William Wyler’s 1939 film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights remains a landmark portrayal of the novel’s intense romance, especially through Laurence Olivier’s compelling performance as Heathcliff. Ahead of the upcoming release of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie, this classic adaptation is currently available to watch for free online, offering audiences a chance to experience the original sweeping drama.
The Enduring Legacy of the 1939 Wuthering Heights Movie
Wyler’s version of Wuthering Heights captures the turbulent romance between Heathcliff, played by Olivier, and Catherine, portrayed by Merle Oberon, set against the bleak moors. The story explores their youth spent together amid class tensions, particularly highlighting Catherine’s rejection of Heathcliff due to his low social standing as a stableboy. Hugh Williams appears as Hindley, Catherine’s hostile brother, while David Niven plays Edgar, the wealthy man Catherine ultimately marries. Heathcliff’s quest for revenge and acceptance plays out through his eventual rise in wealth, but Catherine remains distant.
This adaptation notably omits the novel’s second generation storyline involving the children of Heathcliff and Catherine, instead ending with the ghosts of the two lovers haunting the moors. Despite narrative alterations and time shifts for cinematic effect, Wyler’s film remains a celebrated classic, largely because of Olivier’s intense and brooding portrayal of Heathcliff, which set a high standard for later adaptations.
Since the 1939 film, Wuthering Heights has been retold numerous times in various formats. These include BBC television versions from 1948 and 1953 featuring Richard Todd and Yvonne Mitchell, as well as CBS productions in 1950 with Charlton Heston and in 1958 starring Rosemary Harris and Richard Burton. The story continued to inspire adaptations in 1959, 1962, 1970, 1992, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2022. Interestingly, some newer adaptations targeted teenage audiences, such as MTV’s 2003 version and the 2015 film titled Wuthering High School. Outside the English-speaking world, the novel has also been adapted internationally and even referenced in a Monty Python parody, underscoring its broad cultural impact.
Wyler’s 1939 film, however, remains one of the most famous and respected versions. Its availability on YouTube makes it accessible to a wide audience, allowing both longtime fans and newcomers to engage with the story before Margot Robbie takes the role of Catherine in the forthcoming 2026 release. Jacob Elordi will star alongside Robbie, bringing a fresh dynamic to the character of Heathcliff.
Oscar Journey and Competition in a Legendary Film Year
William Wyler’s Wuthering Heights earned considerable recognition at the Academy Awards, securing eight nominations including Outstanding Production (now Best Picture), Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay. Ultimately, the film’s only Oscar win was for Best Black and White Cinematography, awarded to Gregg Toland, whose work contributed significantly to the film’s dramatic atmosphere.
Despite these accolades, 1939 was a landmark year in cinema with multiple iconic films competing for honors. Wuthering Heights faced off against heavy-hitters like The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, Of Mice and Men, and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. The dominant winner was Gone with the Wind, which received 13 nominations and eight wins, and remains the highest-grossing film ever when adjusted for inflation. It also earned special Oscars for its pioneering use of color and technical achievements, overshadowing many other worthy contenders, including Wyler’s romance.
As a result, although Wuthering Heights presented a powerful and romantic story, it often ranks lower on lists of top films from 1939 due to the exceptional quality and popularity of this competition. Films like The Wizard of Oz have established enduring cultural legacies, while Mr. Smith Goes to Washington remains an important reflection of American ideals.
Why Watch Laurence Olivier’s Wuthering Heights Now?
For those anticipating Margot Robbie’s role in the upcoming movie, revisiting the 1939 adaptation fulfills a vital role in understanding the roots of Heathcliff and Catherine’s tragic tale. Olivier’s portrayal embodies the volatile emotions and desire that lie at the heart of Brontë’s novel, offering a raw and magnetic portrayal of Heathcliff.
The film’s availability on YouTube means a broad audience can experience this foundational version without cost, witnessing the early cinematic expression of a story that continues to resonate. It also allows viewers to appreciate the historical and artistic context from which modern adaptations evolve, providing a richer understanding of the characters and themes that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will bring to life on the big screen. The legacy of this classic romance insists that its story is timeless, even as new interpretations emerge.
“Good God, is he ever hot in that movie.” ?Anonymous Reviewer
