University of Virginia Library

Divided Audience

Even with these few criticisms.
"Wuthering Heights" could be
considered by some to be an
entertaining film. There is excellent
source material and a fine cast, plus
good photography and use of
authentic locations. When the film
is over, you can see the audience
dividing into three groups. One
group, old enough to remember, is
trying to decide if Timothy Dalton
makes a better Heathcliff than
Lawrence Olivier. Those unfamiliar
with the novel may be walking
slowly and maybe crying softly,
genuinely moved by another "love
story."

But there's one group left —
those who come away from the
theatre puzzled and upset and
shaking their heads. These people
have read the book. I belong to this
group, being unimpressed but not
hateful about the film, feeling that
Emily Bronte's novel suffered most.

(Now at the Paramount)