Performance & Direction: Major Barbara Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Major Barbara (1941) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Major Barbara features a noteworthy lineup led by Wendy Hiller . Supported by the likes of Rex Harrison and Robert Morley , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Major Barbara (1941) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Major Barbara
Quick Plot Summary: Major Barbara is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Major Barbara
Ending Breakdown: Major Barbara concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Major Barbara reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Major Barbara?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Major Barbara
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Major Barbara Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Criterion ChannelMajor Barbara Parents Guide & Age Rating
1941 AdvisoryWondering about Major Barbara age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Major Barbara is 121 minutes (2h 1m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Major Barbara stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1941 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Major Barbara worth watching?
Major Barbara is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Major Barbara parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Major Barbara identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Major Barbara?
The total duration of Major Barbara is 121 minutes, which is approximately 2h 1m long.
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Critic Reviews for Major Barbara
Gabriel Pascal and (George) Bernard Shaw have reunited for this enjoyably paced, quirky and characterful adaptation of his 1905 play. That creation uses chocolate, this one replaces it with arms as the eponymous, upright and virtuous character - Wendy Hiller - re-evaluates her leading light position in the Salvation Army when their General (Dame Sybil Thorndike) agrees to accept two huge donations - one from a recently ennobled brewing magnate, the other from her father "Andrew Undershaft" (Robert Morley) - the aforementioned, billionaire arms dealer. It's oft described as a comedy, this - and there are certainly comedic elements to it, especially from Morley and her academic suitor Rex Harrison ("Adolphus Cusins"), but is largely presented more of a question to us, the audience. It challenges us to assess which is (or might be) the more important influence: religion or money; prosperity or integrity. Are they mutually exclusive? Perhaps it is a rather simplistic choice, but Shaw offers us scenarios ably illustrating the opportunity and hypocrisy that we may appreciate both the emotional and practical quandaries of "Maj. Barbara" as her resistance to her father's mercenary existence is tempered with his argument justifying his wealth, and his power. Morley is super - his delivery potently justifies his position to the point where it seems irrational to doubt it! The staging is a little too fixed. Though there are a few outdoor scenes, the vast majority appears overly hemmed in. The brewery lights flashing on and off; the scenes in their shelter, and at their home - all are just a bit linear. The pretty lively scenes with an on-form Robert Newton (the down-to-earth, working-class pragmatist "Billy") come across as just a bit too stifled - the flow is almost staccato at times. With the likes of Ronald Neame, David Lean, Charles Frend and Vincent Korda helping out behind the camera, it was always going to be a well made film, and indeed it is. A social commentary that pitches avarice against principle - and one that leaves us to decide... Good stuff.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
