Major Barbara (1941)

Based on the 1906 George Bernard Shaw play, this seems like an odd movie to make in the middle of World War II - but its an excellent adaptation, due to the acting talent involved. Standouts include Wendy Hiller as Barbara, Rex Harrison as the Brother, and scene stealing Robert Morely as the witty, cynical Arms Merchant. Having listened to the play on CD, these great actors improve the dialogue 100 percent. The B&W photography is brilliant but the direction stagy.  

Cons?  Well, its George Bernard Shaw.  Which means there's too much talk, and everyone's a caricature - not a realistic character*.   And, though the movie improves on the play -  we get too much dated politics.**  Summary: An excessively long Shaw play made enjoyable by an all-star cast. Rating 3 of 4


Notes
* -  Shaw was an extremely odd man, who lived a very odd life.  Its one reason real people don't seem to exist in his plays. Its not just that Shaw makes them political mouthpieces, they also lack warmth and normal attitudes/motivations. For example, is there a single Shaw play where two people are genuinely in love?  Or have a affectionate parent/children relationship? Even in Pygmalion, he refused to have Liza and Higgins fall in love, like everyone wanted.  Instead, he insisted they end up  like two bank clerks who've  learned to respect each other!  

** In 1906, it was easy to believe that war and an arms merchant were the ultimate evil. And we could stop it all by getting the Great Powers to quit making Battleships and Cannons and sign peace treaties. The ensuing World Wars and Cold War showed how naive and silly that was.