The Heiress (DVD, 2007, Universal Cinema Classics)

Olivia De Havilland won her 2nd Best Actress Academy Award for this movie, in which she plays the title character Catherine Sloper--at first a shy, plain daughter of a doctor in 1840s New York's Washington Square. She has lived her whole life in the shadow of her deceased mother, who was adored by her father. And he never lets her forget it! The doctor, played by Ralph Richardson, (who later played Tonia's father in Doctor Zhivago) has never gotten over the death of his wife but is concerned that his daughter has no suitors. Still, he contributes to Catherine's shyness because of his constant downgrading of her social abilities.

Enter Mildred Hopkins, whom nobody seems to notice. She is like the Aunt Pittypat of "Gone With the Wind." She is Dr. Sloper's widowed sister, Aunt Lavinia, who arrives to grieve but gets involved with Catherine's dilemma of having no suitors. When Catherine's cousin gets engaged to Arthur Townsend, his cousin Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift) shows interest in the socially aloof Catherine and with hardly any courtship proposes to her. Dr. Sloper is right on the money when he insinuates that Morris is a gigolo--he has squandered a small inheritance by traveling in Europe and has no job. But Catherine, who now has a suitor, believes the best in Morris. And so does Aunt Lavinia.

The climax of the movie shows Catherine all in love and blooming with confidence at last. She kisses Morris with gusto and plans an elopement. WOW what a switch! But what happens next I won't tell. There is a second climax at the end which compliments the first climax.

Ralph Richardson also was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this movie. Mildred Hopkins should have been nominated, as she always plays a character with lots of personality. Aaron Copland won an Oscar for Best Score. The haunting song played by Montgomery Clift on the piano in the movie resonates throughout the movie. It goes something like this: The thrill of love lasts but a short time, but the pain of love lasts a lifetime. I think that this is the theme of this movie.

This movie stars Olivia de Haviland and Montogery Clift. Olivia's character is "The Heiress" and Montogomery may or may not be after her money through a quick marriage. This is a classic movie you can watch over and over again. Both Olivia and Montogomery give very stong performances as well as the rest of the supporting cast. I always liked Olivia's performances in the past, but after seeing this movie, which she follows in Bette Davis' shoes by not looking her best, I now try and see everything she ever starred in.

Probable considered a chick flick but well worth the time any night.

Olivia de Havilland won best actress Academy Award for her part in this movie which kept my attention from beginning to end.
Montgomery Clift was the actor at his very best and excellent story .

I waited for a longggggg time for this to come out on DVD all time classic favorite... I have seen it maybe 50 times and never get tired! also there is a more recent version too which is just as lovely... called of course Washington Square for which the original book the movies were formed! get it is WONDERFUL!

This talent cup overflows! I bought this movie because of DeHavilland's talent (Gone With the Wind). The extra bonus, Cliff, Hopkins, Richardson. Also, I enjoy period pieces and black and white movies very much. Catherine is not truly loved by her father. I think he tries to love her, however, she falls short of his impossibly high expectations. He does not have within his heart the natural affection and compassion a "real" father would have for his child. There are more reasons to pity him than Catherine.

If not for her aunts she would totally be without love.

Morris, oh my, how do I describe Morris? Greedy, self centered, a fool.

Great movie, I highly recommend it.