Side note: I notice an odd similarity to the score and "Can't Help Falling in Love". It can be heard in part at 23:06.

The reason why Morris is punching and screaming at her door, asking for forgiveness, is because he is homeless. He lost everything so tries to return to Catherine. He doesn't love her.

"Yes, I can be very cruel, I have been taught, by masters..." perfection

I just wanted to let you know that I have a whole different take on this movie. At the end of the movie I feel she has come full circle with this man and I can see her going to the big summer House on the lake with her aunt and cousin, in deciding not to do embroidery anymore as she is going to live her life to the fullest now. She is full of Triumph and confidence . it is expressed in her face as she walks up the staircase.

Catherine's metamorphosis is one of the most startling actions ever committed to film. Almost no actor back then or now can come close to Olivia De Havilland's performance.

When you watch the film, you feel with the young protagonist and it hurts so much. She deserves the Oscar very much.

That scene when she finally stands up to her father is awesome.

My favorite line in this film is when Catherine faces down her father, and says that, in spite of what she now knows about Morris, she still feels the pain of his loss. When her father asks her how this can be, since she now knows he was only after her money, she replies icily: "What of it? I don't have any reason to think that he would have made me miserable, as you always have."

Saw this movie right before I graduated from college. The end had me screaming... I was jumping up and down and screaming. I LOVE it when a woman chooses herself !!

I love how this intelligent movie respects its viewers and leaves so much ambiguous. Does Morris really love her or not? Is she emotionally free at the end or trapped in bitterness? This is the kind of movie one can discuss at length, as evidenced by all the comments here. For me the ending, as she is walking up up the stairs with wide eyes, almost a smile, thinking to herself "I can't believe I had the strength to leave Morris behind for good" is the counterpoint to her earlier walk up the stairs when she is utterly defeated. She finishes and cuts her last needlepoint - symbolizing cutting the last thread to the past, to her father, to Morris, to their hold on her. I find the ending mostly hopeful, that even though she will likely never find love, she has found herself.

One very brief moment in this film gets to me every time. (16:00-16:25) Catherine is saying goodbye to her aunt, cousin and their young kids after a visit to the Sloper home years after her father's death. She pauses just for a moment at that little entry way where Morris first mentions their elopement in the rain years before. The memories and pain are still there.

This film is a master class in acting, directing, writing, production design, cinematography...you name it. Excellent review.

I just learned the news that Olivia DeHavilland has died at 104. Truly one of the greatest and most beloved Hollywood Stars. Her performances will be preserved for posterity in the many great films she appeared in. I hope you all get a chance to see her work.

In the end, Catherine has triumphed--she is true to herself and has beaten both her father and Morris.

I totally disagree with your synopsis of the ending. Morris comes back from California to find that the doctor has died and figured he has the opportunity to get it all this time. Remember, he left because 10k a year wasn't enough, when 30k was on the table. Now she has ALL of her father's possessions. She got her revenge in the end. She was not entombing herself, but locking out the narcissistic blood sucker, who dared to come back treating her like she was the same naive fool, he took advantage of in the past. What you are saying is coming from a man's thinking, not a woman's. Both opinions though can be proven out, and that's what makes this multifaceted gem so beautiful and rare! I believe, Morris beat on that door trying to regain, what he believes belongs to him, though it never did, like most narcissists do...

The first I have seen this film,never heard of it before.I already consider it the best movie I have ever seen.brilliant, a masterpiece .

When I first saw this film on TCM, I was amazed! I also felt badly for Catherine ultimately. Yes, the ending is tragic in that a beautiful kind spirt was extinguished and replaced by cynicism and bitterness. I also thought it sad she wouldn't leave the square when offered to go to Newport! Maybe she wouldn't meet a suitor, but at least she would have been in different surrounding for a while. She essentially became akin to Miss Haversham ( from "Great Expectations") in which she encased herself at home and rejects the world at large. Her father was at fault for idolizing his late wife (it would have been amusing if it turned out she wasn't quite as perfect as he claimed) Morris was at fault for seeing her as a cash cow to fund his whims, and even that jerk at the dance is at fault! YES! He couldn't even be decent enough to return to her when he excused himself! He just danced with someone else! That hurts no matter how you slice it. When you're treated badly for too long, or people only want you for what you have and not the kind of person you are, that is a lonely life indeed.

This movie is excellent. It feels very fresh even though it's more than 70 years old.

The entire cast is superb but it's Sir Ralph Richardson's performance that draws me to watch The Heiress over and over. Every word, every phrase, every gesture is delivered with absolute perfection in this, his first Hollywood film. Younger viewers might not know that he, along with Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud were the three most acclaimed actors of the 20th century British stage.

