THE HEIRESS (1949) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - William Wyler

Written by - Ruth Goetz, Augustus Goetz (based on the novel by Henry James)

Starring - Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson

"The wealthy daughter of a surgeon who has never received much attention or affection meets a young man who claims to love her. But her cold hearted father, convinced that the young man is only after her money, does everything in his power to destroy the relationship.  This film is a memorable gripping tale that starts off somewhat light heartedly and gets heavier and hauntingly dramatic in a spellbinding way. Wyler’s direction also ensures a certain level of glamour, from the elegance of the dialogue to the sophistication of the settings. The acting is simply sublime; de Havilland’s performance as the shy and insecure wealthy young woman is simply perfect, and evenly matched by Clift’s romantic young male character and Richardson’s cold hearted father figure."

Period Drama, USA