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Classic Literature Becomes a Movie

Last night we finished off the 1930s decade with Wuthering Heights starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon. I read this book in high school (way back 12 years ago) and had a great English teacher. She helped us through the tedious bits and really brought the story alive for us. Thus, it was one of the best books I read in high school. I still have the copy I used in high school, but haven't read it in a long time. Still, though, from what I remember of the story, this movie seemed to be a good adaptation. Although, it did end in about the middle of the book, so from that standpoint, it could have been better.

You have to love a good romance and this is one of the classics, coming in at number 73 on the AFI list. As I said before, Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon had the lead roles of Heathcliff and Cathy. They are great stars in their own rights, but there was such great acting on everyone's part. As when I read the book, it was hard to know who to feel for the most. Cathy, Heathcliff, Isabella, or Edgar. None of them ended up with the person they loved. Well, Edgar did, but he was not loved in return. Cathy, in my opinion, stayed with Edgar for the lifestyle he could give her.

I think I felt for Cathy most. She and Heathcliff belonged together. However, she doesn't realize this until it's too late. If she had followed her heart instead of seeking name and status, she would have been happy. She and Heathcliff are bound by a tie of love that transcends this world, though. All great loves do and at the end of the movie, they are finally together forever.

My husband gave this movie a thumbs sideways because, as he says, "It just wasn't a movie that interested me." I give it a thumbs up for the great acting and because it is an ultimate portrayal of true love.

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