The Heiress (A or 4/4 stars)
'The Heiress', William Wyler's elegant 1949 movie version of Henry James's 1880 novel Washington Square, set in 19th c. NY, is superb. Catherine Sloper (Olivia de Havilland) is a plain, painfully shy woman, living with her emotionally abusive father (Ralph Richardson). When she meets well-spoken bon vivant, Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift), she is smitten by his charms & attention and, thusly, falls madly in love with him. Catherine's imperious father believes that penniless Morris is courting his daughter only out to get her lofty inheritance and so ... threatens to disinherit her. Catherine plans to elope with Morris, BUT, she tells him about her ather's coarse decision. Surprise surprise, on the designated night of elopement, Morris doesn't show up.
Devastated, she has a bitter argument with her arrogant father, who then reveals that he is dying. She tells her father she still loves dashing Morris challenges him to change his will -- he does not, and when he dies, he leaves her the estate. Years later, Morris returns from California, longing for life in the Slopers' luxurious townhouse. Professing undying love for Catherine, he 'claims' to have stood her up because he couldn't bear to see her destitute. But Catherine has changed; realizing that not one, but perhaps two men in her life don't properly love her. Now damaged-goods, our hardened, non-naive protagonist 'forgives' Morris & tells him that she still wishes to elope. But when Morris returns that night, Catherine has a little surprise in store.
This is a fantastic film from top to bottom; directing, acting, writing, visuals, atmosphere & an ending that may make you want to throw a fist into the air. Olivia de Havilland won her 2nd Academy Award as Catherine, our timid, ugly duckling girl who evolves into a desensitized heroine. Simply put, it's a staggering performance and, one of the best Lead Actress winners in Oscar history. When she calmly orders the maid to bolt the door, turns, & ascends the staircase as Morris' desperate cries bellow in the dark background ... it's just an iconic moment to cheer for. Another fanTASTIC line occurs near the end when her Aunt Lavinia (Miriam Hopkins) asks how Catherine can be so cruel and she replies: "I have been taught by masters". Mike drop!
Ralph Richardson played domineering Dr. Sloper on stage and he knocks it out of the park in the film version. Sure he's bitterly disappointed upon finding out that Morris us likely a scoundrel out for his $$ ... but he is a monster for the merciless, emotionally abusive manner with which he treats his poor daughter throughout. Montgomery Clift is solid as the handsome young fortune-hunter whose intentions may or may not be honorable. And Miriam Hopkins gets the juicy role as Catherine's widowed aunt/confidante. 'The Heiress' is simply a classy, engrossing drama with meticulous performances for the ages. It is also a rare, RARE example of a novel-turned-stage play that was successfully translated to the big screen. Bravo, William Wyler.
Devastated, she has a bitter argument with her arrogant father, who then reveals that he is dying. She tells her father she still loves dashing Morris challenges him to change his will -- he does not, and when he dies, he leaves her the estate. Years later, Morris returns from California, longing for life in the Slopers' luxurious townhouse. Professing undying love for Catherine, he 'claims' to have stood her up because he couldn't bear to see her destitute. But Catherine has changed; realizing that not one, but perhaps two men in her life don't properly love her. Now damaged-goods, our hardened, non-naive protagonist 'forgives' Morris & tells him that she still wishes to elope. But when Morris returns that night, Catherine has a little surprise in store.
This is a fantastic film from top to bottom; directing, acting, writing, visuals, atmosphere & an ending that may make you want to throw a fist into the air. Olivia de Havilland won her 2nd Academy Award as Catherine, our timid, ugly duckling girl who evolves into a desensitized heroine. Simply put, it's a staggering performance and, one of the best Lead Actress winners in Oscar history. When she calmly orders the maid to bolt the door, turns, & ascends the staircase as Morris' desperate cries bellow in the dark background ... it's just an iconic moment to cheer for. Another fanTASTIC line occurs near the end when her Aunt Lavinia (Miriam Hopkins) asks how Catherine can be so cruel and she replies: "I have been taught by masters". Mike drop!
Ralph Richardson played domineering Dr. Sloper on stage and he knocks it out of the park in the film version. Sure he's bitterly disappointed upon finding out that Morris us likely a scoundrel out for his $$ ... but he is a monster for the merciless, emotionally abusive manner with which he treats his poor daughter throughout. Montgomery Clift is solid as the handsome young fortune-hunter whose intentions may or may not be honorable. And Miriam Hopkins gets the juicy role as Catherine's widowed aunt/confidante. 'The Heiress' is simply a classy, engrossing drama with meticulous performances for the ages. It is also a rare, RARE example of a novel-turned-stage play that was successfully translated to the big screen. Bravo, William Wyler.