The Heiress

Main Plot

"The Heiress," directed by William Wyler, is a drama set in the mid-19th century, focusing on Catherine Sloper, a shy and plain young woman living with her wealthy and domineering father, Dr. Austin Sloper. Catherine falls in love with the charming Morris Townsend, who proposes marriage. Dr. Sloper suspects Morris is only interested in Catherine's inheritance and disapproves of the match. Despite her father's objections, Catherine is determined to marry Morris. As tensions rise, Catherine is forced to confront the true nature of Morris's intentions and her father's manipulative control. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, leading Catherine to make a pivotal decision about her future.

Characters

• Olivia de Havilland plays Catherine Sloper, a shy, wealthy heiress manipulated by a suitor and controlled by her domineering father, ultimately finding her own strength and independence.
• Montgomery Clift plays Morris Townsend, a charming suitor who courts Catherine Sloper, raising suspicions about his true intentions regarding her inheritance.
• Ralph Richardson plays Dr. Austin Sloper, a wealthy and domineering father who disapproves of his daughter's suitor, believing him to be a fortune hunter.

Ending Explained

In the 1949 film "The Heiress," directed by William Wyler, the story culminates in a dramatic and poignant conclusion. Catherine Sloper, portrayed by Olivia de Havilland, undergoes a profound transformation from a naive and submissive young woman to a resolute and independent individual. Throughout the film, Catherine is courted by Morris Townsend, played by Montgomery Clift, who is suspected by her father, Dr. Austin Sloper, of being a fortune hunter. In the final act, Morris returns after previously abandoning Catherine on the night they were supposed to elope. He attempts to rekindle their relationship, professing his love and asking for another chance. Catherine, now fully aware of Morris's true intentions and having grown emotionally stronger, pretends to agree to elope with him once more. However, as Morris eagerly waits outside, Catherine coldly locks the door, leaving him pounding and calling her name in desperation. The film ends with Catherine ascending the staircase, symbolizing her ascent to self-reliance and emotional liberation, while Morris is left outside, realizing the consequences of his greed and deceit.