The Heiress

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Finn R Mar 3, 2019 Adapted from Henry Jamesâ(TM) Washington Square (1880, but set in the 1840s) for the stage and subsequently this film, directed by William Wyler. Olivia de Havilland plays Catherine Sloper, an awkward young woman who has inherited money from her deceased mother and is due to come into a large fortune from her father, a doctor played by Ralph Richardson. Given her shyness and poor social graces (undoubtedly a product of her fatherâ(TM)s glorification of her mother and disdain for her in comparison), she has had no suitors...until Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift) appears to sweep her off her feet (aided and abetted by her widowed aunt played by Miriam Hopkins). Unfortunately, despite his charm and good looks, he has squandered whatever small inheritance he once had and thus garners the doctorâ(TM)s displeasure. Indeed, Dr Sloper quickly surmises that Townsend is nothing more than a fortune hunter, seeking his daughterâ(TM)s hand only because of her money. However, whether it is the screenplay, Wylerâ(TM)s direction or the acting by de Havilland (Best Actress), Richardson, and Clift (the latter with a jarring accent and method technique), we spend much of the film balanced on the edge of the proverbial knife, not knowing for sure whether Townsend really does love Catherine (as she so dearly wishes) or whether he is indeed mercenary (it is very easy to suspect the latter â" but he is very charming). Aaron Coplandâ(TM)s Oscar-winning score (perhaps tinkered with by the production team) is strange â" both minimalist and heavily accented by swelling strings â" its intrusiveness actually enhanced the picture. As things play out, we remain on Catherineâ(TM)s side, wanting and yearning for her to have things work out as they should â" and of course, in the end, they finally do. In the end, thatâ(TM)s satisfying but it is the tension derived from the ambiguity surrounding Morrisâ(TM)s love and the difficulty of knowing whether to choose truth or deception (when either one or the other might actually prove more beneficial for Catherine) that really elevates the film to something special. See more

Poe R Mar 3, 2019 Outstanding production values and an overall sterling example of what a monumental team effort a good film truly is, from the bottom to the top, excellence abounds in this pre-Civil War depiction of a societal ugly duckling (who's not really ugly) who comes under the thrall of a dashing young swain. Monty Clift and Miriam Hopkins both deliver nuanced performances that sharpen the gist of the piece, and Ralph Richardson as the caring father blinded by grief is memorable, but Olivia DeHavilland's Oscar-winning performance as an innocent who discovers the corruption around her is indeed all around her is unforgettable. Hollywood in all its splendor, and that's meant in a good way. See more

Abraham W Mar 3, 2019 A young naive woman falls for a handsome young man who her emotionally abusive father suspects is a fortune hunter.Stars: Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson. Academy Awards, USA 1950 Winner Oscar : Best Actress in a Leading Role Olivia de Havilland !! Superlative version of the James novel sharpens and refines the book. Olivia, always a fine actress, gives one of her defining performances revealing the many layers of Catherine during her evolution from doormat to bruised and wary but empowered woman. Clift gives a sly performance, his natural beauty aiding in the belief that he could be a rake living off his looks. Sir Ralph Richardson is simply great as the thoughtlessly cruel father, hinting that in his own obtuse way he has no understanding of what he thinks of as protecting his daughter is actually crippling her and his malice towards her something he doesn't comprehend. An underrated CLASSIC from director William Wyler. Though it had a poor box office upon its release, it eventually became recognized as a masterpiece. See more

Hermione P Sep 25, 2018 A plain young woman in Manhattan towards the end of the 19th century (Oliva de Havilland) suffers from painful social awkwardness. Her wealthy father (Ralph Richardson) is a widower, and with memories of his beautiful and graceful wife in his mind, feels disappointment in his daughter. Enter Montgomery Clift, a young man without money or an occupation, who sees the good in her, and begins courting her. The father fears he is in it for the money, but the young man is steadfastly earnest in his protestations of true affection. Her aunt (Miriam Hopkins, who was so nice to see) tries to mediate between everyone involved. I loved how Olivia de Havilland was made up to fit the part, unlike some of the other films I've seen where she's the 'plain one' but looks extraordinary (she is Oliva de Havilland, after all). Here, with her hair matted down into a helmet and her eyelashes thickened, she almost resembles Alfalfa from the old Little Rascals show in some of her scenes. More importantly, she acts the part, with what feels like authentically painful shyness. To see her character grow over the course of the movie, with de Havilland masterful at each stage, is wonderful. One can really see why she earned the second of her two Oscars with this performance. The exchanges between Richardson and Clift, father and potential son-in-law, are fantastic. I just love the eloquent way they speak, expressing their viewpoints and emotions candidly, but always politely, even if pointedly. We really don't know how it's going to play out, and I won't spoil it, except to say that it's brilliant, especially the ending. There is such depth of emotion here, and the film highlights those moments in life where everything may pivot based on a few actions or comments. The themes of love, trust, acceptance of another's shortcomings, and supporting them just the same are all in play here. The film shows the damage one can do by being too blunt with one's (truthful) candor, in addition to that done by the opposite, being deceitful. Director William Wyler never lets up, and what may sound like a staid, potentially boring story is anything but that; it flies by in its 115 minute run time. See more

Theodore S Jul 1, 2018 Olivia De Havilland gives one of the best screen performances of all time. Ralph Richardson is perfect as her cruel father. This is a masterpiece ending to a glorious film. See more

Apr 18, 2018 All characters were wonderful in this movie, Olivia de Havilland well deserving of a second oscar. Ralph Richardson was brillant as the harsh father. Miriam Hopkins was fabulous cast as aunt Lavinia. Montgomery Clift was good to avg in this movie but good enough to make his character believeable. Overall, "The Heiress", remains my favorite movie of all time. Also Olivia as my favorite actress of all time. See more

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The Heiress

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