Wuthering Heights

From the (prolific) output of a largely unfashionable director, Wyler's Wuthering Heights has a distinctive look that elevates it above the blandness Goldwyn productions are so often charged with. Handsomely designed by James Basevi and shot by Gregg Toland, the much-filmed tale of Cathy's passion for Heathcliff succeeds as fulsome melodrama; and while it has little to do with Emily Bronte's sense of environment and pre-Victorian society, it's nevertheless strong on performances - especially Olivier, seen here at the peak of his romantic lead period.