"The Heiress" has been noted for all points meeting in the film from the Stars, the music, the sets, the costumes, the script. Unusual for any film ever made whether one likes the Henry James story or not. All points come together in perfect unison in "The Heiress". Olivia de Havilland, Ralph Richardson, Montgomery Clift and Miriam Hopkins are exceptional. Truly an exceptional film for any year.
Contrast the two times walking up the steps. One thinking she was a failure after being stood up with utter despair and the other when she leaves her past .....symbolized in the finishing of her last needlepoint and the final ascent of the staircase with a bit of a smile on her face..... so many symbols in this well-done classic.
William Wyler filled the suitcase with bricks as Olivia de Havilland walks up the stairs near the ending of the film to further enhance how difficult was for her at this point in her life.
Did you read that from a reliable source? I think a professional actress could give the impression a suitcase was heavy without it being filled with bricks.
@@akrenwinkle Olivia de Havilland appeared in person at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art prior to the showing of "The Heiress" some years back and I was able to attend the event. She was very active well into her later years living past 100 years.. It was at this interview she discussed the staircase scene with her carrying a load of bricks in the suitcase and climbing up the staircase. She gave an excellent interview which belied her age. Her memory seemed faultless with no problems in what she said or how well she carried herself. Her mobility and general appearance also belied her age. In short she was a rather exceptional person. That's how I got the information.
Miriam Hopkins was the only comic relief in "The Heiress" and pairs well with all the other Actors in the film. Her career in Hollywood has oftentimes been overlooked as was the case in this video. She wasn't mentioned although many scenes were shown with Miriam Hopkins and Olivia de Havilland. Miriam Hopkins Star never shown brighter than it did in the early 1930's, being in the first Technicolor film "Becky Sharp" and nominated for a Best Actress Award for her role in this historical film. She made 5 starring films with Ernst Lubitsch, the best probably being "Trouble In Paradise". Her career lasted a very long time both in the movies, the Stage, radio and television. Truly one of the most overlooked actresses in the history of Hollywood with one of the most varied and long lasting careers in film history.
I think Barbara Stanwyck should have been nominated for her superb portrayal of a woman whose life is almost destroyed by her addiction to gambling in “The Lady Gambles” instead of Loretta Young. I’ve seen all the performances by each of the nominated actresses and my ranking would have been: 5). Loretta Young. 4). Deborah Kerr (because she had limited screen time), 3) Jeanne Crain. 2) Susan Hayward and 1) Olivia deHavilland.
Deborah Kerr, she's in the same league with Barbara Stanwyck - the best actress who never won an Oscar. She just had the unfortunate timing for her nominations. Although I do feel that From Here To Eternity was the peak of her career, she broke the 'English prim and proper lady' image. It was indeed the year of Olivia. I love watching her transformation from a hopeful woman to a cold, dejected woman. Excellent showcase of range in acting.
Thanks once again for your superb detailed analysis. My personal top 10: 1. Setsuko Hara - Late Spring 1. Olivia de Havilland (virtual tie between her and Hara) 3. Deborah Kerr 4. Silvana Mangano - Bitter Rice 5. Bette Davis - Beyond the Forest (revisit this performance!) 6. Jeannie Crain - Pinky 7. Susan Hayward 8. Peggy Cummins - Gun Crazy 9. Yvonne De Carlo - Criss Cross 10. Jennifer Jones - Madame Bovary 10. Katharine Hepburn - Adam's Rib (I think considered for Oscars in 1950 but was actually a 1949 release; so not sure if this belongs here or in 1950)
Love Livvie! "The Heiress" is my favorite movie, Olivia has played in. She deserved every bit of that Oscar. She almost won again for the movie, "Snake Pit", but Jane Wyman won the Oscar for, "Johnny Belinda" another great movie. Love lovely Susan Hayward too. "I'll Cry Tomarrow" is my favorite of all her good movies. She had such passion. 😍⭐⭐🌹🌹🙏🎬📽️
Hello Fritz. I have been an avid reader of your blog for quite a long time. I love your reviews, analysis and essays about best actress, best supporting actress and best picture Oscar nominees. Such detailed, interesting and well thought and put together pieces of writing. I even understand your points when i don't agree with your opinion about any performance. I hope you get more views and subscribers. You totally deserve it. Xoxo
Bravo! The time and effort involved to create this must have been immense, and you deserve many, many more subscribers. Regarding the contenders for 1949, l like Jeanne Crain and she was perfect in undemanding nice-girl roles, but even her most ardent fan couldn't claim she was ever a major talent. Loretta is someone l admire for the longevity of her career, but I would never seek out or watch one of her films solely because she was in it. Her screen presence never captured my interest. Olivia l appreciate more and more, particularly for her willingness to abandon any pretence of glamour for the sake of the story. I believe she was most definitely a worthy winner that year. Susan Hayward seems inexplicably forgotten by the current generation of movie fans, only mentioned nowadays (if at all) for Valley of the Dolls, a film I doubt she was particularly proud of. She is someone whose work l always enjoy and when she is on a screen l know l am watching a STAR! But l do wish she had won some other year than 1956, as dear Deborah Kerr was never better cast than in The King and I, and she really should have taken home the award that year. Thanks for an insightful and most enjoyable video.
