Introduction to Wuthering Heights

The 1939 film Wuthering Heights is a cinematic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations. Based on Emily Brontë’s hauntingly beautiful and tragic novel, the film explores themes of love, revenge, and obsession. Directed by William Wyler and starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, this romantic period drama stands out as one of Hollywood’s most memorable classics. Despite omitting significant portions of the original novel, it still encapsulates the raw intensity and emotional depth of Brontë’s story.

The Story Behind Wuthering Heights

At the core of Wuthering Heights lies a love story so powerful that it transcends death itself. The film begins with the arrival of Lockwood (David Niven), a traveler who finds himself stranded at Wuthering Heights, the eerie estate of the brooding Heathcliff (Laurence Olivier). During his stay, Lockwood is disturbed by the mysterious presence of a woman’s ghost, calling out to Heathcliff. This encounter sparks the recounting of the tragic tale of Cathy Earnshaw (Merle Oberon) and Heathcliff, whose love was doomed by social class and circumstance.

A Love that Defies Class: Cathy and Heathcliff’s Forbidden Bond

The story begins with Heathcliff as a poor orphan taken in by Cathy’s father, Mr. Earnshaw. While Cathy and Heathcliff develop a deep and passionate bond, her brother Hindley (Hugh Williams) resents Heathcliff, treating him with cruelty after their father’s death. Despite the physical and emotional distance created by Hindley’s oppression, Cathy and Heathcliff’s love for each other grows stronger, and they share secret meetings in the moors. Their love, however, faces insurmountable obstacles, particularly when Cathy is introduced to the Linton family, whose wealth and status create a rift between the two lovers.

The Tragic Influence of Social Status on Love

A turning point occurs when Cathy, recovering from an injury sustained at the Lintons’ estate, becomes enamored with Edgar Linton (David Niven), a wealthy and polished gentleman. Though Cathy loves Heathcliff, she chooses Edgar, believing that a marriage to him would elevate her social standing. This decision marks the beginning of Heathcliff’s downfall. His heart broken and pride wounded, Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights for several years, only to return as a wealthy man bent on revenge.

Revenge and Heartbreak: Heathcliff’s Return

When Heathcliff returns to Wuthering Heights, he is no longer the poor orphan of his youth but a refined and powerful man. Determined to win Cathy back, he seeks revenge on those who wronged him, particularly Edgar and Hindley. He buys back Wuthering Heights from Hindley, who has succumbed to alcoholism and financial ruin. Heathcliff’s revenge takes a darker turn when he begins courting Isabella Linton (Geraldine Fitzgerald), Edgar’s naive sister, to spite Cathy.

Despite her inner conflict, Cathy stays married to Edgar, and as the years pass, her health begins to decline. She becomes gravely ill after a confrontation with Heathcliff, and their long-simmering emotional turmoil reaches its tragic climax.

The Heart-Wrenching Conclusion

As Cathy lies on her deathbed, she confesses her undying love for Heathcliff, but by then, it is too late. Heathcliff, devastated by her impending death, rushes to her side. In their final moments together, Cathy asks to be carried to the window so that she can see the moors one last time—those very moors that had been a symbol of freedom and love for both of them. She dies in Heathcliff’s arms, and in his grief, Heathcliff pleads for her spirit to haunt him forever. He dies shortly after, seemingly content that he will be reunited with his true love in the afterlife.

The film ends with a poignant scene where Ellen, the housekeeper, reflects on the story of Cathy and Heathcliff, while Dr. Kenneth reveals that he saw a figure of Heathcliff on the moors, now joined by Cathy’s ghost. Together, their spirits haunt the place that was once their home, their love immortalized in the windswept landscape of the moors.

Film Criticism and Cultural Impact

Wuthering Heights (1939) is not only celebrated for its portrayal of the dark passion between Cathy and Heathcliff but also for its groundbreaking cinematography. The film’s use of lighting, shadows, and the dramatic portrayal of the moors added a layer of gothic atmosphere that perfectly mirrored the tone of Brontë’s novel. Cinematographer Gregg Toland’s work on this film earned him an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, and his stunning visuals still influence filmmakers today.

The film’s score, composed by Alfred Newman, enhanced the emotional weight of the narrative, with Cathy’s Theme remaining a memorable piece of cinematic music. Though it lost the Oscar for Best Original Score to The Wizard of Oz, Newman’s composition has been praised for its ability to capture the spirit of the film.

Legacy and Preservation of Wuthering Heights

In 2007, Wuthering Heights was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. Its recognition as a culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant film speaks to its lasting impact on cinema and popular culture. The film’s powerful themes of obsessive love and revenge, coupled with its stunning performances and direction, ensure that it remains a touchstone of romantic cinema.

Conclusion: A Love Beyond the Grave

The 1939 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic love stories. It captures the intense, tragic romance between Cathy and Heathcliff, two souls whose love defies the constraints of time, class, and death itself. Despite changes made to the source material, the film stays true to the core of Emily Brontë’s novel, exploring the destructive power of love, obsession, and vengeance. Today, Wuthering Heights continues to be admired for its haunting beauty, unforgettable performances, and its profound influence on the cinematic portrayal of passionate love.