If it weren't for Gregg Toland, there would be no CITIZEN KANE or THE LITTLE FOXES. With his unique, acute, textured treatments of light and shadow which transcend well beyond the black and white media, he creates palpable tableaux in which characters meet, interact, and pave the way for these timeless stories. Needless to say, he is the true star of William Wyler's WUTHERING HEIGHTS. In bringing such attention to detail, Emily Bronte's classic novel becomes a living, breathing creation drenched in the Gothic atmosphere that was its very raison d'etre. A rare thing, indeed.
The story is well-known. A traveller named Lockwood comes upon this dark house and is given shelter and care by the housekeeper, Ellen Dean. During his stay there she discloses the tragic events which have taken place in Wuthering Heights. It so happens that the place was owned by a Mr. Earnshaw, who brought a young gypsy boy, Heathcliff, to the house to live with his family comprised of his son and daughter, Hindley and Catherine. While Hindley takes an immediate dislike to Heathcliff, Catherine reacts as a friend and both form a fateful bond that turns into an explosive, untamed love which is tied to the moors itself. However, she is slated to marry Edgar Linton and cannot see herself wed to Heathcliff, who leaves Wuthering Heights. Later on he returns, now a wealthy man, buys the Heights from Hindley, marries Edgar's sister Isabella, and systematically ruins both his, his wife's, and Catherine's lives.
Wyler's adaptation of the novel stops midway from the entire story and decides to focus on the first generation. In doing so, I think, it somehow dilutes the fact that love can conquer time, but even so, it's a minor complaint. Laurence Olivier is Heathcliff from head to toe. Merle Oberon falters a bit -- while full of the dark looks that Catherine most likely is thought of she lacks some life within her. Vivien Leigh would have brought much needed rebelliousness and emotional gravitas to the role. Understated, but effective, is Geraldine Fitzgerald who was Oscar nominated for her performance as Isabella. The last scene, featuring Cathy and Heathcliff, reunited, walking hand in hand across the moors, is the one terrible spot -- hokey and lame. Even so, this is the adaptation that time has considered to be the closest to the novel in essence, as subsequent versions have been made, all with varying results.
The story is well-known. A traveller named Lockwood comes upon this dark house and is given shelter and care by the housekeeper, Ellen Dean. During his stay there she discloses the tragic events which have taken place in Wuthering Heights. It so happens that the place was owned by a Mr. Earnshaw, who brought a young gypsy boy, Heathcliff, to the house to live with his family comprised of his son and daughter, Hindley and Catherine. While Hindley takes an immediate dislike to Heathcliff, Catherine reacts as a friend and both form a fateful bond that turns into an explosive, untamed love which is tied to the moors itself. However, she is slated to marry Edgar Linton and cannot see herself wed to Heathcliff, who leaves Wuthering Heights. Later on he returns, now a wealthy man, buys the Heights from Hindley, marries Edgar's sister Isabella, and systematically ruins both his, his wife's, and Catherine's lives.
Wyler's adaptation of the novel stops midway from the entire story and decides to focus on the first generation. In doing so, I think, it somehow dilutes the fact that love can conquer time, but even so, it's a minor complaint. Laurence Olivier is Heathcliff from head to toe. Merle Oberon falters a bit -- while full of the dark looks that Catherine most likely is thought of she lacks some life within her. Vivien Leigh would have brought much needed rebelliousness and emotional gravitas to the role. Understated, but effective, is Geraldine Fitzgerald who was Oscar nominated for her performance as Isabella. The last scene, featuring Cathy and Heathcliff, reunited, walking hand in hand across the moors, is the one terrible spot -- hokey and lame. Even so, this is the adaptation that time has considered to be the closest to the novel in essence, as subsequent versions have been made, all with varying results.