Tired old queen at the movies

review
The Heiress

L
ove, sacrifice and revenge are the basis for William Wyler's The Heiress. Based on a adaptation of Henry James' novel; Washington Square, and set against the backdrop of pre-civil war New York, Olivia deHavilland , in an Oscar winning role, plays the rather plain and shy daughter of a successful Doctor, played by the amazing Sir Ralph Richardson.

In despair that she will ever find a husband, the doctor is surprised and threatened by the sudden appearance of a young, penniless and incredibly handsome suitor, Montgomery Clift and his ardent attempts to woo and win her. Fearing that he's a fortune hunter out for her inheritance, Richardson does everything possible to block the marriage. But true love wins out... or does it. And at what cost to all of them?

Directed with his famous attention to detail and backed by an Oscar winning score by legendary composer Aaron Copeland, The Heiress is dramatic story telling of the highest order, whose final moments and closing shot will stay with you forever. "Bolt the door, Mariah!"

Steve Hayes




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Here at ka-os|theory, Steve Hayes is regarded as a legend. He's opened up a whole world of cinematic pleasure, and fired up my appreciation of film. His enthusiasm is infectious, electrifying, and unfailingly on point. The films he recommends are always worth seeing, and several have become firm favourites. If you have even a passing interest in movies, watch a couple of reviews. They're fun, funny, and you'll be intrigued. As he says, "Trust the tired old movie queen, this is terrific!"


(Syndication is with the kind permission of Steve Hayes. I'd recommend that readers check out his YouTube channel and explore his reviews. Discover the joy of vintage cinema - I did!)

2 comments:

Moanerplicity said...

This is one of the greats & anyone who hasn't seen it is missing a true gem. Clift was at his romantic idol zenith in this film. Difficult to NOT be swayed into hypnotically falling for someone so poetically beautiful & seemingly sensitive as he was back then. Few women, except for maybe a young Elizabeth Taylor, seemed to match him in terms of physical appeal... cuz he was waaaay prettier & infinitely more interesting to watch than his costars. Olivia (good actress but never one of my faves) had the biggest dramatic arc, & you feel for her throughout the pic... but that final scene is downright BRUTAL. It didn't squeeze tears from my eyes, but damn, it was so cold!

Definitely a classic, in every sense of the word.

One.

KAOS said...

How exciting! I haven't seen this one - I bought a batch of earlier Tired Old Queen recommendations recently, in fact, I'll be watching Joan Crawford's Sudden Fear after I write this - but I'll definitely be getting it ASAP.

I wish I had more friends who were into these films - it's so much more fun in company...

 
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