The Heiress -- Olivia DeHavilland dumps Montgomery Cliff. Should she have done that?

[allegorical oracle]

DeHavilland's character is a plain, sweet woman dominated by her father. Handsome Cliff comes along, but may be a poor man taking advantage of an affluent heiress. DeHavilland agrees to elope with Cliff's character, but he never shows up to sweep her away and marry her.

Years pass and Cliff shows up again after DeHavilland's father has died. But she rebuffs him and remains a spinster. Just wonder what you think her reaction should've been?....

[stopdiggin]

1. you think she should welcome him back?

on what grounds? That those with little character and spine - deserve love too?

A former flame/lover reappearing years later (and after a life is lived) - might constitute a bittersweet or nostalgic moment ... But it ain't love.

[whathehell]

2. I always kind of wondered that too..

but I do understand why she decided as she did.

[hlthe2b]

3. Better than Ashley Wilkes?

'Sorry, I haven't seen that movie (the Heiress) but I will check it out.

[appalachiablue]

4. Hit the road. She did right, the grifter stood her up yrs earlier & returned when her father died.

Being used and deceived for money is far worse than life as a spinster.

[appalachiablue]

7. A great story and film with superb performances. It's been years since I saw this, need another

viewing. What characters, perfect casting, twists and turns. Catherine Sloper experienced hard knocks, esp due to her father but she prevailed.

Thanks again for posting.
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(25 mins). Wiki. -The Heiress is a 1949 American romantic drama film directed & produced by William Wyler, from a screenplay written by Ruth & Augustus Goetz, adapted from their 1947 stage play of the same title, which was itself adapted from Henry James' 1880 novel Washington Square.

The film stars Olivia de Havilland as Catherine Sloper, a naive young woman who falls in love with a handsome young man despite the objections of her emotionally abusive father who suspects the man of being a fortune hunter. Montgomery Clift stars as Morris Townsend, and Ralph Richardson as Dr. Sloper.

In 1849 New York City, Catherine Sloper, an inhibited, plain young woman, lives with her wealthy father, Dr. Austin Sloper, in prestigious Washington Square. Catherine's beautiful and accomplished mother died giving birth, and Catherine's awkwardness constantly reminds her father of the poor exchange for his beloved wife. Widowed Aunt Lavinia Penniman, on an extended visit with her brother, helps Catherine improve her social skills.

At a ball, Catherine meets handsome, charming Morris Townsend, a polished young man who squandered a small inheritance on a European Grand Tour. Encouraged by Aunt Penniman, Morris artfully pursues Catherine, who he knows through her family connections will inherit $30,000 annually. At first Catherine is overwhelmed by his persistence; starved for affection, however, she quickly falls in love. Suspecting Morris is a fortune hunter, Dr. Sloper consults with Morris's widowed sister, who reluctantly makes admissions that confirm Sloper's opinion...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heiress

[no_hypocrisy]

5. I see the ending in a completely different viewpoint.

DeHavilland is a prisoner in her own house, akin to Nora in Ibsen's The Dollhouse. She both loves Cliff eagerly yet sees him as her rescuer from her father.

When he doesn't show up to elope, she is filled with fear, apprehension, and then growing anger. She has been rejected. First, by her father, then by Cliff. Now rage.

And in her confusion, she begins to accept her father's premise that this Cliff guy was an heiress hunter who will steal her (his) money and throw her into the street like rubbage. Nobody wants her.

And to defend Cliff, he could have been aware of her narcissistic father and stepped away until he died. And thereafter, no interference with the lovers' plans.

But Cliff was also naive to ignore that her father hated him as much as his daughter and would have said anything to keep her alone during his life and thereafter.

Why do I have these premises? Because my father was just as horrible as DeHavilland's father. He was despicable at both my siblings' weddings, particularly my brother/his son. He would have wanted all parties to break up and in despair. I, myself, stayed single because I had the number on our father for just about forever. And he hated me.

Watching The Heiress was a bit too close to home (literally and figuratively) for me.

[MaryMagdaline]

6. Yes.

He had his chance.