‘Wuthering Heights’ displays Laurence Olivier’s formidable talents

SUFFERN, N.Y. — I’m going to let you in on a secret. I don’t tell too many people about this, but readers of Hollywood Soapbox are special.

There’s one final respite from the gigaplexes at the malls, the DVRs in your family room and the over-priced blu-rays at Best Buy. There’s one final place to enjoy a classic film in all of its 35mm glory.

Welcome to the Lafayette Theatre in Suffern, N.Y., arguably the best single-screen moviehouse left in the United States.

True, there are other venues across the country that play classic 35mm films. True, there are still some single-screen legends out there. But, for some reason, the Lafayette seems to be a cut above the rest. It features clever programming and a tasteful decor. Jeff Barker can be heard on weekends playing the Mighty Wurlitzer organ from the balcony; the concession stand prices are reasonable; and the screen is hidden by a red curtain that seems right out of a David Lynch film.

This may be paradise.

For moviegoers in the tri-state area, finding a cinematic home has been difficult. Single-screen theaters have closed left and right, from the Rialto in Ridgefield Park, N.J., to the great Paramus Picture Show in Paramus, N.J. Nowadays, it usually takes a long ride to find a suitable venue. So, if you live in the greater New York City area, head to Suffern and enjoy the Lafayette. If you don’t live nearby, place it on your bucket list. It’s worth the price of admission.

Back to business…

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of watching the original Wuthering Heights from 1939 at the Lafayette Theatre’s Saturday morning classic-movie series. For a mere $7, I was able to enjoy the acting talents of Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon and David Niven. The film, thankfully, still holds up more than 70 years after it original release.

Everyone know the plot of Emily Brontë’s love story. For those who skipped this classic: Heathcliff (Olivier) and Cathy (Oberon) love each other with a fiery passion. But, as these things go, they are unable to fulfill their desires because of the strictures of their upbringing. Heathcliff is an orphan who was brought in by Cathy’s father. The young boy becomes a part of the family and immediately takes a liking to the young girl of the house. All seems well until Papa Earnshaw dies and Hindley, Cathy’s brother, takes over the estate and kicks out Heathcliff.

Along the way, heartstrings are pulled and love fills the air. By definition, the story is a little sappy and melodramatic. However, the considerable presence of Olivier in the pivotal role of Heathcliff grounds the picture in reality. The screenplay by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht is simple and effective. These characters speak their mind, but they also leave a lot of anguish on their face.

Legendary director William Wyler offers many lush images of the countryside and finds a nice intimacy in the story. In many ways, he sets up the tale like a traditional ghost story, with characters recollecting their experiences with the ill-fated Heathcliff and Cathy.

Wuthering Heights earns its spot as a classic film, and to watch it in such a classic setting as the Lafayette Theatre is a double pleasure. Do yourself a favor … actually, two favors. Rent Wuthering Heights and check out this little gem in Suffern, N.Y.

• Wuthering Heights

• 1939

• Directed by William Wyler

• Written by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht, with additional contributions from John Huston; based on the novel by Emily Brontë

• Starring Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon and David Niven

• Running time: 104 minutes

• Rating:

• Upcoming classic films at the Lafayette Theatre: Winchester ’73, The Wizard of OZ, Bringing Up Baby, The Bells of St. Mary’s and It’s a Wonderful Life.

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