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A few days ago I watched Pygmalion, another adoption of a play by George Bernard Shaw, starring Wendy Hiller. Today another of Shaw's plays as a movie, also starring Wendy Hiller is featured.
Major Barbara is a 1941 British film starring Wendy Hiller and Rex Harrison. The film was produced and directed by Gabriel Pascal and edited by David Lean. It was adapted for the screen by Marjorie Deans and Anatole de Grunwald, based on the 1905 stage play Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw. It was both a critical and financial success.
Barbara Undershaft (Hiller) is an idealistic major in the Salvation Army who is deeply troubled by the fact that her father, Andrew Undershaft (Robert Morley), is a wealthy weapons manufacturer. Meanwhile, Andrew is looking for an heir for his industrial empire, in particular a foundling like himself.
When Barbara's Salvation Army shelter is threatened with closure due to lack of funds, Andrew offers to donate a large sum of money on the condition that she join his business. Barbara is initially reluctant, but eventually agrees, believing that she can use her position to reform the company from within.
However, once inside the company, Barbara begins to see things from her father's perspective. She realizes that his business provides jobs for thousands of people and helps to keep the country safe. She also comes to appreciate his honesty and pragmatism.
Major Barbara is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores themes of social class, poverty, religion, and war. It is also a very funny film, with some sharp and witty dialogue.
The film was released during World War II, and some critics saw it as a pro-war propaganda film. However, Shaw himself insisted that the film was anti-war. He argued that the best way to prevent war is to create a more just and equitable society.
Major Barbara remain a relevant and important film today. It is a reminder that the world is a complex place, and that there are no easy answers to the problems we face. It is also a reminder that we can all make a difference, even if it is in a small way.s relevant and important film today. It is a reminder that the world is a complex place, and that there are no easy answers to the problems we face. It is also a reminder that we can all make a difference, even if it is in a small way.
The conversations display a lot of wit, the numerous minor characters are very well done. Rex Harrison, fun to see him so young, is delightful as Barbara's suitor, a professor of Ancient Greek who successfully takes on her father in an epic argument.
