PYGMALION (1938) - Full Movie - Captioned

This public domain classic centers around a conceited language professor who tricks his snobby peers by teaching a girl from the gutter to behave like a lady-and everyone thinks she is a princess! Nominated for a best Picture Academy Award, and won one for Best Screenplay (Written by famed playwright George Bernard Shaw and adapted by Ian Dalrymple). Also, the play was later remade as My Fair Lady, which also won several Oscars. Stars Oscar-winning actors Leslie Howard and Dam Wendy Hiller. NOTE: Contains profanity.

[@tonylawrencewalsh721]

I can clearly remember seeing this film at the cinema , I was with my Grandma I must have been aged about 8 or so and we were seated on the front row of the balcony. There had been a lot of talk locally of how Eliza said "Not bloody likely" in one scene, Oh how times have changed eh !. How my Grandmother would have loved to have seen how this story became My Fair Lady with all that wonderful colour , costumes and music, sadly this was not to be she passed away when I was 21. i am now approaching my 84th birthday.

[@o_o9683]

so i am watching this movie for my literature class andddd i really like it also wish me luck its my first year in high school

[@abdulsamaro93]

i was forced to watch this for school and ended up loving it.

[@fiona8320]

I love how they took almost every single word out of the book!

[@rosaliejacobs1794]

The BEST screen version of this play. Wendy Hiller is wonderful.

[@monjiaitaly]

This is the BEST of this story, better than My Fair Lady, better than any other version of Pygmalion with the finest of actors Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller.

[@MStrat1106]

Definitely the best filmed Shaw play ever, and a first-rate romantic comedy; it's one of the few Shaw adaptations that doesn't seem over-weighted with talking. Hiller and Howard are triumphant together, and the whole enterprise has a fine, happy spirit. Interestingly, several writers worked on the screenplay, but the Oscar it won was given only to Shaw.

[@Rentaghost76]

This was made back when Britain still had a film industry worthy of the name. It was such a tragedy that Leslie Howard had to die in W.W.II - he was only 50 and would have made so many more great films if he could have lived a few more years. Ah well....

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Unrivalled. Spectacular cast. The irony comes bursting through. Like a partial eclipse many will not notice the shadow cast upon those who have and those who have not. It is all there in an engaging comedy portrayed with brilliance,

[@ajlee35]

oh this is SOOOOOOOOOO much better w/out all the music getting in the way of the plot. thank you so much for uploading it

[@sigmasd10]

I'm a huge fan of "My Fair Lady" but now I have seen this older version I have to say there seems to be a lot more emotion portrayed between Higgins and Eliza in this one than the later musical version. Even without the music it was great to watch...Thanks for posting it! BTW, what a shame Leslie Howard was killed by the Nazis only a few years later...He was a really great actor.

[@messerist]

Excellent film! Leslie Howard is one of my favorite actors. Wendy Hiller does a wonderful job!

[@haroldmachroli7038]

This version is much more real than My Fair Lady. With no music, everything focused on the characters and their development which, in my opinion, provoked much more superb acting than My Fair Lady. She lost the best actress Oscar to Bette Davis in Jezebel. Having seen both movies can't say that Bette deserved that award more than Hiller. For a film debut she played a masterpiece of a role.

[@michelleelks6357]

I really really enjoyed this movie. I've always heard of it but never saw it. I grew up loving My Fair Lady, and watched it so much as a child that I almost knew the whole movie word for word. So, I saw Pygmalion the other day and realized I live this one just as much and both movies follow each other almost word for word. I really like Leslie Howard. Wendy Hiller was absolutely wonderful in this movie and it happened to be herfirst movie. She was mostly on the stage. She was wonderful and the acting in this movie was great. It also has wonderful lessons on the importance of being a decent human being.

[@xmiunax4385]

Leslie Howard was a treasure 💚

[@atsuva]

Wonderful performance by Wendy Hiller. Never knew this was her film debut. I simply adored her role in Murder on the Orient Express as princess Dragomirov.

[@notmyworld44]

It took me 75 years to see this classic film! Thank you for posting it. I am, howevvah, a bit flummoxed at the way it ended.

[@deriter64]

Bless film for presenting and preserving things for those of us far, far from Broadway or the West End. I notice many of the comments seem to be from young people and that is just terrific about a timeless classic. I be GBS would approve.

[@johnclarke5459]

Thanks G.B.S.! First time I smiled since the death of my wife this past year.

[@dejavu8567]

thank you for uploading the original play. not only do i see how rex harrison copied it i see the error of my ways. this is not merely entertainment. its enlightening. after all eliza saved higgins from his misery. my fair lady is clever. pygmalion is from the heart.

[@Readhawk]

Loved the Moment when eliza felt she couldn't go back to selling flowers.....

