My Fair Lady

Movie review by Peter Albert, Common Sense Media
My Fair Lady Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Witty, stylish musical classic will entertain all ages.

G 1964 172 minutes
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 23 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that My Fair Lady is an entertaining musical 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.

Community Reviews

spoko
spoko Adult
November 11, 2011
age 10+

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.
1 person found this helpful.
rmd234
rmd234 Adult
December 4, 2020
age 9+

Delightful musical!

We loved it. This came out just a year after our other favorite musical: Mary Poppins. Those were the days... The ending is a little weird -- I hate that she came back to him after all that nonsense. But we can forgive that for those delightful songs and costumes!

This title has:

Great messages
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What's the Story?

In MY FAIR LADY, Audrey Hepburn stars as Eliza Doolittle in director George Cukor's adaptation of the Broadway musical based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion. In 1912 London, cockney street peddler Eliza is handpicked by linguistics professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) on a bet that he can reshape her into an aristocrat. Higgins has his work cut out for him -- Eliza turns out to be quite the spitfire. As he struggles to teach her how to speak, walk, and behave like a proper lady, his friend Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) sits back and enjoys the wild ride. Eliza's ultimate transformation is spectacular, and even Higgins is surprised by how she handles herself at upper-crust gatherings. He's also surprised at how he himself is transformed when it comes to his feelings for his fetching protege. With music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, this film is truly a classic.

Is It Any Good?

With witty songwriting, comical and charismatic performances by the two leads, and lush costumes and sets, this classic musical still engages decades after its initial release. Hepburn's unique comic flair is especially effective in the race scene at Ascot.

My Fair Lady delights viewers of all ages, although some might grow weary of a few songs that stay a verse or two past their welcome. The DVD special features offer an insight into how this classic might have been even better: Compare the versions of "Show Me" and "Loverly" originally sung by Hepburn with the final film's dubbing of Marni Nixon's impersonal soprano. You'll rue the studio's decision not to leave Hepburn's sweeter, more urchinesque voice on these tracks.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the idea of social class. How have things changed since the time in which My Fair Lady was set?

  • How does the movie portray drinking? Are viewers supposed to get a specific take-away from that?

  • How do you think Eliza feels about Professor Higgins in the end?

  • How do the characters in My Fair Lady demonstrate perseverance and self-control? What about humility and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

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Themes & Topics

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