dr. austin sloper declares in henry james' 1880 novel, "washington square." the book tells the story of his daughter, the shy, awkward catherine sloper, whom he views as hopelessly unattractive and not at all clever. when the handsome morris townshend descends on their home and declares his love for catherine, a transformation begins. "the heiress," a theatrical adaptation of james' novel, made its broadway debut in 1947. it has been staged on the great white way every other decade since. a new production starring jessica chastain, david straithairn, and dan stevens recently opened at the walter kerr theatre. here's a look. >> it is a great wonder for me that morris should come into my life. i never thought i would meet a man who would understand me as he does. >> you underestimate your many qualities, my dear. i have always hoped that you would meet a fine young man who would match your goodness with his own. >> and here i have found the goodness, and with it, everything else. oh, father, don't you think he is the most beautiful man you have ever seen? ( laug