Wuthering Heights (1939)

An abandoned orphan Gypsy boy Heathcliff (Rex Downing as child, Laurence Olivier as adult) is taken in by a well-to-do 19th century English family, the Earnshaws (Cecil Kellaway as the father) on the isolated moors. He becomes their stable boy and falls in love with the family's spoiled young daughter Catherine Earnshaw (Sarita Wooten as child), his childhood friend. The beautiful Cathy (Merle Oberon as adult) is desperately in love with Heathcliff, but because of his low birth begins seeing a wealthy neighbor's son. Heathcliff leaves during a misunderstanding and with driving ambition later returns moderately wealthy, discovering that she has married rich Edgar Linton (David Niven), in spite of her passionate love for him. In revenge, he spitefully marries Edgar's naive sister Isabella (Geraldine Fitzgerald) and then neglects her. The long-suppressed passionate feelings that they have had for each other continue to torment them as haunted, star-crossed lovers. Product Description

Does not follow the book, yet is good in it's own way

I have read the book several times. No this movie does not follow the book, but I still really like the movie. The story was shortened and made more romantic for hollywood. Few movies do justice to the books they are based on, so I go into it thinking it's more "inspired by" then a true representation. I love this movie. September 16, 2008

STILL THE BEST VERSION

At last count, I believe there are about 11 versions of this classic story on film. None can compare to the original 1939 version.
Who can forget Alfred Newman's Oscar nominated score. May 8, 2008

Ultimate Love Story

This is the perfect movie for people who love old romantic movies.
An absolute classic. April 27, 2008

what else can be said of a classic

except - Cathy, get your head out of your ear. Good grief woman, grow up and give the guy a break. A lovely old classic and worth watching, over and over. April 23, 2008

Just not my cup of tea. Some say this is a classic.

But what do I know? I do know old movies. This one feels old. Of course it was made in that greatest of all movie making years, 1939. GWTW, Oz, Young Mr. Lincoln, Dark Victory etc. etc. It's an overwrought mellow drama that really doesn't do the book any favors. How could it? Great acting doesn't make a great movie. Olivier, Fitzgerald, Oberon. Pretty good cast. I always like David Niven. He's the fussy Edgar, too stupid to know that he should not marry Oberon's Debbie. Olivier's Heathcliff turns into a real bastard. There's really no one to care for.
several of the cast die. So what? See it if you must, for the acting. I did & nearly fell asleep. February 20, 2008

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