This powerful and compelling drama, based on Henry James's 1881 novel
Washington Square and the successful Broadway play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, owes its triumph to the deft hand of director William Wyler and a remarkable lead performance by Olivia de Havilland.
Set circa 1850, the film casts de Havilland as the plain-looking daughter of wealthy, widowed doctor Richardson, with whom she lives at their home at 16 Washington Square. Life is uneventful. Richardson is a tyrant at home, dictating his daughter's every move and cruelly telling her that she bears
no resemblance to his dear departed wife, who was beautiful and charming. Suitors shun de Havilla...
Released:
1949
Rated:
NR
Length:
115 mins