Major Barbara

Major Barbara is a 1941 British film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's 1905 stage play of the same name. Directed by Gabriel Pascal, the film stars Wendy Hiller, Rex Harrison, and Robert Morley.

The film begins by introducing the central character, Barbara Undershaft (Wendy Hiller), a major in the Salvation Army morale-boosting branch. She is a deeply committed woman with a compassionate heart and steadfast religious convictions, determined to alleviate the suffering and struggles of the poor. Barbara believes that salvation lies not just in addressing physical poverty, but in attending to the soul's spiritual poverty.

Meanwhile, her estranged father, Andrew Undershaft (Robert Morley), is an affluent munitions industrialist. Andrew is an atheist with his own perverted, capitalistic interpretation of the world. He has been separated from the life of his three children and their mother by his lack of traditional religious beliefs and his devotion to his munitions trade. Andrew's character is sincerely dedicated to his profession, viewing his work as a necessary aspect of society, contributing to the stability and defense of the nations.

Barbara's suitor, the scholarly Greek classics professor Adolphus Cusins (Rex Harrison), serves as a literary foil caught between the opposing moral realities represented by Barbara and Andrew. Adolphus is intrigued by Andrew's materialistic view of the world while also adoring Barbara's spiritual resolve. This duality within Adolphus is brilliantly portrayed by Rex Harrison, who toggles between bemused interest in Undershaft's pragmatic humanitarianism and his genuine affection for Barbara's passionate social work.

The film concentrates on the ideological conflict between Barbara and Andrew. Their embattled relationship forms the backbone of the story, presenting interactions that are both witty and dramatic in equal measure. While Barbara outlines the virtues of faith and the struggle for moral betterment, Andrew expounds on the pragmatic values of wealth and industry as likely saviors of society.

Their ideological clash comes to a head when Andrew visits Barbara at the Salvation Army shelter. He offers a substantial donation, posing a moral dilemma for Barbara. The debate on accepting money from a source that gains its wealth through warfare becomes a central point of contention, forcing Barbara to question the roots of social inequality, the integrity of her faith and devotion, and the feasibility of her mission.

Each supporting character, from Barbara's aristocratic mother, Lady Britomart, to the workers in Andrew's munitions factory, adds to the richness of the narrative and enhances the exploration of society's contradictions. A strong cast of character actors contributes to the film's layered depiction of class and moral differences. Shaw's distinctively smart dialogue translates wonderfully to the screen, maintaining the essence of his original play, replete with satirical wit, character-based humor, and biting social commentary.

Director Gabriel Pascal masterfully balances the humor and drama of this piece, ensuring that neither element outshines the other. Cinematographer Ronald Neame's skill brings a visual dynamism to the film that emphasizes character interactions and enhances narrative pacing. The dark, grimy realism of London's slums contrasts poignantly against the grandeur of the Undershaft mansion and the enormous, almost cathedral-like majesty of the arms factory, visually reinforcing the disparities the movie aims to critique.

Major Barbara is a film that isn't afraid to delve into complex moral and social issues. The characters ignore simplistic answers in favor of wrestling with the paradoxes of their respective stances. Fueled by the performance of its leads and powered by its unflinching look at morality, faith, and capitalism, Major Barbara is much more than just a cinematic adaptation of a stage play; it's a thought-provoking exploration of societal and personal ethics that is as relevant today as it was in 1941.