Wuthering Heights (1939)
Wuthering Heights (1939)
If you are aware of the film industry, you might know 1939 is one of the greatest years for movies ever made. You have the giant, still popular classics such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. There is also a smaller, but still just as powerful movie lurking under their wings and that particular film is Wuthering Heights. If the name sounds familiar, perhaps take a trip back to your English high-school class and you may recall that you had to read the very complex Emily Bronte novel of the same name. William Wyler directed an adaptation of that classic story and to extremely good results.
The book was so deep and complex that the author, Bronte had to create two volumes. The first volume consisted of the relationship between the two characters Heathcliff and Catherine. The second volume focuses on a dark, angry Heathcliff with Catherine’s daughter. Wyler omitted the second volume from the film which meant he had to change or delete some characters. Regardless, he was able to capture the themes and the overall tone from the book. This is a movie about a doomed romance because of class struggle. Back in the day, the rich and the poor did not mix which would ultimately doom any romance no matter how deep the love is.
This a wonderfully made movie from all points of view. On the technical side, the cinematography is gorgeous. Gregg Toland was able to make the Yorkshire Moors a place you’ll always remember. The storms, the broodiness, the feelings of despair, and so on. On the production side, William Wyler (who directed the great Ben-Hur), did a fine job in the director’s seat. He was actually very meticulous at times which pissed off Sir Laurence Olivier who wasn’t used to doing films yet. Olivier later said that Wyler helped him become a better actor, but did not have the mindset during the 72 shots Wyler demanded of him during one sequence.
Narrated by the housekeeper Ellen (Flora Robson), this story tells the tale of the unfortunate romance between Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier) and Catherine (Merle Oberon). They met as kids when Catherine’s father, Mr. Earnshaw (Cecil Kellaway) takes him in as a poor boy with no home. After he passed away, the eldest brother Hindley (Hugh Williams) takes charge of the house and kicks Heathcliff out, making him a stable boy. Class differences take Heathcliff and Catherine further apart. She is set to marry a rich neighbor named Edgar Linton (David Niven). Heathcliff disappears for a few years but when he comes back, what more can he do? Maybe he could chase after Edgar’s sister, Isabella (Geraldine Fitzgerald)?
This film has rich performances from everyone. The fact I am saying that surprises me considering the cast had such a hard time getting along with each other. Olivier and Oberon despised each other and Oliver actually made Oberon cry several times. They both were not happy to begin with because they were separated from their loved ones in England. Of course, Oliver clashed with Wyler. In the end, we did manage to get excellent performances. Olivier, who came from a stage background, became a film star after this film’s release. His character is dark, deranged, and mostly unhinged. Oberon’s character is also not good. Catherine has a wicked heart. Ultimately, I did fall for their romance and I was rooting for them. David Niven also makes a great Edgar and I really liked the way Flora Robson told the story.
Wuthering Heights may not have the complexity as the original novel, but its still an important film regarding the difficulties of dealing with class struggle. The film has a tempestuous and stormy feeling throughout. From the production design to the excellent black-and-white cinematography, we feel the chilly grasp throughout the film and the goosebumps that will slide down your spine. And the ending! I thought the ending, although different from the book, was fantastic. I believe it is an open-ended scene that is designed for different interpretations.
This particular film is no Gone with the Wind, but it may be just as important. The quality of the film is amazing, and I do hope Wyler and his cast/crew were proud of this movie. Not bad for one of those stuffy English class novels, eh?
My Grade: A
If you are aware of the film industry, you might know 1939 is one of the greatest years for movies ever made. You have the giant, still popular classics such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. There is also a smaller, but still just as powerful movie lurking under their wings and that particular film is Wuthering Heights. If the name sounds familiar, perhaps take a trip back to your English high-school class and you may recall that you had to read the very complex Emily Bronte novel of the same name. William Wyler directed an adaptation of that classic story and to extremely good results.
The book was so deep and complex that the author, Bronte had to create two volumes. The first volume consisted of the relationship between the two characters Heathcliff and Catherine. The second volume focuses on a dark, angry Heathcliff with Catherine’s daughter. Wyler omitted the second volume from the film which meant he had to change or delete some characters. Regardless, he was able to capture the themes and the overall tone from the book. This is a movie about a doomed romance because of class struggle. Back in the day, the rich and the poor did not mix which would ultimately doom any romance no matter how deep the love is.
This a wonderfully made movie from all points of view. On the technical side, the cinematography is gorgeous. Gregg Toland was able to make the Yorkshire Moors a place you’ll always remember. The storms, the broodiness, the feelings of despair, and so on. On the production side, William Wyler (who directed the great Ben-Hur), did a fine job in the director’s seat. He was actually very meticulous at times which pissed off Sir Laurence Olivier who wasn’t used to doing films yet. Olivier later said that Wyler helped him become a better actor, but did not have the mindset during the 72 shots Wyler demanded of him during one sequence.
Narrated by the housekeeper Ellen (Flora Robson), this story tells the tale of the unfortunate romance between Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier) and Catherine (Merle Oberon). They met as kids when Catherine’s father, Mr. Earnshaw (Cecil Kellaway) takes him in as a poor boy with no home. After he passed away, the eldest brother Hindley (Hugh Williams) takes charge of the house and kicks Heathcliff out, making him a stable boy. Class differences take Heathcliff and Catherine further apart. She is set to marry a rich neighbor named Edgar Linton (David Niven). Heathcliff disappears for a few years but when he comes back, what more can he do? Maybe he could chase after Edgar’s sister, Isabella (Geraldine Fitzgerald)?
This film has rich performances from everyone. The fact I am saying that surprises me considering the cast had such a hard time getting along with each other. Olivier and Oberon despised each other and Oliver actually made Oberon cry several times. They both were not happy to begin with because they were separated from their loved ones in England. Of course, Oliver clashed with Wyler. In the end, we did manage to get excellent performances. Olivier, who came from a stage background, became a film star after this film’s release. His character is dark, deranged, and mostly unhinged. Oberon’s character is also not good. Catherine has a wicked heart. Ultimately, I did fall for their romance and I was rooting for them. David Niven also makes a great Edgar and I really liked the way Flora Robson told the story.
Wuthering Heights may not have the complexity as the original novel, but its still an important film regarding the difficulties of dealing with class struggle. The film has a tempestuous and stormy feeling throughout. From the production design to the excellent black-and-white cinematography, we feel the chilly grasp throughout the film and the goosebumps that will slide down your spine. And the ending! I thought the ending, although different from the book, was fantastic. I believe it is an open-ended scene that is designed for different interpretations.
This particular film is no Gone with the Wind, but it may be just as important. The quality of the film is amazing, and I do hope Wyler and his cast/crew were proud of this movie. Not bad for one of those stuffy English class novels, eh?
My Grade: A
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