Hepburn stars in My Fair Lady

Audrey Hepburn starred in the film adaptation of the stage musical My Fair Lady, directed by George Cukor. The film generated considerable excitement, with some critics comparing its impact to that of Gone with the Wind. Hepburn's casting as Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, sparked controversy, particularly because Julie Andrews, who had originated the role on stage, was not offered the part. Producer Jack L. Warner believed Hepburn would be a more commercially viable choice. Despite Hepburn's initial request to cast Andrews, she ultimately accepted the role. Compounding the controversy, Hepburn's singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, as Hepburn was not a trained singer. This decision led to Hepburn walking off the set in frustration upon learning that her vocals would not be used, despite her extensive vocal preparation for the role. Critics, however, praised her performance, with notable reviews highlighting her ability to embody the character of Eliza Doolittle. The New York Times' Bosley Crowther noted that Hepburn 'superbly justifies' Warner's decision to cast her, while Gene Ringgold from Soundstage described her as 'magnificent' and a timeless Eliza. Time magazine recognized her performance as the best of her career, further solidifying her status in the film industry. Although Andrews won an Academy Award for her role in Mary Poppins, Hepburn received nominations for Best Actress from both the Golden Globe and the New York Film Critics Circle awards, reflecting her significant impact on the film.