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Wuthering Heights Overview:

Wuthering Heights (1939) was a Drama - Romance Film directed by William Wyler and produced by Samuel Goldwyn.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Emily Brontë published in 1847.

SYNOPSIS

Classic Hollywood's most enduring romance is a sumptuously rendered adaptation of Bronte's 1847 novel. The story of eternal lovers Cathy and Heathcliff (Oberon and Olivier) begins in their childhood. Gypsy boy Olivier and manor-born Oberon become playmates and soul mates as they spend the years frolicking in their imaginary castle among the heather. As they grow to adulthood, jealousy drives Olivier away and ambition drives Oberon into the arms of Niven. Olivier returns a wealthy man, but possessed of a desire for revenge. Knowing Oberon loves him, he lovelessly marries Niven's sister (Fitzgerald), dooming them both to lives of bitterness. But the lovers are reconciled and make a pact to be together for eternity as Oberon slips into death. Beautifully photographed by Toland, with Wyler's characteristic care in composition and performances.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Wuthering Heights was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2007.

Academy Awards 1939 --- Ceremony Number 12 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorLaurence OlivierNominated
Best Supporting ActressGeraldine FitzgeraldNominated
Best Art DirectionJames BaseviNominated
Best DirectorWilliam WylerNominated
Best PictureSamuel Goldwyn ProductionsNominated
Best WritingCharles MacArthur, Ben HechtNominated
See More Oscar Winners

Wuthering Heights BlogHub Articles:

WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1970)

By Dan Day, Jr. on Dec 17, 2022 From The Hitless Wonder Movie Blog

This film version of Emily Bronte's novel is covered in John Hamilton's book on the English productions of American International Pictures, WITCHES, BITCHES AND BANSHEES. The book inspired me to seek out the film and watch it. I have to say that I've never read Emily Bronte's novel, and I've never e... Read full article

Wuthering Heights (1939): Death Be My Destiny

By 4 Star Film Fan on Aug 27, 2019 From 4 Star Films

It’s almost instantly reasonable to clump this cinematic adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights with other contemporary pictures swirling with gothic menace like Rebecca, Suspicion, and Jane Eyre. The latter film, of course, is based off the novel of another of the Bronte Sister... Read full article

Watching 1939: Wuthering Heights (1939)

on Feb 7, 2019 From Comet Over Hollywood

In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them. As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, th... Read full article

Great films of 1939: "Wuthering Heights" September 3 at the Daystar Center

By Stephen Reginald on Sep 2, 2016 From Classic Movie Man

Great films of 1939: "Wuthering Heights" September 3 at the Daystar Center Great films of 1939: Wuthering Heights Where: The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State Street, Chicago, IL When: September 3, 2016 Time: 6:45 p.m. Hosted by Stephen Reginald Wuthering Heights (1939) is the ta... Read full article

Wuthering Heights (1939) (2)

By Beatrice on Jan 23, 2014 From Flickers in Time

Wuthering Heights Directed by William Wyler Written by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht based on the novel by Emily Brontë 1939/USA The Samuel Goldwyn Company First viewing/Warner Home Video DVD #131 of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die This is a beautiful looking film and Laurence Olivier bec... Read full article

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Wuthering Heights Quotes:

Heathcliff: I want to crawl to her feet, whimper to be forgiven... for loving me. For needing her more than my own life... for belonging to her more than my own soul.
Cathy: You're very grand, Heathcliff. So handsome. Looking at you tonight I could not help but remember how things used to be.
Heathcliff: They used to be better.
Cathy: Don't pretend life hasn't improved for you.
Heathcliff: Life has ended for me... (pause) How can you stand here beside me and pretend not to remember? Not to know that my heart is breaking for you? That your face is the wonderful light burning in all this darkness?
Hindley: If she's run off with that gypsy scum, let her run. Let her run through storm and Hell. They're birds of a feather and the Devil can take them both. Now, get me a bottle.
Cathy: I told you, Ellen. When he went away that night in the rain, I told you I belonged to him, that he was my life, my being.
Dr. Kenneth: Ask your husband to call another doctor in future. Whoever dwells in this house is beyond my healing arts.
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Wuthering Heights Facts
In a departure from the novel, there is an afterlife scene in which we see Heathcliff and Cathy walking hand in hand, visiting their favorite place, Penistone Crag. Wyler hated the scene and didn't want to do it but Samuel Goldwyn vetoed him on that score. Goldwyn subsequently claimed, "I made "Wuthering Heights", Wyler only directed it."
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on September 14, 1954 with Geraldine Fitzgerald reprising her film role.
In the final sequence, the spirits of Heathcliff and Cathy are seen walking their favorite pathway. This was added after filming was complete, and because Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon had already moved on to other projects, doubles had to be used.
Ronald Colman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Robert Newton were all considered for the part of Heathcliff.
Samuel Goldwyn later claimed that this was his favorite production.
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