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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), German ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), German ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, SYNOPSIS: Henry James based his 1881 novella Washington Square on a real-life incident, wherein a young actor of his acquaintance married an unattractive but very wealthy young woman for the express purpose of living the rest of his life in luxury. Washington Square was turned into a stage play in 1946 by Ruth and Augustus Goetz; this, in turn was adapted for the movies under the title The Heiress. Olivia DeHavilland won an Academy Award (her second) for her portrayal of Catherine Sloper, the plain-Jane daughter of wealthy widower Dr. Austin Sloper (Ralph Richardson). Catherine is not only unattractive, but lacks most of the social graces, thanks in great part to the domineering attitudes of her father. When Catherine falls in love with handsome young Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift), she is convinced that her love is reciprocated, else why would Morris be so affectionate towards her? Dr. Sloper sees things differently, correctly perceiving that Morris is a callow fortune hunter. Standing up to her father for the first time in her life, Catherine insists that she will elope with Morris; but when Dr. Sloper threatens to cut off her dowry, Morris disappears. Still, Catherine threatens to run off with the next young man who pays any attention to her; Sloper, belatedly realizing how much he has hurt his only child, arranges to leave her his entire fortune. Years pass: Morris returns, insisting that he'd only left because he didn't want to cause Catherine the "grief" of being disinherited. Seemingly touched by Morris' "sincerity", Catherine agrees to elope with him immediately. But when Morris arrives at the appointed hour, he finds the door locked and bolted. Asked how she can treat Morris so cru...The Heiress
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
60 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
After years of waiting, this brilliant movie has been released on DVD at last! Based on the novel 'Washington Square' by Henry James, this is the story of a young woman who discovers that she is far stronger that she, or anyone else ever imagined possible. The transformation in Olivia de Havilland's character is absolutely stunning - it is impossible not to be moved by Catherine's predicament, even as (later on) she terrifies you.
De Havilland deserved that Oscar for best actress. It's an incredible performance. Ralph Richardson, as Catherine's intelligent, cruel father, is also amazing.
De Havilland deserved that Oscar for best actress. It's an incredible performance. Ralph Richardson, as Catherine's intelligent, cruel father, is also amazing.
This is a Hollywood film which defies all expectations, and exceeds them. I just can't praise it highly enough.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"The Heiress" is an adaptation of a play based on Henry James' "Washington Square", with Olivia de Havilland in the title role, Montgomery Clift as her suitor and Ralph Richardson and Miriam Hopkins as her father and aunt. The story is very simple. Plain and dull Catherine Sloper is courted by a penniless but charming Morris Townsend. While her aunt is delighted and finds him wonderful, her father suspects him to be a mercenary and threatens to cut her off her will.
Directed by William Wyler in 1949 it went on to win four Oscars including one for de Havilland. Her performance is a strong one, especially in the third act of the film, but I must confess that I her higher than usual voice in the beginning did get a bit on my nerves - someone though that this would be a great idea to show her innocence. But best of the cast is surely Miriam Hopkins who manages to steal the show as Aunt Lavinia. It is a very good film which I can't help but recommend.
As for the DVD is an extras-free release showing the film in a acceptable copy, but one that shows the film's age and full of little scratches. This is a pity but as there are no alternatives at the moment and the price is a fair one, I think it's a must have classic.
Directed by William Wyler in 1949 it went on to win four Oscars including one for de Havilland. Her performance is a strong one, especially in the third act of the film, but I must confess that I her higher than usual voice in the beginning did get a bit on my nerves - someone though that this would be a great idea to show her innocence. But best of the cast is surely Miriam Hopkins who manages to steal the show as Aunt Lavinia. It is a very good film which I can't help but recommend.
As for the DVD is an extras-free release showing the film in a acceptable copy, but one that shows the film's age and full of little scratches. This is a pity but as there are no alternatives at the moment and the price is a fair one, I think it's a must have classic.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Absolutely flawless and a revelation of subtle style. Performances first class. The story faithfully transposed with witty script and convincing performances as daughter gets her own back on father by turning into him. Has some excellent camera work. And quite frightening occasionally - the mirrors, the windows, the staircases. You can't stop watching it really - it doesn't cop-out! No doubt Freudian and despite the infantilised, 'self-harming' woman, grown-up cinema.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
"I have been taught...by masters."
It's a tour de force for Olivia de Havilland as she plays Catherine Sloper, the mousey, naïve daughter of a wealthy doctor (Ralph Richardson) in 19th century New York. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kona
A classic
Love the film, love the acting. No wonder, Olivia de Havilland won an Oscar for her performance!! And Montgomery Clift is the best actor Hollywood ever produced!!
Published 2 months ago by Kiamora
wonderful classic film
bought this for my mother and she loved it great classic film,good quality and fast delivery. this film was remade but the original is always the best.
Published 3 months ago by banjo43
ENJOYABLE
I WATCHED THIS FILM NOT HAVING SEEN IT BEFORE AND I QUITE ENJOYED IT. A GOOD FILM TO WATCH ON A DULL DARK AFTERNOON WHEN YOU DONT FEEL UP TO DOING MUCH. Read more
Published 6 months ago by alana
A Henry James novel successfully adapted.
It must be difficult to make a film adaptation of a novel that deals with unresolvable frustrations experienced by a small group of characters. Read more
Published 11 months ago by John Austin
The Heiress
I loved this film. It was well made and an excellent story. Just the type of film I enjoy.
Published 11 months ago by Gill
The Heiress-frothy, gushy,over-the-top melodrama-simply brilliant
The Heiress [DVD] [1949]
Wonderful vintage melodrama that pulls out all of the stops in terms of big sets and even bigger costumes. Read more
Wonderful vintage melodrama that pulls out all of the stops in terms of big sets and even bigger costumes. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Faydra
A masterclass in acting
It has been a number of years since I last saw this film and was prepared for the stagey, stilted production which mars so many of the filmed plays of this era. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr. A. Campbell-walter
Fab
i received this very quickly and my mum was very pleased with this and has watched it more than once!!
Published on 21 April 2010 by J. Baines
A CLASSIC
The Heiress is a joy to watch from start to finish. The cast are impeccable from the dashing Clift (so handsome here it hurts your eyes to watch him especially when he smiles)! Read more
Published on 18 April 2010 by H. Evans
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