Wuthering Heights

Released Apr 13, 1939

1h 43m

Romance

List

96%

25 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this adaptation of the classic Emily Bronte novel set in 19th-century England, wealthy young Cathy Earnshaw (Merle Oberon) shares a loving bond with Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), a poor childhood friend who now works in her stables. Unfortunately, things become complicated when the affluent Edgar Linton (David Niven) decides to pursue Cathy, and Heathcliff leaves out of resentment. Though Heathcliff returns with a self-made fortune, he realizes he may have lost Cathy in his absence.

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Critics Consensus

Sumptuous design and perfect casting makes Wuthering Heights an exemplar of old Hollywood studio filmmaking, even if to a fault.

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Ebony C

As a lover of the book this movie wasn't great. Entirely deleting 3 main characters, taking many liberties with the story and creating brand new plot devices instead of those from the books is maddening. Heathcliff slapping Cathy (oh my god) and Cathy not being elated at his return grieved me the most. Having said all of that, the film making was impeccable and the for the most part the casting was good. If you look at the movie to stand alone from the book then it worth the watch. Knowing the story as well as I do though, it is really quite distracting.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/18/23

Full Review

MissMK -

One of my all-time favorite movies since I was a little girl. My Grandmother was a big movie buff and introduced me to so many classics that are forever embedded into how I gauge and interpret films. It also made me want to act at a young age. Everyone's performance in this was so believable and full of every emotion needed to be perceived in each scene. The father's love but detachment, her brother's depression, her confusion and war of emotions within herself. Societal issues and more.... If you haven't watched this original yet, get to it. It's a story you will not forget.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/23

Full Review

acsdoug D

Bronte's story is not one of my favorites, but this is an excellent production, although because they cut out the second half of the book the ending feels rather rushed.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/03/23

Full Review

IBA A

My favourite Actor of all time. LAWERENCE OLIVIER 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Kyle M

A romantic classic that intrigues unconventionally, and subtly mysteriously in post-thought realization within the connective theming that was narratively forewarned, as director William Wyler sympathizes with the source material than just adapting a timeless tale of wealth soulful corruption imprinting cursedly and haunted love resisting the truest notion by mutual guilt. Unique, unexpected resonance from this picture that defies expectations thanks to the cast's exceptional performances bringing the brilliantly written script to something inspirationally Shakespearean by tonal deliverance. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/13/22

Full Review

isla s

First off, there's an awful lot of very shaky camerawork in this film, so if that annoys you then I'd recommend you stay clear of this film. Not just that but also a lot is filmed in darkness or otherwise low light - I imagine it was written that scenes occur in the dark and some may say that makes it atmospheric but it also adds to a sort of disorientating feel. Its a sad story, of course and the film doesn't shy away from the harshness, so there is violence, scenes of torture (although I wouldn't say there's excessive graphic depictions, its mostly implied but all the same, it doesn't leave too much to the imagination) etc. Its a somewhat moody film, as it should be given the story I guess but suffice to say it didn't overly appeal to me. I felt a bit confused about some plot aspects. I know its more famous as a classic novel/classic literature and suffice to say I haven't read the novel but I didn't find myself entirely intrigued or moved by this film really. I did think it was perhaps surprising how much of a rebel the Heathcliff character was, given the time its set in but then maybe thats unfair of me to think that?. This isn't an especially bad film but you'd have to be in the right mood for it and even then, you may not fully grasp the intricacies of the plot, which would be a shame, so I don't entirely rate this. I'd only recommend this if your familiar with the full story and you feel particularly keen to watch it, then it may be worth seeing, otherwise not so much.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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William Wyler

Director

Merle Oberon

Cathy Earnshaw

Laurence Olivier

Heathcliff

David Niven

Edgar Linton

Flora Robson

Ellen

Donald Crisp

Dr. Kenneth

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100%

67%

Intermezzo

20%

48%

Anthony Adverse

83%

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 4/5

Jun 19, 2003

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Emily Bronte's novel tells a haunting tale of love and tragedy. Samuel Goldwyn's film version retains all of the grim drama of the book. It's heavy fare throughout.

Feb 13, 2001

Full Review

Zita Short

InSession Film

Gregg Toland’s extraordinary black and white cinematography creates a haunting, poignant effect.

Feb 1, 2023

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

As a period melodrama I find it quite moving because of the way Wyler makes notes on prejudice, social class and impossible love, with great performances and a very luminous visual style from Toland. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Jun 9, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Destined for immediate success due to a stellar cast and a powerful story based on the lauded novel.

Rated: 10/10

Aug 1, 2020

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

This tells this story about as well as you can with great chemistry and beautiful music

Feb 26, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of the classic Emily Bronte novel set in 19th-century England, wealthy young Cathy Earnshaw (Merle Oberon) shares a loving bond with Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier), a poor childhood friend who now works in her stables. Unfortunately, things become complicated when the affluent Edgar Linton (David Niven) decides to pursue Cathy, and Heathcliff leaves out of resentment. Though Heathcliff returns with a self-made fortune, he realizes he may have lost Cathy in his absence.

Director: William Wyler
Screenwriter: Charles MacArthur, Ben Hecht
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Production, United Artists
Genre: Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 13, 1939, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $593.9K
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround

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