The line "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain" is undoubtedly one of the most famous phrases in musical theater history. It is a memorable moment in the 1964 film adaptation of My Fair Lady, a classic musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. The statement has been etched into the pop culture lexicon, and it’s difficult to forget the melody and the image of Audrey Hepburn, who played the role of Eliza Doolittle, singing it. But who uttered the line?
Actress who uttered the line
Audrey Hepburn is often credited with the iconic line, but was she the actress who said it in the movie? The answer is no. Hepburn, who played the lead role of Eliza Doolittle, had a beautiful singing voice but did not have the vocal range required for the song. The spoken lines in the song were, in fact, delivered by Marni Nixon, a vocal dubbing artist. Nixon, who also dubbed for other actresses in Hollywood, was a highly sought-after performer and a skilled vocalist.
Audrey Hepburn as a contender
Despite Audrey Hepburn’s lack of involvement in the spoken line, she remains a contender for the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Hepburn, who was a celebrated actress and fashion icon, was an instant favorite for the role due to her stunning looks and charm. Hepburn was a natural fit for the character, who was a Cockney flower girl transformed into a lady. She brought grace and elegance to her portrayal of Eliza, and her performance is considered one of the highlights of the film.
Hepburn’s notable roles
Audrey Hepburn was an accomplished actress with an impressive resume of film credits. Known for her striking beauty and impeccable fashion sense, she won an Oscar for her role in Roman Holiday in 1953. She also received nominations for her performances in Sabrina, The Nun’s Story, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hepburn’s career spanned several decades, and she left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world of fashion.
Hepburn’s vocal range
Although Audrey Hepburn’s singing voice was not used in My Fair Lady, she was still a talented vocalist. She had a soft, gentle voice that suited her delicate appearance and added to the overall charm of her performances. Hepburn’s voice was also used in the film Funny Face, where she sang several songs, including "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "Think Pink."
Hepburn’s connection to the play
Audrey Hepburn had a personal connection to the play Pygmalion, on which My Fair Lady is based. As a young girl growing up in the Netherlands during World War II, she was given a copy of the play by her mother. Hepburn was captivated by the story and found solace in the character of Eliza Doolittle. The play became one of her favorites, and she was thrilled to be cast in the film adaptation.
Other actresses in consideration
While Audrey Hepburn was the top choice for the role of Eliza Doolittle, several other actresses were considered for the part. Among them were Mary Martin, Julie Andrews, and Shirley Jones. Ultimately, Hepburn won the role due to her star power and her perfect fit for the character.
Julie Andrews as a possibility
Julie Andrews was a strong contender for the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Andrews had a background in stage performance and was known for her incredible vocal range. She had recently starred in the Broadway production of Camelot and had received critical acclaim for her performance. However, the producers of My Fair Lady ultimately decided that Andrews was not well-known enough to carry the film, and the role went to Hepburn.
Andrews’ background in stage performance
Julie Andrews was a seasoned stage performer by the time she was considered for the role of Eliza Doolittle. Her breakthrough role was in the 1956 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, where she played the lead role of Eliza. Andrews received rave reviews for her performance, and the show was a massive hit. She went on to star in several other successful Broadway productions, including Camelot and Victor/Victoria.
Andrews’ role in Mary Poppins
Although Julie Andrews did not get the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, she went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. Her most iconic role was in the 1964 film Mary Poppins, where she played the lead role of the magical nanny. Andrews won an Oscar for her performance, and the movie became a beloved classic.
Conclusion
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the spoken line in My Fair Lady, the phrase "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain" remains an iconic moment in musical theater history. Whether it was uttered by Audrey Hepburn or dubbed by Marni Nixon, the line is etched into popular culture and has become a shorthand for all things British. The film and the play continue to be celebrated and studied, and the legacy of My Fair Lady lives on.
Popularity of the line in popular culture
The line "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain" has become a cultural touchstone and has been referenced in countless films, TV shows, and advertisements. It has also been parodied and spoofed in various forms of media. The line has become synonymous with all things British and is often used as a humorous reference to the country’s weather. Despite its familiarity, the line remains a testament to the enduring popularity of My Fair Lady and the influence of musical theater on popular culture.
