Heiress, The

William Wyler directed this literate and beautifully acted adaptation of Henry James' novel, Washington Square. It is a story of the romance between a plain and painfully shy young woman, whose wealthy, overbearing father (Ralph Richardson) dominates her life, and a handsome, charming suitor (Montgomery Clift). The prospect of marriage is Catherine's only hope of breaking free of the confines of her suffocating life, but her father is determined that the man she has fallen in love with is only after her money. An emotionally shattering experience. Olivia de Havilland won a well-deserved Academy Award for her brave and touching performance. One of my all-time favorite movies.