Click here to copy URL

The Heiress

8.1

7,278

Ratings

Add to lists

Pro reviews

Links

1 Related Movies

Remake:

Washington Square

Original title

The Heiress

Year

1949

Running time

115 min.

Country

United States

Director

William Wyler

Screenwriter

Ruth Goetz, Augustus Goetz. Novel: Henry James

Cast

Music

Aaron Copland

Cinematography

Leo Tover (B&W)

Producer

Universal Pictures

Genre

Drama. Romance | 19th Century. Melodrama. Romantic Drama

Movie Groups

Henry James Adaptations

Synopsis

Catherine Sloper is a shy and backwards young woman who lives with her father, Dr. Austin Sloper, in 1849 New York. By all accounts Catherine's mother was a beautiful and graceful creature with the charm of queens. Catherine never knew her mother since she died while in childbirth, but her father often reminds her of all the things her mother was and that she is not. Catherine inherited a great deal of money after her mother passed and will inherit twice as much more at the passing of her father. So, when a poor but handsome and well-bred man, Morris Townsend, begins to court Catherine, her father becomes suspicious that he must be after her money. After all, Catherine is plain and boring. What could she possibly offer to this young man - other than her money?

Rankings Position

#8 Best Romantic Movies in the history of film
#17 Best Movies of the '40s
#68 Best US Movies of all time
#84 Best Drama Movies
#112 Best Movies in the history of film

Show 5 rankings

Awards: 1949: 4 Academy Awards: Actress (Havilland), Art Dir. B&W, Costume Design, OST

1949: Golden Globes: Best Actress (Havilland). 3 Nom., including Best Director

1949: New York Film Critics Circle: Best Actress (Havilland). 2 Nominations

1949: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Nominated for Best Drama Screenplay

1949: National Board of Review (NBR): nominated to Top Films (In alphabetical order).

Show all

Critics' reviews

Movie Soulmates' ratings: Register so you can access movie recommendations tailored to your movie taste.
Friends' ratings: Register so you can check out ratings by your friends, family members, and like-minded members of the FA community.

Ranking Lists Position

87 My Favorite Romantic Dramas (54)

Is the synopsis/plot summary missing? Do you want to report a spoiler, error or omission? Please send us a message.
If you are not a registered user please send us an email to [email protected]

All copyrighted material (movie posters, DVD covers, stills, trailers) and trademarks belong to their respective producers and/or distributors.

For US ratings information please visit: www.mpaa.org www.filmratings.com www.parentalguide.org

The Heiress

User history