I disagree with "Shoot ME Reviews: In the end catherine is moving on with her life.She is forgetting Morris and her loveless father. Her father said she could do only one thing well--needlepoint. She said "this is the last needle point she will do".I think she is breaking with her past and moving on to a new life.Catherine had to let Morris go. She tested him to see if he had developed any decent quality but saw he was the same as before. She could not have accepted him like that, even to end her loneliness and fulfill her longing.I think Catherine gained her freedom from Maurice, her independence and strength, but of course it came at a price of loneliness and broken heart, finally closure.

Catherine’ was on target about Morris’ intentions. Actions speak louder than words. I don’t think Catherine was at all cruel. If she had married Morris she would have been penniless and abandoned. Maybe with children too. At least she has her fortune and can be self sufficient even though she has no mate. She wised up in the end. Why should she have let her father and Morris continue to abuse her? That’s not being cruel, that’s being smart.

Montgomery Clift was a brilliant actor. He played so many wonderful roles. I find it interesting how Olivia’s true beauty has been hidden wonderfully by her hairstyle and makeup.

After watching about 3 1/2 minutes of this commentary, I have to assert that in the beginning of the film Catherine does exhibit great insight and a sharp mind. Her comments about the other women at the committee and her comment in the carriage on the way to the party and then her comment to her Aunt as they’re sitting, right before Morris makes his introduction to them. Catherine has her father’s intelligent mind but she also has a sense of humor that is sharp but truthful.

Like how the maid repeats the command: 'bolt it? Bolt the door Mariah'... 😂😂😂 Morris can always pawn those fancy cuff links Catherine gave him...so he is not penniless.

It's strange but she reminds me a lot of Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights....both became hard after having their hearts broken. But there was some hope for Catherine at the end, whereas Heathcliff's heart was so badly broken it couldn't heal.

It’s on right now TCM Turner Classic Movies. Got to be one of my most favorite movies of all time. In the end -- that walk up the stairs. She gave the ultimate “get back”.

Brilliant film on all counts: the direction, the costumes, the score, the cinematography, and the perfs of Olivia, Ralph, and the rest of the cast. The strength of the story can enable the viewer to envision two futures for Catherine--a lonely and bitter spinster or a woman who realizes she is freedom and can f*ck the past and seek a happy future. I think the latter is plausible--the evil father is gone, the simp Morris is gone, and she has the money and youth! She could say yes to her aunt and spend the summer in Newport and get hitched to a guy who loves her and has his own money. Best scene: Catherine walks up the stairs after being jilted.

21:23 Favorite scene. That slicing remark, "You'll never know" sends chills.

I watched this with my mom last night. She changed from a wide eyed trusting girl to an aware alert woman. When she invites him & then shuts all the lights. I kept saying “ma! It’s crazy that was 1949 and it’s 2021 & the struggles of crappy guys still remain”. I thought Olivia De Havilland was adorable through out the entire movie. But her outfit in the last scene was GORGEOUS! It showed more of her neck. She had dangly earrings. It appeared to be white or a light color. Such a good movie. I’m glad I watched it ☺️ 16:30 I was cheering her on!!!

Morris fled to California to the gold fields. This movie is based on Henry James "Washington Square" which is set in New York City in the 1840s.

A year ago since I discovered The Heiress I have watched it 67 times ,the entire movie, and while I disagree with parts of this summation it it still an astute observation.

I love this movie. I won't watch no other copies. I relax to it at night most times to fall asleep. Not out of boredom but I just love it. I'm sleep after the dance and awake at the end but fall back to sleep. It's my favorite classic. R.I.P MRS. Olivia DeHavilian.⚘🙏🏿

So sad to her but she did the right thing,Moris diserved it.He dissapointed her once and would do it again and again.Such a beautiful woman in outside,so proud and full of dignity.

This is on my top all time favorite films since I saw it on TV with my Mother when I was 13. She explained how everyone reacted when she saw it for the first time at the movie Theater. Now I have the DVD and it still pulls you in. I believe you nailed why it still works when you mentioned that each scene advances the story. I also believe that the stairs are a character on its own. Thanks.

