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The Heiress (Universal Cinema Classics)
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
Brand: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAIN.
EAN: 0025193236722
Format: Black & White, Dolby, Full Screen, Original recording remastered, Restored, NTSC
Item Dimensions: 20
Label: Universal Studios
Languages: Portuguese (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled),
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
MPN: 61032367
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Universal Studios
Region Code: 1
Release Date: February 06, 2007
Running Time: 116 minutes
Studio: Universal Studios
Theatrical Release Date: October 06, 1949
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Editorial Review:
Olivia de Havilland's Oscar®-winning performance in The Heiress is so good that even hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael hailed it as de Havilland's "finest work ever." Like director William Wyler's previous masterpiece The Best Years of Our Lives, this tightly controlled drama is an all-time classic (it was added to the Library of Congress's National Film Registry in 1996), and as Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne observes in his DVD introduction, its reputation has steadily improved with the passage of time. It was de Havilland who sought the services of director William Wyler for this superlative film adaptation of Henry James' 1881 novel Washington Square, after director Lewis Milestone urged her to see the acclaimed stage adaptation by married playwrights Ruth and Augustus Goetz. De Havilland had already won her first Oscar (for her role in the 1946 drama To Each His Own), and recognized a prestigious opportunity when she saw one. Wyler enthusiastically agreed, and The Heiress was fast-tracked for production in early 1949. Released on October 6 of that year, the film eventually earned eight Academy Award nominations, winning the Oscar® for Best Actress, Art Direction, Costume Design, and Music (the last for Aaron Copland's splendid score). When Martin Scorsese was preparing to film The Age of Innocence in 1992, he cited Wyler's film as a primary influence. (Washington Square was filmed again in 1997, with its original title and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Catherine.)
De Havilland is heartbreaking, docile, victimized, and ultimately cruel as Catherine Sloper, a plain-looking aristocrat who stands to inherit a fortune from her ailing physician father (Ralph Richardson), as well as his well-meaning but cold-hearted demeanor. Dr. Sloper disapproves of Catherine's passionate suitor Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift, perfectly cast), certain that the penniless young man has proposed marriage to win Catherine's inheritance. Catherine's too much in love to consider this potential betrayal, and when circumstances lead her to misinterpret Morris's intentions, The Heiress reaches an unforgettable conclusion that brilliantly supports the richly psychological nuance that Wyler brings to the preceding romance. Universal's "Cinema Classics" DVD is skimpy on extras, but Osborne's introduction is informative (as always), and despite a grainy quality of some scenes (typical with films of this vintage), the DVD transfer impeccably captures the mood-setting excellence of Leo Tover's flawless cinematography. The film's original theatrical trailer is also included. --Jeff Shannon
Catherine the plain shy daughter of a wealthy physician has never received either tenderness or attention. So when a handsome young man comes along and claims to love her she eagerly returns his affections. Her cold stern father however realizes that the suitor cares more for Catherine's money than for her... and he does everything in his considerable power to destroy the relationship.A superb cinematic version of the Henry James' novel "Washington Square." After discovering that his bride-to-be is going to be disinherited a handsome young fortune hunter jilts her on the night of their elopement. Years later when the woman's fortune is secured the man returns and again asks for her hand but his erstwhile sweetheart has other plans for him. Copeland's score is magnificent. Academy Award Nominations: 8 including Best Picture; Best Director.BONUS MATERIALS : Introduction Theatrical TrailerSystem Requirements:Run Time: 116 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/CLASSIC UPC: 025193236722 Manufacturer No: 61032367
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
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 ... 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, ... 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 ... 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.
Rating: - The Heiress
This is a fantastic Movie. I remember watching it many years ago. Great actors. I am thrilled they put it on DVD.
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