Wuthering Heights, directed in 1939 by William Wyler and based on Emily Brontë's 1847 book, is somewhat related to what we see in today's society with relationships between men and women. The main characters, Catherine and Heathcliff, played by Merle Oberon and Laurence Oliver, were typical lost lovers. They were always either together or not together since they were little children, as depicted by Sarita Wooten and Rex Downing. Of course, people like Hindley, played by Douglas Scott and Hugh Williams, did not approve of their relationship and kept Heathcliff poor. Therefore, Catherine and Heathcliff would secretly run away to their hill and look out to their imaginative castle. Being with Heathcliff only lasted until Catherine realized and desired the riches of the Lintons.
The occurrence happened when Catherine and Heathcliff peeked into the window of the Linton's palace while they were having a lavish party. Heathcliff and Catherine were found, but the Lintons and their guests were very rude to Heathcliff. Catherine, on the other hand, seemed to forget about Heathcliff, and she was very passive toward the Lintons' mistreating of Heathcliff. From then Catherine wished for Edgar Linton, played by David Niven. She fell in love with Edgar; however, it was for different reasons because she was in love with Edgar's money and things, not his actual emotional love. The character portrayal of Catherine desiring materialistic things from a rich man is somewhat similar to today's single females.
Another similarity between many today's relationships and Catherine was her view on materialistic items and a typical gold digger. The movie did portray Catherine as being money-driven person. She did love Heathcliff; and he was always in her heart; except that Catherine desired stability with money and riches. She most wanted the extravagant lifestyle of the Lintons with their parties, attire, guests, and jewels. She yearned for the instant jewelry and dresses and a life-style different from that of Wuthering Heights; therefore, she married Edgar. This can be compared to many everyday couples. So many single ladies date only men that are loaded with cash or materialistic objects, such as automobiles, clothes, and living arrangements. The monetary objects make these insecure females feel protected; however, that is not always the case. Sometimes the gold diggers marry the wealthy men and become very miserable and lonely.
Just as in Wuthering Heights, Catherine's materialistic view of love and money hurt her, as it does so many similar women today, in the long run. Therefore, she became a very sorrowful housewife, and she was still in love with Heathclifff even until her death.