Comparisons can be fairly made

One of the reviews says "comparisons to My Fair Lady are unfair". Actually taking into account so-called "production values" (euphemism for money available for sets, effects and costumes) and omitting musical numbers from consideration much of the play text is there verbatim and it is not unfair to compare acting with acting in that domain. Besides, the real comparison of that kind is with the movie Pygmalion (Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller) as a straight play, no music, modest production. On that basis, I unconditionally prefer either of the other two. I like Peter O'Toole but in this thing it is all loud and over the top with no subtlety or nuance. It's what euphemistically might called a "large", "big" or "broad" interpretation. Too many lines shouted for me. Too much "Look at me, I'm the big star". I had to wonder if the director actually asked for it (O'Toole is then off the hook) or that O'Toole was effectively directing without credit when the director simply could not or would not contain the rampaging O'Toole.

Not that I would call this a bad production, only that it was not as good as the other two on acting and not a vital addition to the library, even as a document of O'Toole's craft.

CB

Good Times, Noodle Salad