Hamlet: Besting Henry V

Laurence Olivier. Photo: Rank Film As Ethel Barrymore opened the envelope at the 1949 Oscars and learned that Hamlet had been selected by her peers as Best Picture of the…

My Fair Lady: A Loverly Musical

Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Photo: Warner When George Bernard Shaw’s stage play ”Pygmalion” premiered in London in 1913, it was daring for its time. Making fun of the British…

Brief Encounter: Politely Passionate

Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard. Photo: Eagle-Lion The legendary film critic Pauline Kael didn’t seem to care much for this film. Acknowledging it as a “celebrated tearjerker”, she also called…