The casting of Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle in the 1964 film adaptation of My Fair Lady remains one of Hollywood’s most controversial decisions. While Julie Andrews originated the role on Broadway to widespread acclaim, she was deemed, according to studio executives, not enough of a box office draw for the film.
The Stage Star Left Behind
It’s a question that haunts Broadway aficionados and film historians alike: why wasn’t Julie Andrews, the undisputed queen of the stage version of My Fair Lady, chosen to reprise her iconic role in the cinematic adaptation? The answer, in short, boils down to perceived box office appeal and Jack L. Warner’s unwavering vision. Warner, the head of Warner Bros., believed that Andrews, despite her undeniable talent, wasn’t a big enough name to guarantee a successful film adaptation. He wanted a star who could bring a pre-existing audience to the theaters, someone like Audrey Hepburn, a proven Hollywood commodity.
Warner’s decision was based on a cold, hard business calculation. He saw My Fair Lady as a massive investment and sought to minimize risk. Andrews, while a stage sensation, was largely unknown to the broader moviegoing public. Hepburn, on the other hand, had starred in numerous successful films, including Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, establishing herself as a glamorous and bankable actress. Therefore, the decision wasn’t necessarily a reflection on Andrews’s talent but rather a strategic move to maximize profit. The irony, of course, is that Andrews went on to star in Mary Poppins the same year, solidifying her status as a major film star and winning an Oscar for her performance. This made Warner’s decision seem even more questionable in retrospect.
FAQs: Unraveling the My Fair Lady Mystery
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities surrounding the casting of My Fair Lady:
H3: Why Didn’t Warner Bros. Consider a Compromise?
Warner could have considered co-starring Andrews with Hepburn or giving Andrews a smaller role. However, he was insistent on having Hepburn as Eliza. There was no room for compromise in his vision. He wanted a bona fide movie star to carry the film. Some speculate that he was also wary of pitting two leading ladies against each other, fearing potential conflict during production.
H3: Was Audrey Hepburn Cast Because of Her Singing Ability?
No, Audrey Hepburn’s singing voice was dubbed by Marni Nixon. While Hepburn possessed a pleasant singing voice, it wasn’t deemed strong enough for the demanding score of My Fair Lady. Nixon, a renowned voice actress, provided the singing voice for numerous other actresses in musicals, including Deborah Kerr in The King and I and Natalie Wood in West Side Story.
H3: How Did Julie Andrews React to Being Passed Over?
Andrews was, understandably, disappointed. She had invested years in the role and had received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle on stage. However, she understood the business aspect of the decision and, as previously mentioned, quickly moved on to star in Mary Poppins, which proved to be a monumental success. Some accounts suggest she harbors no ill will towards Hepburn, recognizing that the decision was made at a higher level.
H3: Did the Public React Negatively to Hepburn’s Casting?
There was significant initial backlash. Many fans of the stage musical were outraged that Andrews wasn’t chosen to reprise her role. They felt that Hepburn, despite her star power, wasn’t the right fit for Eliza, especially given her need for vocal dubbing. This controversy cast a shadow over the film’s release, though it ultimately didn’t hinder its box office success.
H3: Was Julie Andrews Offered Any Other Film Roles Around That Time?
Yes, Andrews was offered the role of Mary Poppins, which she accepted. This turned out to be a pivotal moment in her career. Mary Poppins catapulted her to international stardom and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Some argue that losing My Fair Lady was actually a blessing in disguise, as it freed her up to take on a role that solidified her place in cinematic history.
H3: What Were the Critical Reviews of Hepburn’s Performance?
Reviews of Hepburn’s performance were mixed. While many praised her acting and overall charm, some critics felt that she didn’t fully capture the essence of Eliza Doolittle and that the reliance on dubbing was distracting. Others defended her casting, arguing that she brought a unique vulnerability and sophistication to the role.
H3: Did Rex Harrison Reprise His Role as Henry Higgins?
Yes, Rex Harrison did reprise his role as Henry Higgins in the film adaptation. He had also played the role on Broadway alongside Julie Andrews. He even won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. This continuity provided a link between the stage and screen versions of My Fair Lady.
H3: What Was the Financial Success of the My Fair Lady Film?
The film was a massive financial success. It grossed over $72 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1964. It also won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
H3: How Did George Cukor Influence the Casting Decision?
George Cukor, the film’s director, reportedly favored Audrey Hepburn for the role. While Warner ultimately made the final decision, Cukor’s influence likely played a significant part. He believed that Hepburn possessed the elegance and sophistication necessary to portray Eliza’s transformation.
H3: Did the Controversy Affect the Film’s Legacy?
The controversy surrounding the casting of Audrey Hepburn continues to be debated to this day. While the film is considered a classic and is widely beloved, the question of whether Julie Andrews should have been cast remains a point of contention among film enthusiasts and historians.
H3: Has Julie Andrews Ever Spoken Publicly About Regret Regarding My Fair Lady?
While she’s expressed disappointment, Andrews generally avoids dwelling on it. She acknowledges it was a career turning point, albeit not in the way she initially envisioned. She’s emphasized the positive aspects, like the opportunity Mary Poppins presented, and often speaks of Hepburn with respect.
H3: If a Remake Were Made Today, Who Would Be Cast as Eliza Doolittle?
This is a highly speculative question, and the answer would depend on current Hollywood trends and the vision of the filmmakers. Potential candidates could include actresses with strong vocal abilities and proven acting talent, such as Lily James, Anya Taylor-Joy, or Florence Pugh. The casting would also need to consider diversity and representation, ensuring that the actress embodies the character’s complexities and nuances. Ultimately, the choice would aim to strike a balance between star power and artistic integrity.
A Final Curtain Call
The story of My Fair Lady remains a fascinating case study in Hollywood decision-making. It highlights the complex interplay of talent, marketing, and perceived risk that shapes the casting of major film adaptations. While Julie Andrews may have been denied the opportunity to bring her stage triumph to the big screen, she ultimately emerged as a cinematic icon in her own right. The My Fair Lady debacle, though a painful experience at the time, ultimately paved the way for her unparalleled success, proving that sometimes, the greatest opportunities arise from unexpected setbacks. And the film, despite the initial controversy, remains a cherished classic, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of Hollywood, however complex its behind-the-scenes machinations may be.