The Heiress
US (1949): Drama
In this 1949 dramatization of Henry James's Washington Square, Olivia de Havilland is the plain but presentable spinster who lives with her domineering father (Ralph Richardson). What she lacks in looks she makes up for in wealth, and soon finds herself the object of much attention by Montgomery Clift. At the heart of this drama is the question of his possibly mercenary agenda. De Havilland does not seem to care one way or the other, but her father cannot believe any man would love her for any reason but her wealth. This version, adapted by Augustus and Ruth Goetz from their play, does not stray too far from the novel. It is a masterpiece that reveals both suppressed anger within a family and the suppression of women in the 19th century. Cast also includes Miriam Hopkins, Vanessa Brown, Betty Linley, Ray Collins, Mona Freeman, Selena Royle and Paul Lees. It was remade and updated with an oddly feminist twist in 1997 under the novel's original title. (Amazon.com)
8 nominations, 4 Awards
· Best Actress 1949: Olivia de Havilland
· Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Black and White) 1949: John Meehan - Art Director - Art Direction, Harry Horner - Art Direction, Emile Kuri - Set Decoration
· Best Costume Design (Black and White) 1949: Edith Head, Gile Steele
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) 1949: Aaron Copland
· Best Picture 1949: William Wyler, producer. (Paramount)
· Supporting Actor 1949: Ralph Richardson
· Directing 1949: William Wyler
· Cinematography (Black and White) 1949: Leo Tover