Wuthering Heights

Less melodramatic and earthier than the classic 1939 version with Olivier, Robert Fuest’s take still heaves with passion thanks to Dalton’s fiery chemistry with Anna Calder-Marshall’s Cathy. John Coquillon’s cinematography expertly captures the drabness of the Moors setting, while Michel Legrand offers a haunting score.

Wuthering Heights is a competent, tasteful, frequently even lovely re-adaption of Emily Bronte's Gothic, mystical love story. But the brooding tension, the electric passion of two lovers compelled to an inevitable tragedy is not generated.

I admire its courage and the always welcome presence of Harry Andrews (as Earnshaw), Judy Cornwell (as Nellie), Pamela Browne, Rosalie Crutchley. But I can't forgive its dullness. I don't have to believe in Wuthering Heights, I simply ask to be transported by it. [13 Jun 1971, p.14]

While this version is beautifully photographed and admirably acted, there is never any real feeling of romance or sadness. It is all given a matter-of-fact approach, which doesn't make for a great film.

The screenwriter, who often uses bits of dialogue from the novel, doesn't hesitate to add new material that is completely inappropriate.