The Millionairess (YouTube, 1972) is Shaw at his most brilliant. This version of his play is a film staring the recently-deceased (Sept. 27) Maggie Smith performing at her best. I like this play very much and have seen several times on stage. Yet this film version seems to have captured perfectly what Shaw intended. The production seems so “modern,” even though it is old by today's standards. I fear 2024 audiences would not sit through a performance as there are too many “ideas” that seem illogical, yet are the opposite. I am grateful to Shaw and Smith for starting my week on such a “high.”
Donald Combe is a retired English teacher who loves to go to the movies. Until he resumes going to theatres, he has graciously agreed to share his opinions, through "short and sweet" exclusives, of online series and movies for The Local.
