MovieChat Forums > Pygmalion (1939) Discussion > Wendy Hiller, wow!

Wendy Hiller, wow!

posted 3 years ago by Ed (523)
4 replies | jump to latest

I remember seeing Anne of Avonlea with Dame Wendy Hiller as a grouchy rich old lady. When I started to watch Pygmalion, I thought I recognized her and looked it up. Yes, same actress…. but wow! Wendy Hiller was gorgeous when she was younger. Especially in the ballroom sequence.

And of course, an incredible actress! This film is far superior to My Fair Lady, which I felt was bloated and far too long, although I do enjoy the music. Quality of the acting is equal in both films, for me, but the 1938 film has better pacing and rhythm and is more faithful to the stage play.

I think both films are worthwhile, but the 1938 film is almost half the length, so it’s the one I’d end up watching more frequently.

[–] huwdj (4563) 3 years ago

I like this version as well but my favourite Wendy Hiller film at this stage of her life was I Know Where I'm Going.

[–] Ed (523) 3 years ago

I’m about to watch that on youtube tonight. Should be great, just judging by cast and directors!

[–] huwdj (4563) 3 years ago

Hope it works for you - one of my favourites.

[–] Ed (523) 3 years ago

Hm.
Okay, just finished “I know where I’m Going.” Some thoughts:

Director Micheal Powell is a genius and one of the greatest English directors ever. You can’t go wrong with one of his films, and such is the case here. Truly a cinematic experience and a superb film! I see why this is considered one of the classic British films.

Wendy Hiller is great, so is Roger Livesay. They almost starred together in Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.

Wonderful locale scenery, music, dialogue.

Petula Clark is in this! Yes, the “Downtown” singer. She’s obviously young, but just a fun trivia point.

Thanks for telling me about this film. I am a big movie buff, and I prefer the older films to much of the superficiality we have now in modern movies.