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Wuthering Heights | Year: 1939 Classification: Drama Directed: - William Wyler - Suri Krishnamma Actors/Actresses: - Uliette Binoche - Merle Oberon - Laurence Olivier - Erika Christensen - Mike Vogel Can't Wait For The DVD Re-Issue Yes, this reviewer has read the book and thinks that without a doubt this film version of Bronte's novel is at its romantic best. This story ends where part two of the book begins, the death of Cathy. The underlying themes of love, hate, and redemption are indeed threaded throughout this film. This movie perfectly captures the intense moodiness of the characters and the English moors, in addition to the class distinctions that made life hell for those who were 'dark skinned' gypsies. Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberson are just beautiful to watch as the ill-fated lovers. This film is not the book, few Hollywood films are, however this small fact of genre difference do not distract from one of Hollywoods better film adaptations. A re-issue of Wuthering Heights (1939) is rumored to be on the way sometime this year (03)... MY FAVOURITE LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME This Goldwyn classic from 1939 is a superior piece of motion picture craftmanship; William Wyler's direction is very evident and the performances are uniformly superb. Laurence Oliver credited Wyler for teaching him particular lessons neccesary in the art of screen acting and his performance as the tortured Heathcliff is nothing less than magnificent! Although less brilliant in the acting department, Merle Oberon's portrait of Cathy is effective; she's exquisite with her exotic looks and essentially effective in being selfish and mixed-up concerning her feelings towards her part- Gypsy friend whom she's loved since childhood (as children, they would make-believe on the Yorkshire moors together.) Flora Robson is memorable as the long-suffering servant Ellen and Geraldine is very good as Isabella (a role Vivien Leigh turned down because of it's supporting nature) David Niven is ideal as milquetoast Edgar Linton. The ghostly finale still packs a wallop, so be forewarned, and keep the tissues handy! Many criticise this version for stopping at chapter 17 of the wildly haunting original Bronte classic, yet few can deny it's a beautiful photoplay; the "moors" were actually filmed in Ventura County, California where tons of imported heather was transplanted especially for the film; this was Samuel Goldwyn's personal favourite of all his movies. Pure movie magic Does it really matter that this was released in 1939? What about the cheap production values, weak set construction, dated acting, primitive cinematography and low-budget sound editing? No, the fact is that it still can't be done better today. Olivier, Oberon, Niven and Wyler made a movie masterpiece that stands up remarkably well today despite numerous TV broadcasts and big budget remakes. The original is still the best. Watch for yourself. Within just a few minutes you won't be able to stop. Buy Wuthering Heights at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Wuthering Heights Search with the Priority Search Engine on Wuthering Heights This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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