one of the classics
this movie was based on a hit stage play that was based on an american classic novel by henry james. sometimes there is too much baggage when adapting from medium to medium and something suffers. not this time however. the story of an ugly duckling, a wealthy one at that, who is psycologicaly abused by a cold and distant father, then ricocheted to a handsome and smooth fortune hunter, only to have a betrayal by him proves to be the fire that molds the heires's character. this movie proves the axiom that character is fate. music is by aaron copeland, the movie is in black and white,but the sets and period details are beautifully appointed. directed by william wyler, it is probably one of the landmark movies of the 1940s.