Pygmalion (1938)

Based on the play by George Bernard Shaw which premiered in Vienna (in German) in 1913 and in London (in English) in 1914.

A phoneticist makes a bet that he can teach a flower seller to talk like a person from the nobility.

This follows the strange pattern of so many films of that era, starting out as though it were approaching an important or interesting social theme and later simply shifting into a purely romantic conflict. The way the character Eliza moves and speaks after her transformation resembles that of an automaton, which draws a weird parallel with Hoffmann's short story The Sandman. Despite lacking any kind of depth, this film is entertaining on a scene-by-scene basis.

Rating: 51

Topper Returns (1941)

 A young woman returns to America to meet her father of whom she has no recollection. On the first night she spends at her father's mansion, the friend she had brought along with her, and with whom she had exchanged rooms, is murdered and her ghost summons the help of a middle-aged man who lives nearby to find the murderer.

Entertaining comedy which makes fun of mystery movies. This is the second sequel to Topper, and is perhaps the finest film of the three. There's plenty of action, the comicity, while somewhat predictable, is quite effective, and the special effects are well done. 

Rating: 51