One of George Bernard Shaw’s best-known plays, «Pygmalion» was a rousing success on the London and New York stages, an entertaining motion picture and a great hit in its musical version, «My Fair Lady». An updated and considerably revised version of the ancient Greek legend of Pygmalion and Galatea, the 20th-century story pokes fun at the antiquated British class system. In Shaw’s clever adaptation, Professor Henry Higgins, a linguistic expert, takes on a bet that he can transform an awkward cockney flower seller into a refined young lady simply by polishing her manners and changing the way she speaks. In the process of convincing society that his creation is a mysterious royal figure, the Professor also falls in love with his elegant handiwork. The irresistible theme of the emerging butterfly, together with Shaw’s brilliant dialogue and splendid skills as a playwright, have made «Pygmalion» one of the most popular comedies in the English language. A staple of…
What are you doing here to–day? It is my at home day: you promised not to come. [As he bends to kiss her, she takes his hat off, and presents it to him].