Wuthering Heights Overview:

Wuthering Heights (1939) was a Drama - Romance Film directed by William Wyler and produced by Samuel Goldwyn.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Emily Brontė published in 1847.

SYNOPSIS

Classic Hollywood's most enduring romance is a sumptuously rendered adaptation of Bronte's 1847 novel. The story of eternal lovers Cathy and Heathcliff (Oberon and Olivier) begins in their childhood. Gypsy boy Olivier and manor-born Oberon become playmates and soul mates as they spend the years frolicking in their imaginary castle among the heather. As they grow to adulthood, jealousy drives Olivier away and ambition drives Oberon into the arms of Niven. Olivier returns a wealthy man, but possessed of a desire for revenge. Knowing Oberon loves him, he lovelessly marries Niven's sister (Fitzgerald), dooming them both to lives of bitterness. But the lovers are reconciled and make a pact to be together for eternity as Oberon slips into death. Beautifully photographed by Toland, with Wyler's characteristic care in composition and performances.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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Wuthering Heights was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2007.

Academy Awards 1939 --- Ceremony Number 12 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorLaurence OlivierNominated
Best Supporting ActressGeraldine FitzgeraldNominated
Best Art DirectionJames BaseviNominated
Best DirectorWilliam WylerNominated
Best PictureSamuel Goldwyn ProductionsNominated
Best WritingCharles MacArthur, Ben HechtNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1970)

By Dan Day, Jr. on Dec 17, 2022 From The Hitless Wonder Movie Blog

This film version of Emily Bronte's novel is covered in John Hamilton's book on the English productions of American International Pictures, WITCHES, BITCHES AND BANSHEES. The book inspired me to seek out the film and watch it. I have to say that I've never read Emily Bronte's novel, and I've never e... Read full article


Wuthering Heights (1939): Death Be My Destiny

By 4 Star Film Fan on Aug 27, 2019 From 4 Star Films

It’s almost instantly reasonable to clump this cinematic adaptation of Emily Bronte’s?Wuthering Heights with other contemporary pictures swirling with gothic menace like Rebecca, Suspicion, and Jane Eyre. The latter film, of course, is based off the novel of another of the Bronte Sisters... Read full article


Watching 1939: Wuthering Heights (1939)

on Feb 7, 2019 From Comet Over Hollywood

In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them.?As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, tha... Read full article


1001 Classic Movies: Wuthering Heights

By Amanda Garrett on Oct 6, 2017 From Old Hollywood Films

Wuthering Heights (1939) is one of the 1001 classic movies you should see. This literary adaptation stars Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon as a couple whose love transcends death. Each week, I'm going to recommend a classic movie you should see (for the reasons behind the 1001 series and revie... Read full article


Great films of 1939: "Wuthering Heights" September 3 at the Daystar Center

By Stephen Reginald on Sep 2, 2016 From Classic Movie Man

Great films of 1939: "Wuthering Heights" September 3 at the Daystar Center Great films of 1939: Wuthering Heights Where: The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State Street, Chicago, IL When: September 3, 2016 Time: 6:45 p.m. Hosted by Stephen Reginald Wuthering Heights (1939) is the ta... Read full article


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Quotes from

Lockwood: I?m Lost? I? Can I get a guide from amongst your lads?
Heathcliff: No, you cannot. I?ve only got one and he?s needed here.
Lockwood: Well, then I have to stay ?til morning.
Heathcliff: Do as you please.


Dr. Kenneth: Hindley, why don't you hit yourself over the head with a hammer when you wake up every morning?
Hindley: Why?
Dr. Kenneth: Well, if you do, you'll achieve virtually the same results as you do with a bottle of whiskey, with much less wear and tear on the kidneys.


Earnshaw: Children, you may as well learn here and now that you must share what you have with others not as fortunate as yourselves.


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Facts about

The film only depicts sixteen of the novel's thirty-four chapters and is set in 19th century instead of 1771-1801.
The film was not a big financial success when first released. It had to be re-released years later to earn a profit.
'David Niven' dreaded the film not only because he was playing a thankless, secondary role, but because he dreaded working with William Wyler again. Merle Oberon was uncomfortable working with Niven after their year long love affair ended in 1936.
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Best Picture Oscar 1939











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National Film Registry

Wuthering Heights

Released 1939
Inducted 2007
(Sound)




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Also directed by William Wyler




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Also produced by Samuel Goldwyn




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