Wuthering Heights (1939)
1h 44min. // The tale narrates the misfortunes of two lovers, Cathy (Merle Oberon) and Heathcliff (Sir Laurence Olivier), who share a profound love for each other. However, circumstances and prejudice force them to lead separate lives. When Cathy’s father, Mr. Earnshaw (Cecil Kellaway), takes Heathcliff in as an abandoned child, they meet for the first time as children. After Mr. Earnshaw’s death, Hindley (Hugh Williams), Cathy’s brother and now the estate’s master, throws Heathcliff out, leaving him to work as a stable boy with the servants. The class division creates a barrier between them, leading Cathy to eventually wed her wealthy neighbor, Edgar Linton (David Niven), and Heathcliff to disappear. Years later, he returns wealthy, but there is little that can be done to bridge the gap.
Directed by: William Wyler
Writing Credits: Charles MacArthur (screenplay), Ben Hecht (screenplay), Emily Brontë (novel)
Starring: Merle Oberon (as Cathy), Laurence Olivier (as Heathcliff) and David Niven (as Edgar)
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Awards:
WON. Faro Island Film Festival 1939. Best Actor. Laurence Olivier.
WON. National Board of Review, USA 1939. Best Acting. Geraldine Fitzgerald.
WON. National Board of Review, USA 1939. Best Acting. Laurence Olivier.
WON. National Board of Review, USA 1939. Top Ten Films.
WON. New York Film Critics Circle Awards 1939. Best Film.
WON. Photoplay Awards 1939. Best Performances of the Month (June). Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier.
WON. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Cinematography, Black-and-White. Gregg Toland.
WON. National Film Preservation Board, USA 2007.
NOMINATED. Faro Island Film Festival 1939. Best Film. William Wyler.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Picture. William Wyler.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Actor in a Leading Role. Laurence Olivier.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Geraldine Fitzgerald.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Director. William Wyler.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Writing, Screenplay. Charles MacArthur, Ben Hecht.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Art Direction. James Basevi.
NOMINATED. Academy Awards, USA 1940. Best Music, Original Score. Alfred Newman.
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