Wendy Hiller plays the title character, a devout missionary in the Salvation Army always trying to help and do good. A very young Rex Harrison witnesses one of her conversion speeches on the street, and so entranced by her beauty and passion, he joins the troupe. Before long they're engaged, but the story's just started! Barbara's estranged father, Robert Morley, returns to the scene and tries to buy his way back into the family by donating a small fortune to the Salvation Army-Barbara won't have it! And while she's busy volunteering with her aide Deborah Kerr, an unrepentant and mean-spirited sinner, Robert Newton, repeatedly causes trouble for everyone.
Wendy Hiller does a very good job as the tireless Major Barbara, and Robert Newton is always a very frightening bad guy, but Rex Harrison absolutely ruins this movie. His ego oozes off the screen, and his horrific mannerisms and flippant deliveries made me want to run out of the room screaming. I didn't think I could dislike him any more than I already had in My Fair Lady, but I was proved wrong.
Even without the terrible excuse for a romantic lead, the story of Major Barbara is pretty boring. Deborah Kerr has a very small role, and Robert Newton's character is the best part of the movie. Rather than this through this 2-hour snore-fest, rent Separate Tables, Elmer Gantry, and 1948's Oliver Twist instead.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, there's a scene where Robert Newton strikes Deborah Kerr and a little old lady, and while some kids might not understand what's going on, it might be upsetting to watch. So, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
Wendy Hiller does a very good job as the tireless Major Barbara, and Robert Newton is always a very frightening bad guy, but Rex Harrison absolutely ruins this movie. His ego oozes off the screen, and his horrific mannerisms and flippant deliveries made me want to run out of the room screaming. I didn't think I could dislike him any more than I already had in My Fair Lady, but I was proved wrong.
Even without the terrible excuse for a romantic lead, the story of Major Barbara is pretty boring. Deborah Kerr has a very small role, and Robert Newton's character is the best part of the movie. Rather than this through this 2-hour snore-fest, rent Separate Tables, Elmer Gantry, and 1948's Oliver Twist instead.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, there's a scene where Robert Newton strikes Deborah Kerr and a little old lady, and while some kids might not understand what's going on, it might be upsetting to watch. So, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.