Your videos are a marvel: excellent Hollywood history and such penetrating analysis of why some acting performances work so well and why some do not. And the technical quality of your videos is first rate.
Great work as usual . Olivia De Havilland my winner. Bravo Fritz ! My nominees : Ingrid Bergman " under capricorn " Silvana Mangano "bítter rice " Yvonne De Carlo "criss cross " and Olivia De Havilland and Deborah Kerr .
Miss Havilland was brilliant in “ The Heiress” …. One of her best amongst so many. But, I found Montgomery Cliff to be way in over his skies. More simpering than perfidious… it should be noted that Aaron Copland’s score complimented the narrative most masterfully. Finally, Ralph Richardson in one word: phenomenal . You can feel his icy coldness through the screen.
Yes, The Heiress does the same for me. I've seen it many times and never tire of the story or outstanding performances. Olivia de Havilland is my favorite actress. She should have won for Hold Back The Dawn and The Snake Pit also. @@FritzandtheOscars
Loretta Young...what a talent and beauty! She was a pioneer for women on TV; winning 3 Emmys with terrific scripts and guest stars. And, later a Golden Globe award...
There was a once popular statement made regarding Hollywood films, "Hollywood Studios are owned by Jews, and make Catholic movies for Protestant audiences".
The director of Pinky, Eli Kazan was not happy with Crane's performance for some of the reasons you brought up. However, she was playing off of some of the best character actors in the business, and these performances really made this picture.
Jeanne Crain demonstrated very good dramatic ability in "People Will Talk" (1951) or "The Joker is Wild" (1957). She was not Elia Kazan's choice for Pinky and she had to contend with the high stakes of "Pinky" to succeed with the public, given that the racial dramas of the late '40's were a courageous and big gamble for the studios, especially, given the fallout from the Blacklist. Nonetheless, given the era and how unwanted she was for the role, Jeanne Crain displayed a great competence for dramatic roles that she only improved as her career progressed, although the quality of her films lessened.
"...this is a field in which you will not compare me with my mother.." One of my favorite lines from this fantastic and often overlooked film. BTW, one of the best qualities of this movie is how it differs in ending from Washington Square. One of the very few times I can say the movie outshines the book...although the story came from James' imagination really...deserving the credit for such a great play as well.
Another version of Washington Square with a different ending is from the 1974 anthology series Affairs of the Heart. In the episode "Catherine", it is Catherine confronting Morris to his face about his betrayal. However, she still wants him and coldy lays out what their relationship will be. She maintains control of her wealth while he will only receive an allowance. He will do her bidding, not the other way around. They will only have three children. Morris is shocked speechless, but it seems he will accept this arrangement. Looking at her mother's portrait, she quietly acknowledges that she is more like her father.
Thank you for this. However, Deborah Kerr didn’t ‘replace Greer Garson as the red-headed prestige actress from England’. Deborah Kerr was Scottish, not English.
@@FritzandtheOscars I know what you mean but safer to always say “British” if unsure. I live in Wales, bordering England and wouldn’t mind all that much but the Scotts, generally speaking, would not wish to be called English AT ALL. (Historical reasons). Anyway, in short, England, Scotland and Wales share the island called Britain. Add in Northern Ireland and you have all four British countries United, hence - the United Kingdom.
Kerr may have born in Scotland but only lived there til she was 2 or 3, moving with her English parents back to their homeland where she grew up and made her name. Olivia de Havilland was born in Japan but few would describe her as Japanese.
I'm enjoying your presentations very much. It's nice to learn of their career histories, where they came from and the roads to fame. I'm not interested in today's movies and don't even know who current names are, but I enjoy the historical aspect you provide in addition to your critique and analysis. Thank you!
@@FritzandtheOscars I know many black men and women who can pass for white, I, myself, was discriminated against many times - Jeanne Crain may not have acted in a highly dramatic style but she maintained a concealed pain and hidden secret the same way I have seen in the women and men I know. however, since she was a very beautiful woman she was taken for a lightweight
I think Jeanne actually acted too dramatic in various moments but I make these video to get different opinions on these performances so it's great to hear that you like her work so much
Often missed in these posts: the DIRECTOR's part in deepening an actor's craft. Surely a strong director should coax more range, or bear some responsibility if it did not come about.
I have a problem not just with the casting, but with the whole premise of films like “Pinky” and “Gentleman’s Agreement” and related subplots of films like “Exodus” and “Show Boat”. Instead of saying “isn’t racism/anti-semitism awful?”, they seem, instead, to be saying “isn’t it unfair that this person who looks so white/gentile has to be treated like a black/Jewish person?”
