Introduction to the 1939 Film Adaptation of Wuthering Heights
“Wuthering Heights,” directed by William Wyler in 1939, remains one of the most iconic romantic dramas in the history of cinema. Based on Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel, the film delves deep into the turbulent, tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier in the lead roles, the film captures the emotional depth and gothic atmosphere that has kept audiences riveted for decades. Let’s explore how this film adaptation became a masterpiece of romantic filmmaking.
The Cast and Crew Behind the Masterpiece
The film boasts a stellar cast, led by the captivating performances of Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Catherine Earnshaw. Their on-screen chemistry elevated the film’s emotional stakes, making it unforgettable. The supporting cast includes David Niven as Edgar Linton and Flora Robson as Ellen Dean, whose storytelling provides the backbone of the film’s narrative.
Produced by Samuel Goldwyn and directed by William Wyler, this adaptation was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the novel while condensing it into a manageable runtime. Although the film only covers 16 of the 34 chapters in the original book, it focuses on the central relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy, skillfully bypassing the second generation of characters.
The Iconic Cinematography and Music
One of the film’s most celebrated aspects is its cinematography, courtesy of Gregg Toland. In 1940, Toland won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in the Black-and-White category for his work on Wuthering Heights. The moody lighting, shadowy landscapes, and dramatic visuals of the Yorkshire moors create an atmosphere of both beauty and despair, which is a hallmark of the film.
Alfred Newman, a prolific composer, crafted the hauntingly beautiful score, with “Cathy’s Theme” becoming synonymous with the film’s emotional core. While the film didn’t win the Oscar for Best Original Score, the music undeniably adds a poignant layer to this tragic love story.
Plot Overview: Love, Loss, and Revenge
A Haunted Beginning: Lockwood’s Encounter with Heathcliff
The film opens with a dramatic and eerie sequence. A traveler named Lockwood, played by Hugh Williams, is caught in a snowstorm and takes refuge in the remote estate of Wuthering Heights. When he encounters the mysterious and brooding Heathcliff (Olivier), he is unsettled by the coldness of his host. Later that night, Lockwood hears a mysterious voice calling out to Heathcliff, only to discover a haunting apparition of Cathy Earnshaw.
Intrigued and disturbed, Lockwood seeks out the housekeeper, Ellen Dean (Flora Robson), who begins to recount the tragic tale of Cathy and Heathcliff, setting the stage for the epic love story that unfolds.
Heathcliff’s Arrival and the Early Years at Wuthering Heights
The story flashes back to Heathcliff’s arrival at Wuthering Heights as an orphaned child, taken in by Mr. Earnshaw. Despite his lowly status, Cathy and Heathcliff form a close bond, one that transcends the boundaries of class and status. However, Cathy’s brother, Hindley (played by Douglas Scott), harbors resentment towards Heathcliff and subjects him to cruel treatment.
As Cathy and Heathcliff grow closer, they fall deeply in love, meeting secretly in the moors. This passionate relationship is stifled by social class, and Cathy begins to be swayed by the charms of Edgar Linton (David Niven), a refined young man from a neighboring estate.
Cathy’s Choice: Love and Betrayal
The love triangle between Cathy, Heathcliff, and Edgar is at the heart of Wuthering Heights. Cathy’s decision to marry Edgar, despite her deep connection with Heathcliff, is a pivotal moment in the narrative. She justifies her choice by reasoning that marrying Edgar would secure her future, yet in her heart, she knows she belongs with Heathcliff. This internal conflict creates a sense of tragedy that permeates the entire film.
Heathcliff, devastated by Cathy’s betrayal, leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later, now a wealthy and refined man. His return sets off a chain of events marked by revenge, heartache, and unrequited love.
Revenge and Heartbreak: Heathcliff’s Return
Upon his return, Heathcliff purchases Wuthering Heights from Hindley, who has descended into alcoholism and financial ruin. Although Heathcliff has become wealthy and powerful, Cathy remains with Edgar, despite her lingering feelings for Heathcliff. To provoke her further, Heathcliff begins courting Edgar’s sister, Isabella Linton (Geraldine Fitzgerald), which only deepens Cathy’s sorrow.
Cathy’s health begins to deteriorate, and in her final moments, she reconciles with Heathcliff. Their reunion is bittersweet, as she dies in his arms, her last request being for Heathcliff to carry her to the window so she can see the moors one last time.
A Ghostly Conclusion: Heathcliff’s End
In the film’s final scenes, Heathcliff is seen wandering the moors, longing for Cathy. His tragic end is marked by his death in the snow, and it is implied that he joins Cathy’s ghost in the afterlife. The haunting conclusion, with the spirits of Heathcliff and Cathy roaming the moors together, captures the essence of the novel’s themes of love beyond death.
The Lasting Impact of Wuthering Heights
Since its release, Wuthering Heights has remained an enduring classic, celebrated for its powerful performances, atmospheric cinematography, and haunting score. The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2007, cementing its place in the annals of film history.
The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to capture the intense emotions and complexities of Brontë’s novel, bringing the tragic love story of Heathcliff and Cathy to life in a way that resonates with audiences to this day. Whether through the incredible acting, the evocative visuals, or the poignant music, Wuthering Heights continues to be a masterpiece of romantic cinema.
Conclusion: A Timeless Love Story
The 1939 film Wuthering Heights remains one of the most beloved adaptations of Emily Brontë’s gothic novel. It tells the story of a passionate and tragic love affair that defies social expectations and even death itself. With its unforgettable performances, stunning cinematography, and haunting music, the film captures the essence of Brontë’s timeless classic. Despite its relatively short runtime and omitted sections of the novel, this adaptation remains a cinematic treasure, continuing to captivate audiences with its haunting tale of love, loss, and eternal longing.
