Eclipse Series 20: George Bernard Shaw on Film (Major Barbara / Caesar and Cleopatra / Androcles and the Lion) (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

The price is a wonderful bargain. Being Criterion, you know it will have English SDH. It's always a delight to watch Wendy Hiller, and there were many other actors in "Major Barbara" that shine: Rex Harrison, Deborah Kerr, Robert Morley, and Stanley Holloway to name a few . (But I wish they put "Pygmalion" in this collection instead.) As for "Caesar and Cleopatra", Claude Rains is always exceptional, and the rest of the cast made for a colorful drama. And "Androcles and the Lion" was a nice surprise! Alan Young is a favorite of mine since "Mr. Ed" days. And there were some major stars in the rest of the cast. On the whole, this is a very good collection.

What a great idea from Criterion to give us three lesser none film versions of Shaw's plays. I had a VHS of "Major Barbara" and wore it out. Just to have another scene between Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway, the two who made international news as Higgins and Doolittle on Broadway and film in "My Fair Lady." I do think Robert Morley is miscast. I would have rather had Charles Laughton in the role.And then there's "Caesar and Cleopatra" with Claude Raines and Vivien Leigh, both in their prime. The color is jewel-like and set and costumes stunning. There are so many fine British actors in this film: Flora Robson, Stewart Granger, Leo Genn, just to name a few. And Stanley Holloway again in a tiny role.I haven't seen "Androcles and the Lion" yet. But can't wait.Thanks Criterion.

We have only view Major Barbara. The sound is poor and there are no subtitle options! :(

It must be so difficult to bring these old films up to the standards we expect today but the rocess was very good and of course the three plays are excellent .with the wonderful voices of the best english actors of yesterday ..pity the mid atlantic accent has taken over nowand there are not so many actors with distinctive voices ..I really loved the three films

Major Barbara has 15 minutes of Shaw's. anacharistic dialogue expunged and plays tighter for it.All in all I find Shaw a little passé these days but the transfers are good. And edited to make them more palatable for modern audicieces. I prefer Oscar Wilde but these are worth having. Wendy Hiller is a delight as always

They were favorite movies of mine that I had seen when they were released. I remember exactly what movie theatres where I saw them.

I had been looking for Androcles and the Lion for some time. When I found it as part of a multi-movie disc I figured that I had two other movies I could watch without changing the disc. Good quality. I was pleased.

Wonderful acting and great stories