The Heiress Movie Review 1949

Based on the Henry James novel "Washington Square." Catherine (de Havilland) is the plain, awkward daughter of wealthy widowed doctor Austin Sloper (Richardson), who is a belittling tyrant to his only child. Catherine has no suitors until handsome, fortune-seeking Morris Townsend (Clift) approaches her. Naturally, Dr. Sloper dismisses his interest and warns that his daughter will only end up with a broken heart. No happy endings here but the performances are superb. Remade as "Washington Square" in 1997.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS
Running time 115 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Romantic Drama, Bad Dads, Period Piece: 19th Century, Books to Film: Henry James

Screenplay

Ruth Goetz, Augustus Goetz

Cast

Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins, Vanessa Brown, Mona Freeman, Ray Collins, Selena Royle

Cinematography

Leo Tover

Director

William Wyler

Music

Aaron Copland

Producer

William Wyler, Paramount Pictures

Awards

Oscars 1949: Actress (de Havilland), Art Dir./Set Dec., B&W, Costume Des. (B&W), Orig. Dramatic Score; Golden Globes 1950: Actress--Drama (de Havilland); Natl. Bd. of Review 1949: Actor (Richardson), Natl. Film Reg. 1996;; N.Y. Film Critics 1949: Actress (de Havilland).