This Dutch version of Pygmalion was completed in 1937, two years after the first ever film of George Bernard Shaw’s famous play was made in Germany, and a year before the British film starring Leslie Howard. It was a huge success and was even shown in cinemas internationally, one of only two films from the Netherlands between 1934 and 1940 to be praised by both critics and audiences. This was remarkable, because during this period, 37 films were released.

Directed by the versatile and talented Ludwig Berger (specially imported from Germany for the production), Berger was so impressed with the audition of stage actress Lily Bouwmeester that he cast her on site. Bouwmeester, was an immediate star and was offered a film contract in Hollywood but, for personal reasons, she decided to stay in the Netherlands and starred in four more successful films until the advent of WW2. Post-war, Lily was offered more film roles but chose to return to the theatre where, among her successes, she reprised her role as Elisa ‘Liesje’ Douluttel in a famous stage production.

The copy of the film is shown by arrangement with the EYE Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

You may wish to read these notes about the film here before the screening.

Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £8 in advance or on the door.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.