My Fair Lady (G, 1964)
common sense media says
Witty, stylish musical classic will entertain all ages.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic musical is entertaining for all ages, though it may be too long (almost three hours) for the youngest kids. It's a biting satire that treats both the most egotistical snob and the "lowliest" street person with gentle humor and respect. It’s also a romantic story without even a kiss. There are no villains; there’s no violence (a few references to beating a woman for misbehaving are intended to be humorous). With the exception of one “ass” and a couple of “damns,” there’s no iffy language, either. A few scenes depict moderate drinking on social occasions, there’s one shot of a tipsy bridegroom on the way to his wedding, and one main character smokes a cigar.
Educational value:
Wonderful representation of early 20th-century England, with horse-drawn carriages, beautiful sets, and costumes. Eliza's transformation from street girl to "My Fair Lady" illustrates differences in English dialect and language usage, as well as generalized separation of the social classes.
Positive role models:
"Lowly" Eliza proves to be resilient, smart, and as worthy as London's upper crust. Professor Higgins -- who starts out as an egotistical, woman-hating professor -- learns a powerful lesson about treating people with compassion and humanity. Set in a class-conscious world, the story portrays almost everyone -- including servants, the poor, the educated, and the rich -- as deserving of dignity and capable of great joy. The one exception is Eliza’s father; but even Alfie Doolittle, a hard-drinking, materialistic ne’er-do-well, redeems himself by the end.
Violence & scariness:
One humorous scene in which Eliza is forced against her will to bathe, probably for the very first time in her life. She howls and shrieks as she tries to avoid the bath, but the tone is comedic, not threatening. In one later scene, Eliza gets angry at Professor Higgins, throws his slippers at him, and raises a hand as if to strike him. Humorous references to beating a woman for misbehaving.
Sexy stuff:
Not applicable.
Language:
A single use of “ass,” and a few “damns” as an introduction to a song.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Eliza’s father is referred to as a heavy drinker. Some drinking of wine or cocktails in social settings. Professor Higgins smokes a cigar. An exuberant scene in a pub shows characters toasting and drinking with whiskey, beer, etc. as they prepare to attend a wedding.
More on My Fair Lady
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Most useful reviews by all members
xray75
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
A pretty good movie but they use dam about 15 times
and god about 5 but a good movie!!!!!
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spoko
parent of and 4 , 6 , 8 year old
parent of and 4 , 6 , 8 year old
Very, very disappointing.
The description of this movie isn't entirely accurate. There certainly is a villain; it's just ironic that he's supposed to be the hero. Henry Higgins is an absolutely despicable human being, with virtually no redeeming qualities. Certainly he helps Eliza, in a very limited way, but he does it with no altruism or generosity whatsoever. And the idea that he "learns a lot about women, as well as about superficial appearance versus inner beauty" is entirely false. He seems to have no arc at all, and as far as I can tell he doesn't learn much of anything for the course of the film. Neither, unfortunately, does Eliza. Audrey Hepburn is wonderful, but that character is one I wish my daughters had not had to witness. While she is feisty at times, in reality she seems to have no self-esteem at all. SPOILER: Her return to Higgins at the end of the film is one of the most tragic endings I've ever seen.
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chemicalfire
adult
adult
A Classic Story for an Older Audience
Upon watching this movie for the first time, I was struck by the excellent performances by actors Hepburn and Harrison. The story of Eliza's transformation was both charming and entertaining. However, I was shocked that the MPAA rating of "G" has not been altered since its re-rating in 1970. The movie, which contains plenty of mild language, including multiple uses of D--- and one use of A-- (in reference to a horse's behind) would be more appropriately rated PG today, I believe. It's still a wonderful movie, just be aware of the language.
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BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
NOT COOL!
This beat "Mary Poppins" for Best Picture? Ridiculous. This movie had some fairly catchy songs, but the dialogue is laughable and was an hour WAY TOO long. I don't recommend it, though it was better than "An American in Paris."
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CorinneBeth
adult
adult
Great Quality Film
There is quite a bit of language in this movie. Personally it doesn't bother me because it is the typical British language. Oh and there is a comment about Eliza going to live with Prof. Higgins and not wanting "any clothes". Eliza's father sings a song about finally having to marry Eliza's mother. Nothing is explicit, but for younger children it might want to be previewed before you allow them to watch it.
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nomiekh
adult
adult
Awesome to view in sessions
For grownups, this movie probably won't be too long. But for younger kids, maybe break it up into a couple/three watchings.
I love just almost everything about it... a couple trouble spots for me but for an older movie, it is among the best, in my opinion. I expressed my opinion further on the subject here : ponderings of all things.blogspot*
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Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
my fourth favorite musical!
fourth isn't bad. I remember seeing this long ago, then i was in it in our school play (i was maid number 1!). I love the quaintness of "My Fair Lady", so long as you dont look at it in a sexual way.
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pickledwookiee ...
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Fun musical
Very fun.
Just a couple language problems. They are in England. D-- and A-s
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MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
I Say Watch This Movie I Do!
My Fair Lady is great musical that the family will love. Starring the amazing Audrey Hepburn My Fair Lady is a sweet and funny Cinderella tale that will make you smile. But the movie is lengthy so some younger children may have a hard time sitting threw it. And I do feel a bit uncomfortable with some of the language, especially the overuse of the word da** . But all in all this is a grand musical that both young and old will enjoy!
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who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Couldn't be carried off well
If you want a good Hepburn musical, see Funny Face.
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MissSHolmes
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Loverly
Love it, I personally have a crush on Freddie but the music is "Loverly" and Eliza is a good role model
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