Amazon.com essential video: In this 1949 dramatization of Henry James's Washington Square, Olivia de Havilland is the plain but presentable spinster who lives with her domineering father (Ralph Richardson). What she lacks in looks she makes up for in wealth, and soon finds herself the object of much attention by Montgomery Clift. At the heart of this drama is the question of his possibly mercenary agenda. De Havilland does not seem to care one way or the other, but her father cannot believe any man would love her for any reason but her wealth.
This version does not stray too far from the novel. It is a masterpiece that reveals both suppressed anger within a family and the suppression of women in the 19th century. De Havilland, all simmering desire and controlled rage, won an Oscar for best actress, and Aaron Copland copped one for best score. It is no surprise that this handsome picture was also awarded Oscars for costume design and art direction. It was remade and updated with an oddly feminist twist in 1997under the novel's original title. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - An Additional Wrinkle
I've enjoyed reading the many insightful reviews offered here about The Heiress.
However, one aspect that I have not seen explored here, and one that has occurred to me after more than one viewing of the film is the prospect that Catherine's father's rejection of her is fueled by his misdirected anger at her for the loss of her mother. Apparently, her mother died in childbirth. As Dr. Sloper points out to his sister at the party given to celebrate her daughter's engagement (referring to the dazzling creature represented by his deceased wife) "This is what I lost....and this....(pointing ... Read More
Rating: - "You have found a tongue at last, Catherine!"
I've seen more than a fair share of revenge movies, American and foreign, from variants of "The Count of Monte Cristo" to "Kill Bill" and hundreds in between. None has altered my opinion that "The Heiress" is the best of them all. Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift-that alone is reason enough to see this. But if it isn't, just read some of the reviews here and on other Internet sites. It's called a classic for one simple reason-it's an excellent film.
No doubt that the ensemble in "The Heiress" was a stroke of luck or genius. Sir Ralph Richardson as Dr. Austin Sloper, with his perfect ... Read More
Rating: - empowerment, 1940s style
'the heiress', though not as enlightened as agneizka holland's 'washington square' is the far more superior film.
olivia de havilland towers over jennifer jason leigh as catherine sloper. her catherine does show that she has wit and brains, even while she is desperate for love and attention from her impervious father austin sloper. she is brought to life in her love for morris townsend and it is like watching a bud burst and flower.
richardson's father is cold and implacable, pathetic and frustrated when he realizes his life is coming an end, pitiable when his daughter withholds ... Read More
Rating: - The Heiress
The Heiress (Universal Cinema Classics)
This is a magnificent film with superb performances by Olivia deHavilland, Ralph Richardson, Montgomery Cliff , Miriam Hopkins and the music by Copland very effective. The plot comes from the Henry James story and he was a master at character delineating and all of the subtle shades of conflict within individuals. The film, acting, directing by Wm Wyler are all superb, the liner notes on the back are quite wrong about Dr. Sloper--he is not malevolent but a much more complex character than that. That is not a criticism of the film but the silly person who wrote ... Read More
Rating: - Best movie ever!
A real piece of art from the gold era of hollywood when actresses and actors really did act and earned to be call 'Stars' Olivia de Havilland delivers an amazing performance that captures your heart and makes you enjoy the unexpected ending.
