The Inheritance
The Inheritance shows what life was really like for immigrants and working Americans from the turn of the century through the fight for civil rights in the 1960s. This stirring history of our country shows their struggle to put down roots, form labor unions, survive wars, and finally, create a new and better life for themselves and our nation. The film explores a landscape largely unknown to the present generation - the dim sweatshops, coal mines and textile mills filled with children; the anxious years of the depression and labor's bloody struggle for the right to organize; the battlefields of WW I and II; the seldom seen newsreel footage of the Memorial Day massacre at The Republic Steel strike in Chicago; the civil rights struggle - as every generation fights again to preserve and extend its freedoms. This is the film's theme. Judy Collins sings this theme song, as well as more great music sung by Judy, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton and others.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, Henry, inherits a large fortune and a sprawling estate from his uncle, but he is manipulated by the estate's administrator, Charles. As Henry becomes increasingly dependent on Charles, his life unravels, leading to tragic consequences. The film explores themes of greed, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
Critical Reception
The Inheritance, also known as 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning's' follow-up, received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. While some critics lauded its ambition and Reisz's directorial vision, others found its pacing and narrative somewhat uneven. It is generally considered a significant, albeit less universally acclaimed, film in Reisz's early career.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its atmospheric portrayal of a decaying aristocratic world.
- Some critics noted a lack of emotional connection with the protagonist.
- Seen as a darker, more complex follow-up to Reisz's earlier success.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and ratings for 'The Inheritance' (1964) is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Although critically lauded for his performance, Robert Stephens initially struggled with the character of Henry, finding him difficult to empathize with due to his passivity and self-destructive tendencies.
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