Wuthering Heights (1939)
I’ve seen one other version of Emily Bronte’s classic novel, the 1970 one, and I was so terribly bored by it, I completely forgot the story afterwards. Watching the 1939 version was like watching a brand new movie, and while I’d had a couple of plot points spoiled for me, I was quite riveted.
For those of you who don’t know the classic story, it’s a period piece set in the 1800s, about a woman’s love for two men and two lifestyles. One man is Heathcliff, a low-class boy she’s grown up with. He’s wild and free, and when she’s with him, she feels the innocence and endless possibilities of childhood. The other man is Edgar, wealthy and belonging to a class she’s always longed to be a part of. Choosing Heathcliff means a life of poverty, and choosing Edgar means exchanging fantasy for reality. Who will Kathy choose?
While Wuthering Heights was honored by eight nominations during the 1939 Oscar ceremony, it had the misfortune to come out during the same year as Gone With the Wind, so it only walked away with one. While not compared to the great American epic, this is a very good and well crafted film. All the actors give their all and truly embody their characters, which is quite a feat since they’ve been seen in many, many other roles, so you could easily think, “Oh, that’s Laurence Olivier!” or “Oh, that’s the wife in 10 North Frederick!” Instead, they are Heathcliff, Isabella, Edgar, and Kathy.
For Laurence Olivier fans, this is a must-see. Not only does he show off his fantastic, brooding acting chops, but he looks extremely handsome in this one, too! It’s a very tough decision between him and David Niven—in a rare appearance without his mustache. The ladies particularly shine in this movie. Merle Oberon reminded me of Kate Winslet in her spot-on fickle portrayal of Kathy, and while she might seem irrationally cold at first, when she puts on the tears, you won’t be able to contain your own. Geraldine Fitzgerald is fantastic and heartbreaking; after this film, I don’t see how she was ever cast in a villainous role.
If you’ve never seen a film version of Wuthering Heights, this is an excellent one to start with. And if you’re not sure whether or not you’ll like the story, here’s a helpful hint. If you liked Pride and Prejudice but could stand with a little more gravitas to the story, you’ll like Wuthering Heights.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More David Niven movies here!
More Merle Oberon movies here!
For those of you who don’t know the classic story, it’s a period piece set in the 1800s, about a woman’s love for two men and two lifestyles. One man is Heathcliff, a low-class boy she’s grown up with. He’s wild and free, and when she’s with him, she feels the innocence and endless possibilities of childhood. The other man is Edgar, wealthy and belonging to a class she’s always longed to be a part of. Choosing Heathcliff means a life of poverty, and choosing Edgar means exchanging fantasy for reality. Who will Kathy choose?
While Wuthering Heights was honored by eight nominations during the 1939 Oscar ceremony, it had the misfortune to come out during the same year as Gone With the Wind, so it only walked away with one. While not compared to the great American epic, this is a very good and well crafted film. All the actors give their all and truly embody their characters, which is quite a feat since they’ve been seen in many, many other roles, so you could easily think, “Oh, that’s Laurence Olivier!” or “Oh, that’s the wife in 10 North Frederick!” Instead, they are Heathcliff, Isabella, Edgar, and Kathy.
For Laurence Olivier fans, this is a must-see. Not only does he show off his fantastic, brooding acting chops, but he looks extremely handsome in this one, too! It’s a very tough decision between him and David Niven—in a rare appearance without his mustache. The ladies particularly shine in this movie. Merle Oberon reminded me of Kate Winslet in her spot-on fickle portrayal of Kathy, and while she might seem irrationally cold at first, when she puts on the tears, you won’t be able to contain your own. Geraldine Fitzgerald is fantastic and heartbreaking; after this film, I don’t see how she was ever cast in a villainous role.
If you’ve never seen a film version of Wuthering Heights, this is an excellent one to start with. And if you’re not sure whether or not you’ll like the story, here’s a helpful hint. If you liked Pride and Prejudice but could stand with a little more gravitas to the story, you’ll like Wuthering Heights.
Want to watch it? Click here to watch it on ok.ru. And thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More David Niven movies here!
More Merle Oberon movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Supporting Actress of 1939: Geraldine Fitzgerald
Best Adapted Screenplay
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor: Laurence Olivier
Best Actress: Merle Oberon
Best Musical Score: Alfred Newman
Best Supporting Actress of 1939: Geraldine Fitzgerald
Best Adapted Screenplay
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor: Laurence Olivier
Best Actress: Merle Oberon
Best Musical Score: Alfred Newman