Wonder if Glenn Close, who has been nominated umpteen times for oscar but never brought him home doesn't have similar dynamics to Deborah Kerr "working against" her. Both have a prim demeanor when not in a role. Each lady is cool and exude a certain perfectionist superiority. [I have not forgotten "Fatal Attraction."] Somehow it is not always easy to relate to either as people. There is a self-sufficiency to them which can feel off-putting, particularly when contrasted with warmer and more relatable personalities. [How ironic it was Glenn to give Deb the special oscar!] But Miss Close is a terrific actress and it is so clear how much she enjoys acting, so I can easily see her pulling a Helen Hayes and stealing the show in a hammy "Airport"-like performance as she ages (if not sooner), then finally getting the Academy Award.
There is no question that Olivia DeHavilland deserved the best actress Oscar in 1949. The competition wasn’t even close. I think she was robbed the year prior for ‘The Snake Pit’, but there was no doubt about 1949. With respect to the others, I never thought Loretta Young was among the greats. She was a good actress for sure, but never stood among the greats, in my opinion. One picture she did a couple of years later, ‘Cause for Alarm’ showed a more talented side of her acting ability. I feel the same way about Jeanne Crain, a decent actress but limited in her acting prowess, imo. That year, I think Linda Darnell in ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ might have been a better nominee choice over both Young and Crain. Susan Hayward would be my second choice but again, not even close to DeHavilland’s Catherine Sloper.
Wow, really amazing and well explained. I agree with much of yours opinions, even though I have to say apparently I enjoyed Jeanne Crain performance in pinky more than you did. I was extremely surprised when I saw that Loretta got nominated for come to my stable, because although I am not extremely fond of the farmer's daughter I can easily get why she was nominated for that role and I can also understand why she won (not based on the acting itself), but come to my stable is a movie where her performance is just good as a character that doesn't have that much to give besides charming energy and sincerity due to her personally connecting with the character, also the screenplay falls under the basic category, being nothing much than a movie to watch and no more. I would definitely replace her with nearly every other great actress performance, especially with Hepburn's Adam's Rib, one of my personal favorite from that year. Olivia totally deserved that oscar, one of the best in the category for sure
Hilda Simms would have been brilliant as “Pinky”, Dona Drake would have been a great choice. If they had to cast a white actress it should have been Linda Darnell. I read Judy Garland wanted the part and I think she would have been great too. She was such a wonderful actress who never really got the chance to show it
Pinky: puzzling that director Kazan did not coax Jeanne for more range. Not A-list like Brando or Leigh, she still convinced in other roles. Perhaps they all were paralyzed by topical import.
It was an era, in which they were still investigating and experiencing "the subject" and therefore, *it may not be judged in the concept offered, as unless one lived then and experienced the Social facts, the essence of the concept, the role is based on, "there is no manner of understanding what the actress could have added to the role to make it more real or right, or Award Worthy."* It was an American experience of living in the Era's Sociology. ... a Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian
Any film has to be viewed in the time period in which it was made not by the WOKE standards of today. "Come to the Stable" fits such a category being filmed just after World War II.
The Ralph Richardson’s father doesn’t actually make her less vibrant, witty, etc. etc. than her mother. He does say that he gave her every opportunity to socially succeed. I feel he’s merely stating the facts. And Olivia’s portrayal simply confirms her dullness. For one aspect of the plot - yes, her suitor loves her for her money. She says to her father you’ll never know what I’ll do with my inheritance. But he does know: she’ll do what anyone with money will do; protect it, increase it, enjoy it and benefit society as best as one can with it - such as donations to his clinic, from whence it came. She becomes him.
Much good, but you do show what lead actors often say - ...if a failure, blame the star(s). For a strong director especially, the stars had to fight OR follow orders.
Jeanne Crain was never much of an actress, and Loretta Young was never going to challenge in Come to the stable. Susan Hayward was clearly terrible in her Gone with the wind screen test but she steadily grew and became a super screen talent but not in 1949. Deborah Kerr along with Greta Garbo, Barbara Stanwyck and Glenn Close are great actresses who shamed the academy by never getting the Oscar when they clearly should have, however this role didn’t compare with Catherine Sloper. The Heiress is still great to watch. Ralph Richardson gave a career best film performance. Montgomery Clift was superb as a man who is both alluring and repellent at the same time. Miriam Hopkins, a wonderful, sadly forgotten actress gives a fine performance as Catherine’s naive, foolish but sincere and well meaning aunt. Yet Olivia deHavilland is everything that you highlighted and she truly deserved the award, she really didn’t have any competition in 1949 but her performance could have been a strong contender in any year. The Heiress was Olivia deHavilland’s finest hour but she was a fine, compelling actress even in the most unworthy roles and Hollywood was a better place for having her.
@rosemary. I agree with everything, 💯 This film is just about flawless & my first RR performance, everyone was just awesome. I had a very similar time w my father but unlike her, never found my voice w him by his death. Btw, didn't Close win for The Wife a few years ago? Olivia was incredibly elegant until she died, about 100 years young!
I don't know what you mean by let's be grateful that it's not black face but this is still an insult to the black race as a part African American and Mexican American woman I feel pinky is a disgrace
