The Heiress (1949)
Olivia de Havilland won her second Academy and Hot Toasty Rag awards for her remarkable performance in The Heiress. It’s a fantastically meaty part with tons of character development, and she eats it up, dazzles the audience, and goes back for a second helping.
Olivia stars as a socially backward, unappealing old maid. If you’re looking for a little more background on her character, check out the well-done remake Washington Square which shows her childhood. In this version, however, Olivia starts the film as an adult. She lives at home with her father, Ralph Richardson. He knows there won’t be any romantic prospects for her, and he merely hopes she can find contentment in the lifestyle his money can provide. He has quite the fortune, so when a poor young man does come courting, he’s immediately suspicious. Olivia is completely blindsided, though. She’s never had a suitor before, and the young, beautiful, seemingly sincere Montgomery Clift sweeps her off her feet in no time. The scene in which she tells her father of their engagement is my favorite of the entire film. She’s so buoyant with hope and young love, even though she’s no longer young, but her excitement shows the audience just how carefully Ralph has to tread. He does tread carefully, his words saying one thing and his eyes meaning another. It’s a true testament to his trained acting, and it actually fills me with delight to watch his performance – even though it’s a dramatic film.
Miriam Hopkins joins the cast as Olivia’s aunt, who’s unabashedly rooting for the love match. She encourages Monty, argues with Ralph, and maintains that it’s Olivia’s last chance for a marriage; even if he is a fortune hunter, at least she’ll have a husband. Although this William Wyler movie is a small film, it’s a powerful film that evokes discussion and sends you on a roller-coaster of emotions. Based off a play and taking place almost exclusively inside Ralph’s house, there’s very little Wyler can do with the camera. Still, he manages to frame shots with opposing characters separated by a column in the living room, and at times, he allows his actors to show expressions hidden to the others with a well-placed angle. If you haven’t seen this memorable classic yet, rent it with a bunch of your girlfriends. You’ll get to drool over Montgomery Clift, and you’ll feel a surge of feminism as you bond with Olivia de Havilland.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Montgomery Clift movies here!
More Miriam Hopkins movies here!
Olivia stars as a socially backward, unappealing old maid. If you’re looking for a little more background on her character, check out the well-done remake Washington Square which shows her childhood. In this version, however, Olivia starts the film as an adult. She lives at home with her father, Ralph Richardson. He knows there won’t be any romantic prospects for her, and he merely hopes she can find contentment in the lifestyle his money can provide. He has quite the fortune, so when a poor young man does come courting, he’s immediately suspicious. Olivia is completely blindsided, though. She’s never had a suitor before, and the young, beautiful, seemingly sincere Montgomery Clift sweeps her off her feet in no time. The scene in which she tells her father of their engagement is my favorite of the entire film. She’s so buoyant with hope and young love, even though she’s no longer young, but her excitement shows the audience just how carefully Ralph has to tread. He does tread carefully, his words saying one thing and his eyes meaning another. It’s a true testament to his trained acting, and it actually fills me with delight to watch his performance – even though it’s a dramatic film.
Miriam Hopkins joins the cast as Olivia’s aunt, who’s unabashedly rooting for the love match. She encourages Monty, argues with Ralph, and maintains that it’s Olivia’s last chance for a marriage; even if he is a fortune hunter, at least she’ll have a husband. Although this William Wyler movie is a small film, it’s a powerful film that evokes discussion and sends you on a roller-coaster of emotions. Based off a play and taking place almost exclusively inside Ralph’s house, there’s very little Wyler can do with the camera. Still, he manages to frame shots with opposing characters separated by a column in the living room, and at times, he allows his actors to show expressions hidden to the others with a well-placed angle. If you haven’t seen this memorable classic yet, rent it with a bunch of your girlfriends. You’ll get to drool over Montgomery Clift, and you’ll feel a surge of feminism as you bond with Olivia de Havilland.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Montgomery Clift movies here!
More Miriam Hopkins movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Actress of 1949: Olivia de Havilland
Best Supporting Actor: Ralph Richardson