This is a beautifully filmed movie acted beautifully by two very beautiful leads, Merle Oberon and Lawrence Olivier, and some very fine supporting actors, in particular Flora Robson as Ellen. (Robson would go on the next year to give my favorite interpretation of Elizabeth I in *The Sea Hawk". She was one great actress.)
But none of this beauty disguises the fact that it is the story of two very selfish and at times even hateful young people, Cathy and Heathcliff. No matter how beautiful the cinematography - and it is often very beautiful - how romantic the music (by Alfred Newman), and how moving the often poetic dialogue, especially over Cathy's deathbed, it was impossible, at least for me, to forget that important fact.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It's really well made. But I could only wish the worst for Cathy and her Heathcliff. May they fall over that rock at the end and suffer all the torments they had inflicted on those around them.
But none of this beauty disguises the fact that it is the story of two very selfish and at times even hateful young people, Cathy and Heathcliff. No matter how beautiful the cinematography - and it is often very beautiful - how romantic the music (by Alfred Newman), and how moving the often poetic dialogue, especially over Cathy's deathbed, it was impossible, at least for me, to forget that important fact.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It's really well made. But I could only wish the worst for Cathy and her Heathcliff. May they fall over that rock at the end and suffer all the torments they had inflicted on those around them.