The Heiress

William Wyler's 1949 psychological study maintains the subtle shadings of Washington Square, the Henry James novel on which The Heiress is based. Thanks to the tyrannical Dr. Austin Sloper (Ralph Richardson), who methodically crushes any sense of self-worth in his daughter Catherine (Oscar-winner Olivia de Havilland), the latter becomes easy prey for fortune hunting Morris Townsend (Montgomery Clift), who proposes marriage but then drops Catherine when it appears that papa will cut off the money supply. After Dr. Sloper dies, Catherine inherits and once again attracts the interest of Morris, only this time Catherine will hold the upper hand. Also nominated for Best Picture and Director, The Heiress bows on DVD with a fine digitally remastered image, and a brief introduction by Turner Classics Movies host Robert Osborne. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—May 7, 2019—Criterion, 115 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1949’s The Heiress features a great transfer with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include an interview from 1986 with star Olivia de Havilland (45 min.), a discussion with screenwriter Jay Cocks and film critic Farran Smith Nehme (23 min.), a 1973 Merv Griffin Show tribute to director William Wyler (17 min.), a 2019 interview with costume collector and historian Larry McQueen (15 min.), a 1950 promotional short featuring costume designer Edith Head (9 min.), a 1981 interview with costar Ralph Richardson (7 min.), Wyler’s speech at the American Film Institute’s 1976 tribute program (6 min.), and an essay by critic Pamela Hutchinson. Bottom line: Wyler’s classic sparkles on Blu-ray.]