[@holydiver73]

Given the choice between Wendy Hiller and Audrey Hepburn. Hiller was a better Eliza by a country mile. So beautiful.

[@wandashouse]

I NEVER SAW THIS BEFORE AND IM IMPRESSED! THIS IS A REAL VERSION!! AN AWSOME ONE! THANKS!!!!

[@johnadams9044]

I believe as good as 'My Fair Lady' musical was, Rex Harrison overwhelmed the production. Additionally, as wonderful as the music was, it interfered with the flow of the drama. This 1938 production had a more believable Leslie Howard performance and a far more laudable and assertive performance of Wendy Hiller. This 1938 version presented better rounded development of the characters which yielded a more satisfying vicarious experience for viewers. This English version rates 5 stars.

[@megaswenson]

+John Adams You're right! Rex Harrison WAS the problem, wasn't he?

[@blackpoolbarmpot]

This 'Leslie Howard' film of Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" is -- THE BEST -- film I have ever seen, of Shaw's 'Pygmalion'. It has even taught me a thing or two about Speech and Class!!!! WONDERFUL - Thanks for posting.

[@davidcarlson2152]

In poignancy, no one has ever held a candle to Leslie Howard.

[@maroulio2067]

Leslie Howard- fantastic! and so is Wendy Hiller!

[@NandanSharma]

This Movie has an unique record in the annals of the Oscar Awards. George Bernard Shaw is the only Man on this Planet to have won both the Noble Prize & an Oscar. He won the Oscar for Original Screenplay for Pygmalion(1938).

[@nennoquorra]

I am really emotional about this movie... Now I see why my grandparents always say that things aren't the way they used to be... I agree with them now! What a pity movies don't reflect the glory of good arguments and deep performances anymore! I am glad I ended up here (if anyone could pass me the link to Casablanca, I would really appreciate it)

[@vincegredo]

Surprisingly enough I LOVED this movie when they played it in class today. I was hooked on it the whole time while everybody had their heads down on their desks. I found it to be very entertaining and empirically useful.

[@themcrib7920]

I was recommended this film by my english professor, as we are reading the original play by Shaw in class. I expected this to be another boring old movie, but it was actually quite interesting - I'm glad I watched!

[@cls5496]

This is definitely one of my top ten favourite films! Leslie Howard is brilliant, Thank you for sharing.

[@capubecks]

Although I love Audrey and she is more beautiful, i find this Eliza more adorable and authentic...thanks for posting this.

[@garywilliams5332]

"You can't read a book by it's cover" We've all heard that, and I learned an example of it, just now. I've seen this offered on You Tube for a good long while, knew it was something of a classic, the name "Pygmalion" stored in my memory since some obscure moment in life, when I first saw or heard it, and many times since, but never taken the opportunity to see the movie, until now, and I feel my foolishness for not doing it sooner. In my maturity, I now do try to educate myself about the classics and other noteworthy, things. I have read the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Maltese Falcon, Moby Dick, Poe, Clemons/Twain and others. I had stupidly put this movie off as another boring, stodgy Brit melodrama, but now that I've seen it, it's instantly become one of my favorites. A great cast, and great acting, and a great story and valuable lesson in human nature. I'm even feeling a bit of personal shame for my closed-mindedness, for not having taken the time to see this sooner.

[@zthetha]

This original film version of Shaw's play is arguably the most successful of a bunch of adaptations. The great Wilfrid Lawson steals every scene he appears in and the classic English gent - Leslie Howard Steiner - occupies the role far better than O'Toole and the other thespians who attempted the part. A really well made film.

[@annranhem5785]

Leslie Howard and Rex Harrison were both very Good actors. Both movies Are Good! The storyline is almost the same. But I recommend that You read the play instead.

[@emirares]

This one is totally my favorite in all old classics :))

[@laylover7621]

We read the scritp AND watched the movie in 7th grade. It's amazing! Love it.

[@weekendmom]

I remember reading this play in my senior year in high school. My classmates were snickering over the sarcastic lines of Professor Higgins.

[@bird10498]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. DK who all watched this in 2018 but I'm enjoying this immensely in 2019.

[@lokkme6683]

Higgins is reminded by his mother how to behave, even his servant have a lot to say about it, yet by some miracle he can teach manners to Eliza?

[@bestofmyeffortcustoms2581]

I just wish that more people could be able to see this film.

[@josieposie9969]

Leslie Howard reminds me of Tom Hiddleston (British old world charm) and Wendy Miller Carrie Mulligan. Maybe the two can make a modern remake of Pygmalion if Hollywood thought of doing such.

[@sukumarrahut570]

Pygmalion is a play by George Bernard Shaw is a classic depicted as based on the Greek mythology of Pygmalion is superb.

