This is one of the Hallmark Hall of Fame Specials that Julie Harris did in the 1960's, getting to interpret yet another classic role. Ms. Harris really had probably the greatest actress' run of great roles in television from 1956 to 1967, getting to remake many classics: The Good Fairy, The Lark (as Joan of Arc), A Doll's House, Victoria Regina, Anastasia,Johnny Belinda, and this, Pygmalion. It is a very funny remake with lots of good actors. It has John Williams and Gladys Cooper in very funny and charming supporting roles as Col. Pickering and Mrs. Higgins. It also has James Donald, rather than Rex Harrison, as Professor Higgins. Only the season before he had played the German prince Albert in Victoria Regina; this is a great show of this actor's versatility that he played this role so well and that he is so funny. Of course, it is to be expected that Julie Harris is great as Eliza Doolittle; but she is also hilariously funny. Just the season before, she had played Queen Victoria; this is the opposite end of the spectrum and wonderful of course. All in all, a great production. I saw this at the museum of tv and radio in black and white; I think it was done in color, maybe some day that version will show up.
