Wuthering Heights

The 1939 film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights, directed by William Wyler, delivers a sweeping romantic drama set amongst the windswept moors of 19th century England. This movie version of the timeless classic stars Merle Oberon as the refined and beautiful Catherine Earnshaw, Laurence Olivier as the brooding and passionate Heathcliff, and David Niven as the polished and genteel Edgar Linton. Oberon, Olivier, and Niven are supported by a stellar ensemble of accomplished character actors that bring Bronte’s complex, and intriguing characters to life.

The narrative starts with the discovery of a homeless boy, Heathcliff, who’s taken in by the Earnshaw family and comes to live at the Wuthering Heights estate. Heathcliff forms a deep, and enduring bond with Catherine, the family's young daughter. Their mutual affection blossoms into a fervent, inexpressible love as they grow from childhood into young adulthood. In spite of their connection, their passion is consistently thwarted by the fierce society of the time that is dictated by class, wealth, and decorum.

Olivier as Heathcliff brings a brooding intensity and unwavering dedication that edge onto obsession, perfectly capturing the core of the character's tortured soul. His strong performance is a fantastic execution of the anarchic and determined spirit, which is an iconic portrayal of this character in cinematic history. Born into poverty and orphanhood, Heathcliff’s rise and his quest for vengeance for his thwarted love illuminate the depths of his passion.

Merle Oberon’s potent performance as Catherine is both sweet and fiery. She effortlessly conveys the spirit of an impetuous, capricious young woman caught between her calling for societal respectability and her tumultuous love for Heathcliff. Her deep-rooted emotions show through her eyes as she reflects a combination of innocence, sophistication, effervescence, and underlying torment.

David Niven portrays the sophisticated Edgar Linton with incredible finesse. His character plays a pivotal role in the twisted triangle between Catherine and Heathcliff. With Niven’s nuanced performance, Edgar is as sympathetic a character as Heathcliff, illustrating the intersections of love, power, and class in this intricate narrative.

The black-and-white film beautifully captures the dark, foreboding, yet mesmerizing landscape of the Yorkshire moors. The award-winning cinematography by Gregg Toland encapsulates the raw, untamed beauty of the moors, making it an essential character within the narrative. It echoes the tumultuous emotions that oversee the characters' lives, offering an unforgettable backdrop to their passionate saga.

In a compelling sequence of scenes, the film’s director, William Wyler, laces together particular moments in the narrative which reflect the magnitude of the blighted love story. He perfectly bridges the scenic beauty of the moors with the turbulent passions between the central characters. The haunting musical score permeates the film at crucial moments building an atmosphere of tension and high drama.

Wuthering Heights remains a classic example of Hollywood's golden age, striking for its dark romanticism. The powerful performances, strong directing, and stark imagery heighten its timeless exploration of man's struggle against fate, the destructiveness of revenge, the power of love transcending social classes, and the ultimate redemption found when that love is unconditionally shared.

This 1939 adaptation of Wuthering Heights is a surreal showcase of drama, set against a haunting and beautiful landscape, bringing to life the depth of love, hate, life, and death as Bronte originally intended. It remains one of the best cinematic adaptations of Emily Bronte’s haunting novel and is perfect for a lover of classic film and literature. The remarkable performances in the movie earned it an impressive eight Academy Awards nominations, including best picture.

Wuthering Heights is more than just a film; it's an exploration of human emotions that stays with the viewer long after the final credits roll. It's a must-see cinematic masterpiece that captures the sweeping drama and dark, romantic atmosphere of Bronte’s classic novel, reminding audiences of the complexities of love and the consequences of societal restraints and divisions.