Watched this film a few days ago and having stopped thinking about it, a masterpiece in cinema and storytelling

I am a man I was born in 1976 I saw Olivie de Havilland for the first time in the movie Captain Blood from 1935. Her appearance in the film was not only the appearance of an excellent actress but also an amazing beautiful girl when she was 19 years old she was young and beautiful actually hypnotized me You can it was possible to fall in love with her without memory at first sight. This film, due to her amazing beauty, not only spiritual, but also beauty, was deep in the mine mind. As soon as the news of her death appeared, I immediately remembered her actor creation in this film. Olivio died for the world I can only write rest in peace for me and for many other fans who love your by film creations you will live forever and you will always remain in our memory Robert from Poland

Miriam Hopkins is such an underrated actress. Her supporting role in this film is great. Everything about this movie is immaculate-- I've really been getting into Wyler's films. This is one of his best, along with The Letter and The Big Country. Such a diverse director.

This Movie plot: *_“Fool Me Once.“_*

This is a great movie about how brutal life can be even among the elite. The performance of the three main actors is outstanding as they portrayed the actions and emotions of their parts. I have watched this movie a few times, it's a great story.

I saw this on tv before I read it won all those awards, and I knew it was something extraordinary.

I agree l do think that coldness rubbed off on her, and that doesn't shake off easily, such a Greek tragedy.

It says so much about Olivia De Havilland that she accepted a role as a plain Jane--and had a great influence on getting the film made. She played the role so beautifully and made the radical change in the character entirely believable. The outcome of the plot is haunting: you're never sure whether the father's initial suspicions were correct or whether they became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

That must have tested the make-up artists to the limit in an attempt to make the beautiful Olivia de Havilland look "plain".

I only discovered Olivia maybe 5 or 6 years ago but she is by far my favorite actress of the old hollywood era

I agree that Morris might have treated her quite well (even if he'd have done so only to protect what he had to lose). Also, when he comes back after his long absence, she feels he actually does love her, and it's what she thinks that counts. But she knows it's too late for her to accept him and live with herself. The betrayals of Morris and her father have taught her the meaning of Morris' song: "The joy of love lasts but a very short time. The pain of love lasts your whole life through, your whole life through." Poor woman.

I love this film, saw it on TV late one night as a teenager. It left a mark!

brilliant performance by Olivia for that era of acting. Wyler's direction allowed her full reign

BOTH STRONG AND TORTURED, SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE! MAKING MY TSHIRT NOW" YES I CAN BE VERY CRUEL, I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY MASTERS!!

A wonderful cast. All were brilliant.

You're wrong. Morris is not wealthy when he returns to Catherine. He sees the opportunity for wealth, now that Dr. Slocum is out of the picture. And her rejection of Morris is indeed triumph. Can't you see the look on her face as she climbs that stairway. It's triumphant, a direct contrast to the other time she climbed the stairs defeated.

Aunt Penniman is interesting. She knew, on some level, that Morris was out for Catherine's money, hence the comment about Catherine not "...a little more clever" in telling Morris that she intended to leave without getting her inheritance. I think Aunt Penniman wanted Morris in HER life too. She also comments on how Morris reminded her of her late husband, "...the same passionate nature..." Hmm... She kept trying to interject her presence in their lives, to the point of suggesting that she go with them on their elopement. HUH??? Morris was a user for sure. No one has commented on how his face changed when Catherine declared her independence from her father that night in the rain. Auntie was just as cruel and insensitive as Morris and Dr. Sloper. She even ignored Catherine's shock and displeasure at Morris's sudden reappearance.

I think this review is wonderful and it captures the spirit of the film. It also points out the tragedy of Catherine: she refuses to fall victim to deception, but at the very same time, becomes cruel and devoid of any faith, love or chance at a happy life. I don't think the ending is liberating. It delivers justice to Clift's character but shows us the shadow of a person Catherine has grown to be. Her cynicism and loneliness is not by virtue of how she (deservedly) treats Clift, but by the look in her eyes as she ascends the stairs. De Havilland is astounding. Chilling.

Thanks for this posting! A film favorite with it's Copland score!

I had read that Olivia DeHavilland had the suitcase weighted down with heavy books the first time Morris abandoned her so that she had that tired and weary look when she walked up the stairs.

A MASTERPIECE of a Film. They Just don't make them like this anymore. De Havilland Could Never have imagined she would live in The year 2020..Great Film.

My mother showed me this movie as a young child it made me understand her a little bit better such amazing acting

There is nothing like a good b&w NYC motion picture - regardless of the historical period ... I've enjoyed this film many times over and appreciate this review - well done.

18:00 - The way she cuts that thread with the scissors is truly hair-raising. Olivia de Havilland absolutely earned that Oscar. Thanks for the great analysis of this exquisite and heart-rending film!

