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The Heiress film image; distressed woman in evening wear staring at something offscreen

Henry James by way of a Broadway play, filmed with merciless precision by consummate studio craftsman William Wyler (The Best Years of Our Lives. Olivia de Havilland won the Oscar for playing Catherine Sloper, a shy and insecure young woman who blossoms under the courtship of handsome gentleman caller Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift). Her wealthy father, Ralph Richardson, looks on with severe skepticism. Aaron Copland contributes a fine score and Clift keeps us hoping for the best.

Wyler’s mastery of the psychological nuances can have you drawing deep breaths. It’s a peerless, super-controlled movie. Wyler’s greatness here is that he can hold the elements of the film in his palm without constricting the actors. He frees them. Montgomery Clift is just about perfect and De Havilland does her finest work ever.

Pauline Kael, The New Yorker

Director

William Wyler

Cast

Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins

Credits
Country of Origin

USA

Year

1949

Language

English

19+
115 min

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Friday June 20

4:00 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Sunday June 22

2:00 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Tuesday June 24

8:20 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
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Credits

Screenwriter

Ruth Goetz, Augustus Goetz

Cinematography

Leo Tover

Editor

William Hornbeck

Original Music

Aaron Copland

Art Director

John Meehan

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