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Fox News articles can now be listened to as well as read. In the light of the 60th anniversary of “My Fair Lady,” a classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison that garnered eight Academy Awards, it is noteworthy that the film’s leading actress, Hepburn, was absent from the nominations. The reason behind this lies in a heated controversy surrounding the casting of Hepburn over Julie Andrews, who had excellently portrayed the character on stage. Despite both Hepburn and Andrews merely being caught up in Hollywood politics, Hepburn bore the brunt of the backlash.
When the film was first announced, it was widely speculated and hoped that the roles of the Broadway production would be reprised by Harrison and Andrews in the film adaptation. Even Hepburn hoped for this. However, Hepburn’s casting in place of Andrews caused controversy which Hepburn addressed stating that she understood why fans were upset as Andrews had truly owned the role. However, she accepted the role when she realized if she turned it down, it would simply be offered to another actress.
It was studio boss Jack Warner’s decision from the outset not to include Andrews. He believed that despite Andrews undoubtably being amazingly talented, he needed a world famous actress for his high investment film. Hepburn was the chosen replacement. Her performance generated outrage among critics when it was revealed that most of her singing in the film was dubbed by Marni Nixon. Hepburn, however, had been led to believe that her own voice would be used in the film.
Also, many critics who took umbrage at Andrews’ omission from the film, seemingly used this information as an excuse to lash out at Hepburn’s performance. This reflects the legacy Hepburn left behind, one still tinged by the six-decade old controversy. The silver lining amidst all this, however, lies in Julie Andrew’s statement before her own Academy Award win for “Mary Poppins.” She expressed her belief that Hepburn deserved a nomination and subtly critiqued Warner’s decision in her acceptance speech. To vindicate Hepburn, it would be just to release the version of “My Fair Lady” featuring Hepburn’s original vocal tracks.
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