Search - Wuthering Heights (Cliffs Notes Version) on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 12/31/2019...

This 1970 version does not contain the second generation tale of the book, which is a shame, as it is essential to understanding what Dante Gabriel Rossetti, called "A fiend of a book – an incredible monster. The action is laid in hell, – only it seems places and people have English names there." This interpretation is a bit more simplified from the novel, with some slight plot changes. Effective though. Dalton, at 24, still looks like a kid.

Unlike her workhorse sister, Emily Bronte completed one novel in her lifetime, although, one must acknowledge all the poetry she wrote as well. In fact, I'm a bit biased here, as she is my favorite poet. The story of Wuthering Heights, however, is extremely difficult to process. At the time, it caused something of a stir, as nothing quite like it had ever appeared in print. Now, being acknowledged as a classic of English literature, back then it was controversial, due to its unusually stark depiction of mental and physical cruelty, it's challenges to strict Victorian ideals regarding religious hypocrisy, morality, social classes, and gender inequality; whilst also exploring the effects of envy, nostalgia, pessimism, and resentment. In short, all the torture one witnesses here could have been solved by emotional IQ. Too many humans let impulse control them, and farsighted thought is tossed out the door. I firmly believe Emily meant us to contemplate this point.

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WUTHERING HEIGHTS - MY FAVORITE VERSION SO FAR

Jean Mills | Aliso Viejo, Ca. USA | 09/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wait until you see Timothy Dalton!!! He is just amazing with his portrayal of Heathcliff. I've watched the Olivier/Oberon version off and on all my life but always felt it was lacking in that Olivier seemed too old for the part (although he was great to look at) and Oberon was so pinched and snobbish it was hard to believe he could love her. In this version that is not the case even though the leading lady who plays Cathy (Anna Calder-Marshall) is not very attractive in my opinion. Dalton carries this film with his intense performance and even makes the young lady seem more attractive as the film progresses. This has never been one of my favorite "classics" but this Dalton version has definitely found it's place on my top 10 list. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys period pictures. If you get nothing out of it other than the Dalton performance and the Michel Legrand score (absolutely beautiful music) you will agree this film is more than worth it's price."

Atmospheric, haunting, well acted!!!!!!

Deborah MacGillivray | US & UK | 06/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, the story is well known and this naturally will run comparisons to Lord Larry and Merle Oberon's 1939 version. But this is a gentle, atmospheric retelling that is well acted.Excellently cast, Caulder-Marshall is super as the willful Cathy that loves Heathcliff, but must face choices in her life to save them both, which ultimately drives them apart, changes them, but cannot alter the deep love that drives them - even if it drives them to destroy each other. Dalton is properly Welsh, dark and brooding, very adapt at showing his younger vunerability, and later the darker, sensual side. The gorgeous Ian Ogilvy is a perfect contrast to Dalton's dark, the fair haired beautiful husband that cannot touch her soul.An interesting note: in this movie Ogilvy's sister is played by the same woman that played his wife in the excellent Witchfinder General with Vincent Price.Well worth the viewing again and again."

Whatever Souls Are Made Of, His And Mine Are The Same

Gypsy | Canada | 03/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen this movie some years ago on video, I'm very excited that it is available on DVD. While Sir Laurence Olivier and Ralph Fiennes have both done respectable turns as Heathcliff, Timothy Dalton is just glorious!! He embodies the character's passion, ambivalence and consuming torment and longing for Cathy splendidly. Anna Calder-Marshall, while perhaps not one would think would make an ideal Cathy, is wonderful as the Yorkshire lass. Oh, how these two sizzle! Whenever Dalton speaks, or broods, the room temperature just seemed to skyrocket! The ill-fated lovers find themselves separated and bound by circumstance and other people, leading to tragic results.

Sure, the consummation of their relationship did not occur in the book, but with young hot actors like Timothy and Anna, how could the filmmakers not succumb to temptation? The locations (complete with windswept wild moors) and music are intoxicatingly gorgeous as well. I don't know how Emily Bronte would feel about this adaptation, but I'd like to think that this production would have done her proud.

Make sure you've got a fan going, as well as ice cold drinks, because the heat will go way up!"