Review of The Heiress (1949) by Richard D — 17 Apr 2016
Olivia de Havilland stars in an adaptation of Ruth & Augustus Goetz's play, in turn adapted from Henry James's novel "Washington Square". De Havilland is a wealthy society girl who lacks the social graces necessary to attract society boys.
Her father, Ralph Richardson, has all but abandoned the notion of marrying her off. Along comes young Montgomery Clift who takes a shining to de Havilland and woos her aggressively. Marriage is offered and accepted, but Richardson bitterly opposes it thinking Clift to be only after their money .
.. this leads to a series of rather stunning betrayals. I love this film. Wyler made this during his artistic peak and it shows. Clift is coming off his breakthrough role in "Red River" and is in top form.
He apparently bitterly disliked de Havilland and her Hollywood acting style, but it doesn't show.
This review of The Heiress (1949) was written by Richard D on 17 Apr 2016.
The Heiress has generally received very positive reviews.
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