The Heiress (1949)

Set in the New York City of 1849, an aristocratic young woman (Olivia De Havilland in an Oscar winning performance) lives under the scrutiny of her overbearing father (Ralph Richardson). She lacks social graces and is plain in her looks. When a handsome but penniless suitor (Montgomery Clift) proposes, her father believes the man is only after her money and is against the marriage, even threatening to disinherit her. Based on the play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz which in turn was based on the novel WASHINGTON SQUARE by Henry James and directed by William Wyler (WUTHERING HEIGHTS). An excellent adaptation of the Henry James novel though the character of the suitor is softened somewhat. It's literate but accessible and if only for De Havilland's career best performance, it should be seen. De Havilland's evolvement from a mousey and timid wallflower to a heartbroken jilted girl to a cold and cruel ("I've been taught by masters") spinster is remarkable. Wyler's direction is precise and artful and there's an excellent score by Aaron Copland. With Miriam Hopkins (excellent!), Mona Freeman, Vanessa Brown and Selena Royle.