Plot Summary - UK TV adaptation of the classic novel by Emily Bronte. Gothic romance set on the Yorkshire moors of the early 19th century. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD - - Master of the Gothic Yorkshire estate Wuthering Heights and kind father of young Cathy and Hindley Earnshaw, Mr. Earnshaw brings home a Liverpool street urchin who he dubs "Heathcliff". Heathcliff lives in the home as a brother to the kids - to Hindley's distress and to Cathy's happiness as a childhood romance quickly blossoms between Heathcliff and Cathy. The kids grow up, but when the dad dies, Hindley takes over as master of Wuthering Heights and banishes Heathcliff to work outdoors and live as a servant. Heathcliff won't leave and stays on to be treated like a dog by bad Hindley because now his romance with Cathy has become a great love between the two. Cathy is drawn to the wealth and lifestyle of nearby Thrushcross Grange, where she and Heathcliff are caught spying through the window at Edgar Linton and his sister Isabella. Injured by the dog while running away, Cathy is taken in to be treated and stays on at the Grange to recover. She likes this new lifestyle and decides to allow Edgar to pursue her, despite her love for Heathcliff. When she announces that Edgar has asked to marry her, Heathcliff runs away, returning three years later - the day after Cathy's wedding to Edgar Linton! Heartbroken, broody Heathcliff is now a rich gentleman who takes control of Wuthering Heights from Hindley, now a broken-down drunkard. Heathcliff brings a whirlwind of trouble to all around him, and Cathy, still in love with Heathcliff, is desperately miserable, especially when Heathcliff starts to go after sister Isabella.
Review - A sweeping, well done version with gorgeous photography done on-location in the Yorkshire moors. The house used for Wuthering Heights is suitably rambling and dark, the landscape around bringing life to the story. Tom Hardy portrays a very dark and brooding (but handsome, as he should be) Heathcliff indeed! Charlotte Riley is fine, and gives a well done, earthy portrayal of Cathy. I will always love the 1939 version of this story starring Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier, but found this version very entertaining and well done. This film, being almost twice as long as the 1939 version, features more details of the story and includes the plotline that follows the three grown children of Hindley, Cathy, and Heathcliff and their respective spouses. I had a bit of trouble with the main character's Yorkshire accents, so missed part of the dialogue in places - but, of course, I know the story real well, so it was okay. Rating - 9 to 9.5/10 stars
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