons. Driven by her desire to improve her social standing, she offers to pay Higgins for the lessons, setting her transformation in motion.
The Bet
Colonel Pickering challenges Higgins, wagering that he cannot transform Eliza into a refined lady without charge. This wager plants the seeds of rivalry and ambition, pushing Higgins into action.
Doolittle's Visit
Three days later, Eliza's father, Alfred P. Doolittle, visits Higgins, pretending to be concerned for his daughter. His comically honest demeanor reveals his true intentions of seeking money from Higgins instead.
Rigorous Training Begins
Eliza begins her speech training with Higgins, facing a challenging regime filled with quirky exercises meant to refine her accent. Despite her struggles, she remains determined to succeed.
Ignition of Determination
After an initial period of despair, Eliza finds inspiration when Higgins passionately speaks about the beauty of the English language. This moment reignites her determination to master her speech.
Ascot Racecourse Debut
Higgins takes Eliza to the Ascot Racecourse for her first public appearance. Although she impresses with her manners, a slip into her Cockney accent shocks the audience, generating both humor and concern.
Ball at the Embassy
At a ball hosted at the embassy, Eliza successfully passes herself off as a woman of noble lineage, impressing guests despite scrutiny from a Hungarian phonetics expert. This validates Higgins’ training.
Higgins' Callousness
After Eliza's success, Higgins betrays a shocking emotional detachment, disregarding her feelings and future. This harsh reality hits Eliza hard, leading her to feel unappreciated and hurt.
Eliza's Departure
Feeling undervalued, Eliza decides to leave Higgins. This moment marks a significant turn in their relationship, leaving Higgins bewildered and reflective about his treatment of her.
Higgins' Reflection
With a sense of loss, Higgins realizes he has grown accustomed to Eliza's presence. This sudden awareness illustrates the emotional depth of their relationship that he had previously overlooked.
Higgins' Attempt to Reconcile
The next day, Higgins attempts to reach out to Eliza, engaging in a strained conversation that only results in further rejection. His determination to win her back reflects a shift in his perspective.
Playing Old Recordings
As Higgins grapples with the possibility of losing Eliza, he immerses himself in old recordings of her lessons, exposing a vulnerability that contrasts sharply with his previous arrogance. This reveals his growing attachment.
Eliza's Surprising Return
In a twist of fate, Eliza reappears unexpectedly, filling Higgins with exhilaration. This return highlights the complexity of their relationship and sets the stage for a potential reconciliation.
Characters
Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison)
Henry Higgins is a conceited phonetics professor with a brash demeanor and a sharp intellect. Initially focused on his own professional success, his interaction with Eliza reveals deeper insecurities and a struggle with emotional expression.
Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn)
Eliza Doolittle is a determined flower girl aspiring to improve her social standing through education. Her character demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth, transforming from a self-conscious young woman into a confident individual.
Alfred P. Doolittle (Stanley Holloway)
Alfred P. Doolittle is Eliza's father, characterized by his raw honesty and humorous outlook on life. His unapologetic embrace of his moral flexibility adds a comedic aspect to the narrative while providing commentary on class and societal expectations.
Setting
Time period
Early 20th Century
The story takes place in the early 20th century, a time marked by significant social changes, especially regarding class distinctions and gender roles. This period saw the rise of women's movements and evolving attitudes towards education and social mobility.
Location
London
The movie is set in London, a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and social stratification. The contrasts between the upper class and the working class are vividly portrayed, highlighting the city's varied social landscape.
Themes
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Transformation
Transformation is at the heart of the narrative, encapsulating Eliza's journey from a flower girl to a refined lady. This theme illustrates personal growth, the pursuit of self-improvement, and the impact of mentorship, as demonstrated by Eliza's rigorous training with Higgins.
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Class and Identity
The film examines class differences and issues of identity, particularly through Eliza’s struggle to fit into the upper class. It challenges societal norms and questions the superficial values associated with social status.
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Love and Loneliness
The tension between love and loneliness is explored through Higgins and Eliza's relationship. Their complex dynamic raises questions about appreciation, recognition, and emotional connection, ultimately leading to a poignant reflection on what it means to truly value someone.
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