The saddest character, the saddest scene…
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don-lockwood — 15 years ago(July 10, 2010 09:26 PM)
Sure, definitely. This was a really well made film and still engaging more than 70 years after its release. But I do think it's dated and probably oversimplifies the novel. Cathy is such a bitch, and the film makes her reasons for not choosing Heathcliff, and continually rejecting him, seem very superficial.
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Tamooshka72 — 15 years ago(September 30, 2010 07:11 PM)
Too many sad scenes to pick a standout, IMO, but I will say this one is near the top, and Geraldine Fitzgerald's performance never ceases to astound meshe has so few scenes, but her interpretation of the character is very fleshed out and is the only one that doesn't seem the slightest bit "stagey." Mind you, there isn't a sub par performance in this picture, but hers is thoroughly modern. I watched this film again tonight and thought for the dozenth time, that woman's so
real
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jschillig — 15 years ago(November 16, 2010 03:39 PM)
You think it's sad in this movietry the book. In the movie, Heathcliff's treatment of Isabella seems to be no more than neglect and indifference, with her pain coming from the realization that he never loved her.
In the book, however, where Heathcliff's more of a villain and less of a brooding Byronic sort, Heathcliff flat-out abuses her, taking out his hatred of Edgar and the Linton family on her. The 1992 Ralph Fiennes version doesn't shy away from this, showing Isabella with a black eye and split lip.
What's more, in a BBC version that was shown on PBS sometime in the late nineties/early 00s, Heathcliff is shown RAPING Isabella on their wedding night.
Not that this makes the 1939 movie any easier on Isabella, but man -
grumpyoldguy1 — 13 years ago(June 09, 2012 10:08 AM)
I had the pleasure of meeting Geraldine Fitzgerald st a 50th anniversary showing of Wuthering Heights here in Michigan (hosted by AMC). She was in her seventies and still a lovely lady. And gracious enough to chat with me for a while. And I concur that the scene discussed above was not only the saddest but possibly the most "real" scene in the film. A fine actress and a "class act."
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snsurone — 13 years ago(July 23, 2012 04:21 PM)
With apologies to my fellow "Windies", I truly believe that the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress should have gone to Miss Fitzgerald.
I'm sorry, but IMHO, Hattie McDaniel's performance seems today to be dated and stereotyped, while Geraldine's is as fresh today as it was in 1939.
That's my opinion.