The Heiress Reviews

[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.

a cracker

I really enjoyed this old classic. Olivia De Havilland is splendid and chilling as the plain but wealthy spinster with the suitor who seems just too good to be true. Will he or won't he let her down? Kept me guessing right till the end!!!

Timeless Classic

With Olivia De Havilland playing the dowdy heiress and a young ( and gorgeous) Montgomery Clift as the man offering her marriage and an escape in exchange for her income, this is a movie that must be ripe for a remake.

[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).

Not Bad

Not one of the best films I've seen from this period but then again, there is a lot of excellent competition (White Heat). A good film in its own right. Montgomery Clift is good in this although Olivia de Havilland seems to be lacking something, in her defence though this is one of her better performances. Decent storyline with entertaining performances from the supporting cast. Some memorable moments... specifically the parallel scenes with the stairs. Worth watching if you like classic Hollywood films.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Class

A class act from all concerned, including Henry James, who wrote the original story as 'Washington Square'. The plot is almost Shakespearian in its intensity and sustained passion. The acting is powerfully moving, and the three main actors probably never did better on screen. A sublime experience to watch such class.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Suprising

Not what I was expecting