Audrey Hepburn’s performance as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady is iconic, but the truth about her singing is more complex than many realize. While Hepburn did record vocals for the film, ultimately, her singing was largely dubbed by Marni Nixon, a renowned voice actress.
The Truth Behind the Vocals
The decision to dub Hepburn’s singing wasn’t a reflection of her lack of talent, but rather a strategic choice by the producers to ensure a vocally consistent and technically flawless performance. Hepburn possessed a charming speaking voice and a basic singing ability, but the demands of the musical score, particularly in demanding numbers like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” required a vocal range and power that Nixon could provide.
Initially, Hepburn was unaware of the extent to which her singing would be replaced. She worked diligently with vocal coaches and recorded all of her songs, believing her own voice would be used. However, after some initial cuts were deemed unsuitable, the producers made the difficult decision to bring in Nixon. This decision, while beneficial for the film’s overall quality, remains a point of contention among Hepburn fans, who feel she was unfairly treated. Nixon, on the other hand, has maintained that she was simply doing her job and providing the best possible vocal performance for the character. The film’s director, George Cukor, wanted a particular level of expertise in that area, and Nixon was an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How much of Audrey Hepburn’s singing is actually in My Fair Lady?
While Marni Nixon dubbed most of Eliza Doolittle’s singing, fragments of Audrey Hepburn’s actual vocals remain in the final film. The opening cockney numbers, such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” retain some of Hepburn’s voice, particularly in the lower registers. Also, a small portion of “Just You Wait” is Hepburn’s. Experts believe approximately 20% of the songs contain at least some of her original singing.
FAQ 2: Who is Marni Nixon and what other films did she sing in?
Marni Nixon (1930-2016) was a highly respected American singer and voice actress, often referred to as “The Voice of Hollywood.” She provided the singing voices for Deborah Kerr in The King and I, Natalie Wood in West Side Story, and Joan Crawford in There’s Always Tomorrow, among others. Her expertise in matching lip movements and delivering powerful vocal performances made her invaluable to many classic musicals. She became known as the voice that never got credit.
FAQ 3: Was Audrey Hepburn upset about being dubbed?
Reports vary, but Hepburn was reportedly initially disappointed and felt betrayed by the producers’ decision. She had invested significant time and effort into vocal training and recording the songs. However, she ultimately understood the artistic rationale behind the choice and remained professional throughout the process. She did, however, advocate for Marni Nixon to receive a percentage of the film’s profits and screen credit, neither of which occurred initially.
FAQ 4: Why wasn’t Marni Nixon credited in the film?
At the time, it was common practice in Hollywood to keep voice dubbing anonymous. Producers believed that revealing the dubber would detract from the audience’s immersion in the character and the illusion of the star performing all aspects of the role. Marni Nixon fought for recognition throughout her career and eventually received screen credit for her work.
FAQ 5: What songs did Marni Nixon sing in My Fair Lady?
Marni Nixon dubbed Audrey Hepburn’s singing in most of the major musical numbers, including “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Show Me.” These songs required a level of vocal projection and range that the producers felt Nixon could deliver more effectively.
FAQ 6: Did Rex Harrison (Professor Higgins) sing in the film?
Yes, Rex Harrison performed his own singing in My Fair Lady. His character, Professor Higgins, largely speaks his songs in a style known as “sprechgesang,” which is a form of vocal delivery that falls somewhere between singing and speaking. This style was well-suited to Harrison’s acting and vocal abilities.
FAQ 7: Are there recordings of Audrey Hepburn singing the full songs from My Fair Lady?
Yes, recordings exist of Audrey Hepburn singing the complete songs. These recordings have surfaced on various platforms and offer a glimpse into her vocal capabilities. While they may not possess the polish of Nixon’s performances, they showcase Hepburn’s unique voice and musicality. Listening to them provides invaluable insights into the original intent and provides a unique opportunity to hear Hepburn’s interpretation of the role and score.
FAQ 8: What vocal training did Audrey Hepburn receive for the role?
Audrey Hepburn worked with vocal coach Roger Edens to prepare for the role of Eliza Doolittle. Edens was a renowned musical arranger and coach who had worked with many Hollywood stars. Hepburn underwent intensive training to improve her vocal technique, range, and projection.
FAQ 9: Would My Fair Lady have been as successful if Audrey Hepburn had sung all of her own songs?
This is a matter of opinion. While Hepburn’s performance as Eliza Doolittle is undeniably captivating, the film’s musical success partly relies on the strength and clarity of the vocals. Marni Nixon’s contributions elevated the musical numbers to a level of technical perfection that may not have been achievable with Hepburn’s voice alone. Whether the film would have been equally successful with only Hepburn’s voice is a hypothetical question with no definitive answer, but the producers clearly believed Nixon’s involvement was important.
FAQ 10: How does the My Fair Lady stage production compare to the film regarding singing roles?
In stage productions of My Fair Lady, the actress playing Eliza Doolittle typically sings all of her own songs. This is a crucial aspect of the live performance and allows the actress to fully embody the character both dramatically and vocally. The dubbing decision was specific to the film adaptation.
FAQ 11: Did Audrey Hepburn ever sing professionally in other films or recordings?
Audrey Hepburn did sing in other films, most notably in Funny Face (1957). In that film, she sang alongside Fred Astaire, showcasing her singing abilities to a greater extent than in My Fair Lady. She also recorded a few non-film-related songs throughout her career.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of the dubbing controversy surrounding My Fair Lady?
The dubbing controversy surrounding My Fair Lady has sparked ongoing debates about authenticity, artistic license, and the treatment of performers in Hollywood. It has also brought greater recognition to the often-uncredited work of voice actors like Marni Nixon, highlighting their significant contributions to the success of many classic musicals. This has also created conversations about crediting and compensation. The debate serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes controversial decisions that shape the making of a movie.