The Heiress
1949
In 1840's New York Catherine lives with her father, Dr. Sloper, a physician. Her mother died some years before, and Dr. Sloper still idolizes her. He never misses an opportunity to compare his daughter to her - a comparison the daughter cannot win. When Morris Townsend, a handsome but penniless young man, comes along and woos .. Read more
| Starring | Olivia De Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson |
|---|---|
| Director | William Wyler |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Heiress
In 1840's New York Catherine lives with her father, Dr. Sloper, a physician. Her mother died some years before, and Dr. Sloper still idolizes her. He never misses an opportunity to compare his daughter to her - a comparison the daughter cannot win. When Morris Townsend, a handsome but penniless young man, comes along and woos and wins his daughter's heart, Dr. Sloper is sure that he is only after her considerable inheritance, and opposes their marriage. Dr. Sloper takes his daughter to Europe in hopes she will forget Morris, but she does not. After Catherine returns to New York, the young lovers plan to elope. Dr. Sloper threatens to disinherit his daughter. Will this dissuade Morris?
| Starring | Olivia De Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson |
|---|---|
| Director | William Wyler |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 50 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 20 Feb 2006 Production year: 1949 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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This immaculately cast and brilliantly directed movie was adapted from Henry James's novel Washington Square. Olivia de Havilland quite rightly won her second Academy Award as the plain spinster seeking affection from fortune hunter Montgomery Clift. Clift also gives a finely controlled performance of great subtlety and, though both he and de Havilland are too good-looking for their roles, it is this quintessential Hollywood factor that keeps you riveted to the screen. As de Havilland's autocratic father, Ralph Richardson delivers arguably his finest screen work, and these flawless casting choices contribute to what is surely the most satisfying screen adaptation of James's work. Resourceful director William Wyler lets the period detail work for the characters rather than get in the way, and both art direction and costume design won Oscars, as did the haunting score. Agnieszka Holland's Washington Square, with Jennifer Jason Leigh and Albert Finney, pales by comparison with this screen classic.
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Wyler's version of Henry James' Washington Square (based on a play adaptation) is typically plush, painstaking and... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Cruel Attentions
Under the veneer of elegant clothes and beautifully appointed homes in turn-of-the-century New York, real cruelty is being enacted. The imperious Richardson (probably his best screen performance) refuses to let fortune hunter Clift marry his plain, spinster daughter de Havilland. Little does he realise, in performing this so-called act of mercy, he's shaping his mousy little daughter into someone just as embittered and perhaps even more vicious. Wyler really knows how to play with these emotions, and while the film is probably a little on the cold side, he elicits a devastating performance from de Havilland that will send shivers up your spine.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
'Old New York' Drama
Based on the main characters in Henry James' 'Washington Square'. The plot is essentially straightforward: a 'plain Jane' heiress is courted by (and falls in love with) handsome yet flawed (and talentless) Montgomery Clift. It's a 'will she/won't she' set up but it does keep you guessing to the end. Perhaps the real essence of the story is just how out of touch with real ity people of Catherine's standing were - Washington Square itself was a major new development for the rich and famous and caused a good deal of contention during its development. The story closes around about the time of the beginning of the Civil War and yet, again, the sense of isolation from reality is almost palpable. Catherine returns again and again to her embroidery which has no other value than to allow her to continue living her life precisely the way she wants it to be. Performances are excellent (added bonus Sir Ralph magnificent as master of the house).
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News and features
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Tribute to Gone With The Wind star
- 03 Nov 2005
Olivia De Havilland, star of Gone With The Wind, is to be honoured with an Academy Tribute. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body that hands out the Oscars, is to honour De Havilland, now 89 years old, with a special evening at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre including clips from her best performances and discussion with colleagues from throughout her career. Her most famous role was in Gone With The Wind, alongside Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, but she won her two Oscars for To... Read more
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