The Heiress

Director: William Wyler William Wyler

Overview

In this film, Catherine Sloper is the plain-Jane daughter of a wealthy widower. Catherine is not only unattractive but lacks most of the social graces. When Catherine falls in love with handsome young Morris Townsend, she believes her love is reciprocated, why else would Morris be so affectionate towards her?

Product Details

Release Date:	02/06/2007
UPC:	0025193236722
Original Release:	1949
Rating:	NR
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[B&W]
Language:	English
Time:	1:56:00
Sales rank:	889

Special Features

Exclusive introduction by Turner Classic Movies host and film historian Robert Osborne; Theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Olivia de Havilland	Catherine Sloper
Montgomery Clift	Morris Townsend
Ralph Richardson	Dr. Austin Sloper
Miriam Hopkins	Lavinia Penniman
Vanessa Brown	Maria
Mona Freeman	Marian Almond
Ray Collins	Jefferson Almond
Betty Linley	Mrs. Mongomery
Selena Royle	Elizabeth Almond
Paul Lees	Arthur Townsend
Harry Antrim	Mr. Abeel
Russ Conway	Quintus
David Thursby	Geier
Aaron Copland	Composer
Nan Boardman	French Maid
Jack Chefe	French Waiter
Marcel de la Brosse	French Porter
Ray de Ravenne	French Waiter
Lester Dorr	Groom
Arthur Dulac	French Bellboy
Donald Kerr	Fish Peddler
Louise Lorimer	Dr. Sloper's Secretary
Albert Pollet	French Porter
Loulette Sablon	French Maid
Ralph Sanford	Captain of the Castle Queen
Douglas Spencer	Minister

Technical Credits

Augustus Goetz

Henry James

William Wyler	Director,Producer
Augustus Goetz	Screenwriter,Screenwriter
Gordon Jennings	Special Effects
Henry James	Screenwriter
Leon Becker	Sound Effects

Editorial Reviews

The Heiress was the top of the line in production values for early 1950s studio films, from William Wyler's sharp direction to the costumes of Edith Head. The entire cast is excellent, particularly Olivia de Havilland, who makes believable the transition of her title character from weak-willed spinster to a much stronger person at the story's conclusion. World War II had forever changed the role of women in U.S. society, and The Heiress, in the guise of a period drama, carried the theme of women's increasing power in the postwar years. This is just one of several films from the era that were thus both excellent dramas and interesting allegories. The film won four Oscars, including de Havilland and Head, a team of set designers, and composer Aaron Copland.