BRILLIANT STARS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1939, Page 8

BRILLIANT STARS

FOR A BRILLIANT FILM. - The sets at Pinewood 'Studios resembled a “Who’s Who in the Entertainment World” during the making of the Gabriel Pascal production, "Pygmalion,” which will be released by G.B.D. at the State Theatre on Friday. This brilliant adaptation of Bernard Shaw’s famous comedy, boasts one of the most distinguished casts ever assembled for a picture, one and all contributing superb performances, inspired by the knowledge that they were making screen history, for that undoubtedly is what "Pygmalion” has done. Anthony Asquith was chosen to codirect the film with Leslie Howard, who himself plays the immortal Professor Higgins—one of the finest interpretations of his career. "Pygmalion” also sees the birth of a new star in Wendy Hiller, whose remarkable portrayal as Eliza Doolittle, will automatically place her in the front ranks of the world stardom. Her transformation from the little Cockney flower-girl to the lovely, dignified young woman, who is mistaken for a Princess at an Ambassador’s reception, is one of the most magnificent examples of histrionic art to be propelled from the screen. Marie Lohr’s memorable .portrayal as the professor’s mother, is the superb piece of artistry one would expect from an actress of such unqualified repute, while Jean Cadell’s Scots housekeeper, is another magnificent achievement. Bernard Shaw has introduced a new character into the film version of his play—that of Karpathi, one-time pupil of Professor Higgins and now, himself a phonetic’s expert. It is he who threatens the success of the professor’s experiment, by unexpectedly appearing at the reception, where Eliza is about to make her debut into Society. This role is played by Esme Percy, long-re-nowned for his histrionic association with Bernard Shaw’s plays, for whom it was specially written, and in addition brilliant cameos are supplied by such important and well known artistes as Violet Vanburgh. Viola Tree, Iris Hoey. Irene Brown, Kate Cutler. Cathleen Nesbitt, Everley Gregg, and O. B, Clarence..