Major Barbara 1941
Gabriel Pascal's sharp 1941 comedy-drama *Major Barbara (1941)* pits idealism against pragmatism in a clash of values that feels as relevant today as it must have in the war-torn 1940s.
Director: Gabriel Pascal
Cast
Wendy Hiller
Major Barbara Undershaft
Rex Harrison
Adolphus Cusins
Robert Morley
Andrew Undershaft
Robert Newton
Bill Walker
Sybil Thorndike
The General
Emlyn Williams
Snobby Prince
Marie Lohr
Lady Britomart
Penelope Dudley-Ward
Sarah Undershaft
Walter Hudd
Stephen Undershaft
David Tree
Charles Lomax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Major Barbara (1941) about?
Set against the grit of 1940s London, *Major Barbara (1941)* tells the story of a Salvation Army officer whose commitment to charity is challenged when her estranged arms-dealing father offers her a stark choice between faith and fortune. As she navigates romance, family drama, and her own disillusionment, the film asks whether good intentions can survive in a world built on tough realities.
Who directed Major Barbara?
The film was directed by Gabriel Pascal, a Hungarian-born filmmaker known for his adaptations of George Bernard Shaw's works.
Who stars in Major Barbara?
The lead roles are played by Wendy Hiller as Barbara Undershaft, Rex Harrison as Adolphus Cusins, and Robert Morley as her father, Andrew Undershaft.
Is Major Barbara (1941) worth watching?
With its sharp dialogue, rich themes, and standout performances, *Major Barbara (1941)* is a rewarding watch for fans of classic comedy-dramas. While not a crowd-pleaser by modern standards, its exploration of morality and social responsibility gives it enduring relevance.
How long is Major Barbara?
The film has a runtime of 121 minutes, offering ample time for its layered story and character development.
About Major Barbara (1941) — A George Bernard Shaw adaptation rich in wit, morality, and stellar performances
Gabriel Pascal's sharp 1941 comedy-drama *Major Barbara (1941)* pits idealism against pragmatism in a clash of values that feels as relevant today as it must have in the war-torn 1940s. The film follows Barbara Undershaft, a passionate young Salvation Army officer who rejects her father's wealth and munitions empire in favor of devoting herself to saving souls in London's slums. When her estranged father, wealthy arms dealer Andrew Undershaft, re-enters her world with a provocative proposition, Barbara's unwavering convictions are tested like never before. Alongside her, the quick-witted professor Adolphus Cusins courts her with intellect and charm, while the family grapples with the moral weight of money, power, and purpose.
Wendy Hiller shines as the fiery Barbara, supported by a stellar cast including Rex Harrison as the enigmatic Cusins and Robert Morley as her larger-than-life father. With its biting wit and timely themes, *Major Barbara (1941)* explores the contradictions of charity, the seduction of wealth, and the uneasy dance between principle and reality. Pascal's direction delivers a film rich in dialogue, character, and the kind of social commentary that still resonates in modern cinema.