Although I see the confidence in Catherine at the end of the movie, I see her eventually becoming like her father. Kind of cold. The way she treated Maria when she only complemented her on her gown. I see what her father had tried to do for Catherine, trying to make her see that Morris was not for her, although he approached it totally wrong.

My favorite actor Monty Clift I love him 🥰🥰🥰 Carole from France 🇫🇷

Fab - seamless, wonderfully selected moments - perfectly judged analysis and commentary - persuasive yet not stifling the film's multi-layered brilliance as befits Henry James' classic

Unfortunately, when a woman sees nothing but abandonment issues it is hard to continue to believe in that person over and over again. There is no more "TRUST" which once there was and no longer can be!

It's the funny thing about the movie - sometimes in the ending I think she's cut herself off from love completely, sometimes I see it as a triumph. In the book 'Washington Square' sometimes I think she's resigned herself to solitude, sometimes I think 'she's content, she's happy with what she's got'. Either way it's still a good story.

Best movie ending ever

RIP Olivia, one of the best to ever grace the silver screen. I find the last scene triumphant yet sad, the moment Catherine ascends that dark stairs she enters a dark and lonely life.

I haven't seen this movie for years as it really upset me. Katherine was a beautiful person that suffered from.the hands of her father and Morris. And I think it destroyed her. Triumphant perhaps because she was free from them, but the pain and the hurt would go on forever.

Thank you for this great review. It did allow me to see the nuance of script and performance for Monty..... That he could have possibly real affection for her..... It's left me bereft of a grounded conclusion.... Which I don't really care for- to be left hanging.... Nonetheless, grateful for your perspective... And, I actually wasn't aware of this film until Ms. De- Havilland's death. What an accomplished actress.... What a wonderful film.

I never get tried of seeing this movie 🎥. It contains great 👍 actors, along with their acting skills. I love the ending, Morris, gets left outside, knocking on the door 🚪. And Catherine, with the lamp in her hand goes up the stairs and thus begins a new chapter in her life.

Olivia de Havilland: QUEEN OF HOLLYWOOD

Aaron Copland received an Oscar for his brilliant score. He did not write "Plaisir d'amour" and had no intentions of using it in his score and was so angered that it was used that he decided not to ever compose for film again. It was either the producer's or the director's decision and was tacked on to the opening credits without Copland's knowledge. He wasn't asked at all. Seeing the entire film, the song does not fit for the opening credits, certainly. This is one superb film, though, with Olivia de Havilland and Ralph Richardson giving outstanding performances. As far as your question of triumphant or tragedy, I believe it is both. She will never marry again, certainly - she has been hardened by both men. "Taught by masters." It is rewarding for the character and for us when she turns on her father - telling him that he couldn't love her. I don't know if you have noticed, but Olivia de Havilland also lowers her voice when she says to her father, "What a thing to say to me," after he makes the comment that she "embroiders neatly." Also, I sense that her character changes after this line is spoken. Thank you, also, to William Wyler. Very well done film. I must have seen it over ten times. Gripping.

If you had compared between the two ascents up the staircase, you would have found the ending triumphant for her. First time defeated, unkempt, weary resigned and in black with a heavy burden of a suitcase after his betrayal. Ending in an elegant and light colored gown, smiling, triumphant and instead of the burden in the first scene, she is carrying light. She did not give up needlework... ending that particular canvas meant her connection to him had ended there.

I remember this movie, great acting. He ditched her.. because the money didn't come with her. Then returned penniless when the father was dead, thinking this time he would get everything including the house. She did have two master teachers ...if it had been in today's society she could have taken advantage of him for a good time, aNd a good fling. Then closed the door on him...😅😢

I like to think that after her triumph over Morris she softens in time to find someone. The character isn’t that old (early 20s) when the film ends so it’s possible. And Catherine doesn’t seem the type to remain so jaded for too long. Perhaps she finally goes to her cousin’s house one year and gets introduced to someone who genuinely cares for her. Getting past her current iciness could’ve been the subject of a second film which ends in a Hollywood happy ending. But these are just my musings. If anyone deserved a happy ending Catherine did!

I love this movie it is truly the best this is a movie that is a must have in your movie collection. It is a five star movie. Please if you don't have this movie please please please get it and give it a try and you won't be disappointed, and I love the ending truly HARDCORE!!!!!!! She handled it.

I love this movie and can identify with it, and I believe it was the tragedy of a tortured soul that evolved into a strong women

Who else could have done that great American story justice but Olivia.

The buttons given to Morris look just like the door handles when Morris is knocking at the door at the end.

Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed it.