[@martpast1]

she speaks more clear English than many actors of today.

[@Miriana727]

Thank you! Love this production. So much better than MY FAIR LADY. Wonderful!

[@pritheangel]

This was just so perfect!! Wonderful actors as well!! I think I liked it more than my fair lady in many ways...

[@micheledross9046]

Thank you for the subtitles. A great movie.

[@meliymel1759]

I read the play and i was so irritated with the ending and I really needed closure and my teacher told me to watch the movie i was so shocked when i found out that there was a movie and of course i knew it was going to be old but the ending in the movie was great and it gave me what i needed thanks

[@KamleshBhatt]

I was about to buy the book from amazon, before which I thought to watch the movie. My idea was woth it. What a classic!! I had heard of George Bernard Shaw's inborn talent and his ability of writing gripping stuff but here I felt that myself. The smooth flow of the story and the sudden climax scenes are really fascinating. The acting of the two main characters, the sequence of scenes, the dialogues all are very good.

[@09conrado]

the book can be downloaded free from project Gutenberg

[@Icha74]

thank you so much for this! My dear friend recommended me this movie, knowing that I'm a fan of My Fair Lady. And just like Alf B here, I am in love with Pygmalion! I agree that Higgins and Eliza here had much more emotions and chemistry compared to MFL Higgins and Eliza. I'm in love with Leslie Howard now....

[@BallinEagles]

haha *gives Freddy his hat, then a minute later* WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY HAT?! Mr. Higgins' character is awesome

[@idontgetno]

First saw this when I was 20. At the time, thought it was quaint, but was preoccupied with Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal. Now, 40 yrs later, am appreciating the nuance. Wendy is endearing; I learn from Wikipedia that she was G. B. Shaw’s own choice for playing Eliza. I learn I’ve already seen her in A Man For All Seasons & The Elephant Man.

[@valpurves45]

the finest cast performance of this play. . Leslie Howard excels as prof. Higgins marvellous acting from all the cast members. . beats all the other versions into a cocked hat !!!

[@joanndenniss8866]

Certainly does. I was but a year old when this was made and I have seen many versions but this is by far the best

[@kunnikm]

First time seeing this version of the play. Wendy Hiller is simply superb.

[@dizzlizzy588]

Love the part where they (will) got back togeether. but of course, as you can very well see, on Eliza's terms. Definitely not on Higgins, though the ending is made to seem like it will be on his terms. It was both subtle and explosive.

[@bobbyweiss0888]

Such a wonderment! One of my favourite movies, to be sure. Yet I went more than 30 years without seeing it. After all those years, I could still recite some passages verbatim- albeit in the worst Cockney, you'd ever have the displeasure of.

[@TheFiown]

Wendy Hiller is so like Carrie Mulligan in this movie ,,,, both lovely ,,,, thanks for posting ,, I love both versions of this story ,,,,,

[@heathersmith5405]

This movie version of "Pygmalion" follows George Bernard Shaw's play pretty faithfully...except the end. Shaw's play ends with Eliza leaving Higgins for good. The director of the movie wanted a "feel good" finale. Shaw strongly disagreed but in the end....well you see the end.

[@jimwade9570]

You could not find 6 actors on lead in this movie today that could fill there shoes.

[@frannyzooey11]

A great movie. It's still ahead of it's time.

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

This is the unembellished version that propels the essence of story forward at allegro tempo. Of course I miss the the music, but there is indeed music contained in the script. There is a reality without the enticing songs that makes me watch it over and over always amazed by a detail I missed before.

[@xiaoqiiiii]

Thank you so much for the captions.

[@heelflipharriet1]

i first saw this version as a teenager on pbs & have always loved it! thank you for sharing it!

[@kyracoach]

Thank you for the captions! Higgins finally met his match.

[@idontgetno]

watching this again it took me years to realized that Wendy Hiller was Thomas More's wife in A Man For All Seasons, & the hospital matron in The Elephant Man she's so winsome Leslie is such a stuffed shirt fun to watch

[@jimwade9570]

LESLIE was shot down by the Luftwaffe in ww2 ~~What a fine actor he was !! in 1939 gone with the wind and other movies that escape me at the moment >

[@gf1001]

I think this version holds up very well indeed, thank you for sharing it. I saw this film 40 years ago and prefer it to My Fair Lady..............

[@pougaigangmei2222]

thanks for adding this movie. this novel is one of my favourites.

[@muniryassin9351]

Great story , great performance . Great Liza .

[@selvaroumougame]

It is no wonder that Wendy Hiller was nominated as Best Actress for Acadymy Award for this film.

[@Ukuleleric]

Thank you so much for uploading this. It was/is wonderful.

