Term of Trial (1962)

 Kindhearted, but alcoholic school teacher Graham Weir,  has a criminal record for refusing to fight in the war and consequently has been unable to move up in the world. His wife (Simone Signoret) resents their lack of money and is bitter about her life. He agrees to tutor one of his students, Shirley Taylor (Sarah Miles), despite his wife's misgivings about the girls intentions. After a school trip to Paris Shirley admits her love to Graham, but when she is rejected she accuses him of assault.

The film also stars Terence Stamp (!!) as the naughty Mitchell who terrorises everyone. Weir and Shirley develop a friendship, based on her infatuation for him, and his affection for her-as something of a substitute for the child he was unable to have. Sometimes his actions are somewhat cringe worthy in light of the audiences knowledge of Shirley's feelings. The film also subtly critiques the role of parents in their children's lives. Shirley is ashamed of her family, and Mitchell's father obviously encourages violence. Weir wants to make a difference in the children's lives, but his own unhappy life make him oblivious to what is really going on before his eyes.

Olivier's performance is understated yet tragic. He ardently believes in justice and truth yet is put down by everyone around him. Miles as Shirley is torn between childish and adult emotions. The ending of the film is surprising, and somewhat frustrating. After an impassioned speech for his innocence Weir succeeds in getting Shirley to admit her own guilt, however upon his return home he finds his wife about to leave him. She tells him he is a coward and in a desperate attempt to continue their relationship Weir lies. He tells her he did sleep with Shirley. Using this technique he does win her back, however it is a blatant contradiction of all he has said and done during the rest of the film. Despite his wife's cruelty towards him he sacrifices his own moral standards to keep her. It does make the audience question his strength-Perhaps he is as weak as his wife states?

3.5/5

Wuthering Heights (1939)

Wuthering Heights is my favourite novel, and I must admit I approach its film adaptations with some trepidation. I don’t feel as if there is a definitive film version of what some have called an impossible novel to film, and whilst it is not perfect, William Wyler’s 1939 version certainly has some 'right' elements. 

The film depicts the first half of Emily Bronte’s famous novel, and leaves out the second half which deals with the second generation at Wuthering Heights. This is quite common in film adaptions of the book. 

Laurence Olivier, who is great as Heathcliff, wanted his future wife Vivien Leigh to be cast as Cathy (she too wanted the part) but studio obligations saw Merle Oberon being cast instead. Leigh was offered the role of Isabella but declined, (at the time she wasn’t well known enough to be cast in the pivotal role of Cathy).
Oberon’s Cathy lacks the wild vindictiveness of the Cathy in the novel, and in some ways is a ‘nicer’ version. One cannot help but wonder what Cathy would have been like in the hands of Leigh who played a similar, wilful character in the years top film, Gone With the Wind.

                                                                       (via)

Ellen the housekeeper also becomes somewhat ‘sanitized’, unlike in the novel, where she actively abhors Heathcliff, and shuns Cathy’s behaviour, the Ellen in the film looks upon both with pity. Even rejoicing at their reunion through death.  Whilst in the novel her motives are unclear, and her trustworthiness is doubted, in the film she is a noble woman, who looks after her charges and relishes in their final reunion.

However on the whole the film is a good one, and whilst not entirely faithful to the book, it is enjoyable and moving to watch. The wildness of the moors are beautiful even in black and white, and Olivier is commanding as Heathcliff, yet still inspires pity from the audience. Cathy's death and the final scene are  haunting. 

    

4/5