I disagree with that assessment ,at the end when she is walking up the stairs she is happy with what she's done, taken control of her self ,she didn't settle. After watching this movie last night,4/9/2021 I feel that she would go on and go out and mingle and marry the man of her choosing ,for love, she is capable as we saw ,but careful. She wouldn't stay a lonely spinster.

What a great movie.! Olivia de Havilland is quite an actress, and the end is unexpected and really good.!!!! How wonderful to have the whole movie.!! Montgomery Clift is handsome in that movie. Catherine, the shy girl, taking revenge on her cruel father, and her lover who let her down and comes back when he learns she inherited.

Father knows best. At this time, the husband would have taken control of his wife’s property.

Outstanding review. I just watched (yet again) in two months, and man do you nail this masterpiece!

I watched it as a child without any enthusiasm but by the end I was 😳😱 Olivia deserved the oscar for this role!

Rest In Peace Miss Olivia

Thank you 😊 💓

A fantastic film about valuable life lessons.

A hurt woman can be flower, then a dying weed. And taught by masters!

What do you mean you dont know for sure how Morris feels ? The movie does an excellent job of giving us clues that he doesnt care for her and then when he deserts her it is painfully obvious.

Catherine, having been left by the previous Quintus, with the lie he is going to get some Claret cup, she does not want to lose Morris, who she thinks is using the same excuse to "get some claret cup.

O final da De Havilland subindo as escadas é estarrecedor.Soberba atuação de Havilland como a Catherine.😮

I really enjoyed your commentary on this complex film. I arrived at the same conclusion you did regarding Catherine. The years of rejection turned her into a tragic figure - cynical and hard-hearted.

Excellent review of a very complex story. So many see Catherine's ending as a triumph. But, like you, I also see it as tragedy. Catherine will no doubt live her life now feeling vindicated but it is still so tragic.

I really enjoyed the commentary. I’ve seen this movie so many times I almost know every line coming. I did think that Montgomery Clift’s acting was a little sub par.

I love this film so much, never tired to see it one more time

I hope you will do also Lady Hamilton (with Vivien Leigh), Gone with the wind, Waterloo Bridge, My Fair Lady, Cleopatra (1963), Citizen Kane, Some Like It Hot and another old movies. I've just discovered your channel, searching for a good analysis for this underrated film. I adore your way of explaining all of the stages of her tragic transformation. Lots of lines had a strong impact on me (especially the one with „I lived with you 12 years.”). The only problem I see is that shoot from the end. It scared me to death. And also that face used during the video looks really sick. But nevermind... keep on with the good work.

Thanks for this excellent reviewe. I saw this beautiful film last night, I wonder why at the end, she decided to give him the ruby ​​twins that she had brought from her trip to Europe.

Did Catherine's mother die during child birth, she doesn't seem to have any memory of her ? That would explain her father's contempt for his only child.

They both suffered from Limerence

Olivia de Havilland dominates the picture, not Ralph Richardson. I'm not sure it's fair to credit the film to Richardson as much as you do. It's a juicy part, but his success is far more contingent on her abilities than vice versa. She has the trickier part, going from naive and gentle to embittered and harsh. Not that Richardson is bad. He's fantastic and he really should've won the Oscar that year. But De Havilland carries the picture. If she had failed, like others have in past stage and film adaptations, the story would not have worked. It's conceivable that any other role but hers in the film, including that of Dr. Sloper, could've flopped and the final product still be serviceable with a capable actress playing Catherine. In your review, not much insight is given on her relationship with her aunt, who does want Catherine to be happy and rather enjoys her company - they appear to be good friends. Aunt Penniman lives vicariously through her niece and is clouded by a romantic ideal, however she still acknowledges to her brother, with the help of her sister, that "Morris can make her very happy" despite wanting the money. More than any other secondary character, she DOES want Catherine to be happy. I rather interpret it as you do, with a melancholy ending that sees her in a shuttered home. She will always have her aunts and her cousin and her nieces and nephews, relationship with them is intact. But it does seem she is destined for spinsterhood. Another point-of-view is that she emerged triumphant. She does not get the traditional happy ending that comes with marriage as so many films before and since have advocated is "best". The men in her life laid out their terms of agreement and she ultimately disregarded them. The slight smile and the transcendent final score as she ascends the stairs hint that she has done just fine for herself. This other, perhaps viable, point-of-view further diminishes the role of Dr. Sloper. You still provided a wonderful review, the best on KZfaq. That this film allows so many interpretations is an indicator of its greatness. Well done!

from D P Who is this we? She is charming but not in a superficial, plastic way.