Wuthering Heights

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Wuthering Heights

1939

1h 43m

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

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25 Reviews

85%

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5,000+ Ratings

In this adaptation of the classic Emily Brontë 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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Variety Staff

Variety

02/13/2001

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.

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Zita Short

InSession Film

02/01/2023

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

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

06/09/2021

7/10

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]

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

08/01/2020

10/10

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

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

02/26/2020

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

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Peter Freedman

Radio Times

05/08/2018

5/5

Had there also been an Oscar for best smouldering, Olivier would have walked it.

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke May 1

A great classic romance that holds up beautifully on repeat viewing. The story is well told by superb actors, and the look of the film is every bit as good as the rest. The sets, music, cinematography, and performances all work together. A true classic.

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Kalissa H.

@kali_416 Apr 13

The ending got me. Such a well acted scene.

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Cherry A.

@Lovemom Apr 1

I never cry in a movie. I cried a tear at the very end. Very dramatic and reminded me of the music and the emotional drama of Gone With the Wind. Truly, the classic and the best of all. I read many articles that said that and I was shockingly impressed that they were right.

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Rose M.

@rmmalone Mar 17

It was a fabulous movie!

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Blobbo X

@Blobbo Feb 22

Iconic goth love story. Amost make Blobbo blubber.

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Drew M.

@Stonehands211 Feb 15

One of the best iterations of this story. Wylers direction is on point and the two leads are absolute fire.

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William Wyler

Director

Merle Oberon

Cathy Earnshaw

Laurence Olivier

Heathcliff

David Niven

Edgar Linton

Flora Robson

Ellen

Donald Crisp

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of the classic Emily Brontë 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
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn
Screenwriter: Charles MacArthur, Ben Hecht
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: United Artists, Samuel Goldwyn Production
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