[@glennschemitsch8341]

I own a copy and play it from time to time.....wonderful movie......wendy hiller is adorable.

[@shereenfavourites5970]

I watched this movie more than ten times and didn't get bored till now .. I absolutely love it

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Bernard Shaw admired (Dame) Wendy Hiller's acting skills very much. She was also excellent in Major Barbara..and her interpretations of his characters were, as he thought, spot-on..Dame Wendy went on for years to delight audiences...I loved her as Paul Scofield's wife in MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, and she more than held her own with Anthony Hopkins in ELEPHANT MAN.

[@ericalipoe3479]

I am so glad they put the bulk of the credits at the end of films these days!

[@victoriam2811]

I did Pygmalion for my literature lessons during my secondary school days and have watched "My Fair Lady" a few times. Never know about this b/w non-musical version of the show. According to the book Eliza did marry Freddy in the end. A real gem! Thanks!

[@1000nanomech]

the good part of the movie is that it has a happy ending unlike the written play itself. :D

[@prod_brat]

I did not realize such a masterpiece of a movie was present that long ago, did I?

[@Phersephoie]

omg! The original to my fair lady! I'm so happy I found this!! thankyou!!

[@AbhiiiShake]

. ACTUALLY THE PYGMALION FULL MOVIE CAPTIONED HELPED ME A LOT.. . PYGMALION AND MACHBETH.. BOTH ARE IN OUR SYLLABUS.. PYGMALION WAS A GREAT HELP.. . SO WE NEED MACHBETH FULL CAPTIONED MOVIE.. PLEASE HELP..

[@Achi5555]

I'm wishing to tell you, I'm wanting to tell you, I'm waiting to tell you, it is a best movie

[@haidyahmedmadcour1498]

very nice movie i just love it all the characters were very nice made especially Mr. Higgins ! and unfinished end that's nice and simple i wont forget this movie ever !.

[@ourparanormalworld]

I watched Audrey Hepburn's version several times, but not this version, or the Lyn Redgrave version. It is one of my favourite films to watch , as a child. I will be viewing all other versions for missing bits or extra bits thrown in...

[@jameswalker8875]

Note that the film editor was David Lean. Same guy that went on to direct many classics?

[@likachean7392]

2019??? This is the best comedy romance film i ever seen😍❤

[@irishnessie]

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but this is way better than My Fair Lady. I prefer both the actor and actress who play Henry and Eliza in this version. They have better chemistry. And tbh the singing in My Fair Lady annoyed me.

[@vanessahenry9376]

I won't give an opinion either way because the two are pretty different. Lines the same but not musical

[@pulipip7694]

Couldn't agree more.

[@christopherlegge3143]

Vous n'êtes pas Française pour apprécier ce divin, Vous êtes divine, les deux films sont superbes. Saluts

[@NinjaToe]

it aint unpopular... it's true... Hepburn screams too much

[@bergerkos]

Ninja Toe she doesn't sound cockney either.

[@Deutschlieber]

"The undeserving poor..." how little has really changed.

[@rossel1201]

Howard Leslie was marvelous ... "VICTORY" >>> loved this version. Thank you for sharing :)

[@steveweinstein3222]

Leslie Howard

[@chefbaz74]

i think they are closer in age in this version ,it changes the chemistry

[@arpitamazumder4516]

really what an adaptation.!the artists are excellent..a must watch😁

[@brandylafollette2569]

I will always adore every version of the Pygmalion myth that spawns.

[@anivawilson7241]

Cheers for the movie. Loved it. esp the no singing. lol.

[@kimli2176]

Eliza married Freddy and opened a flower shop but Higgins was always in the background helping them

[@MultiGeraghty]

I really enjoyed this play and admire the further updated musical adaptation featuring the beautiful singing voice of Marni Nixon and the brilliant music and lyrics of Alan J Lerner and Frederick Lowe!!

[@familyArtfilms]

So add to the list of things to do: Change from Gutter snipe to Consort Battle ship....

[@CYNLAGASCA]

Great movie! Wendy Hiller is great! Thanks.

[@AlexStalenberg]

This is a very good scenery and direction about the story.

[@ProperLogicalDebate]

I've always had the opinion that she should have married Freddy and by being an encouragement, helpmate, improve him. The same theme as in the 1954 version of "Hobson's Choice" in which the daughter (Maggie I believe) helped Willie Mossop.

[@JaneFrieman]

Actor Leslie Howard is he the brother of Ronald Howard who played Sherlock Holmes in the 1950's?

[@longgolf5530]

Bernard Shaw, the author, had ideas that found their way into his stories. In Pygmalion, a working class person is converted to an upper class person by a lot of work by a dedicated teacher. It makes a great story, but it doesn't prove Shaw's belief that the only difference between classes is luck and education.