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Rebecca
1940
A string of classic suspense films produced in England had earned Alfred Hitchcock a reputation in the United States, and his first American production, REBECCA, cemented his fame. Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, REBECCA was conceived to rival producer David O. Selznick's previous epic, GONE WITH THE WIND. This .. Read more
| Starring | Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson |
|---|---|
| Director | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Genres | Drama |
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Rebecca
A string of classic suspense films produced in England had earned Alfred Hitchcock a reputation in the United States, and his first American production, REBECCA, cemented his fame. Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, REBECCA was conceived to rival producer David O. Selznick's previous epic, GONE WITH THE WIND. This psychological thriller, however, derives its grandeur from Hitchcock's careful cultivation of the title character's haunting legacy. Joan Fontaine takes the starring role and narrates the story of her life as the second Madam de Winter. Fontaine, young and innocent, meets the worldly and sophisticated Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier) while vacationing on the Riviera. After a whirlwind romance and marriage, the two return to his opulent English estate, Maderley, where Fontaine begins to realize she is not entirely welcome in her new role. Chief among her detractors is housekeeper Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), who points out her every failing in relation to the previous mistress of the house, Rebecca. Fontaine is nearly driven to suicide by her inability to understand the mysterious legacy of the first wife. However, when a ship washes ashore, the mystery begins to unravel, setting the stage for the memorable and fiery climax."
| Starring | Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson |
|---|---|
| Director | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 6 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Top Thrillers |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 23 Aug 2004 Production year: 1940 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Director Alfred Hitchcock's first Hollywood film is a sumptuous and suspenseful adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's romantic novel, produced by David O Selznick, immaculately played and rightly awarded the Oscar for best picture. That Laurence Olivier as Maxim de Winter is superb goes without saying, but it's mousey Joan Fontaine who is a revelation as the second Mrs de Winter. Lovers of lesbian subtexts will have a field day with Judith Anderson's sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, as Hitchcock conspires to circumvent the censors who forced plot changes to the original story to accommodate the Hays Code. Fortunately no damage was done unless you think too hard, but, since the style and pace never let up, there's no danger of that happening!
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The supreme Hollywood entertainment package, set in Monte Carlo and Cornwall, with generous helpings of romance, comedy, suspense, melodrama and mystery, all indulged in by strongly-drawn characters, and directed by the English wizard from a novel which s
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Most helpful member's review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Mandalay...
A captivating, almost haunting depiction of a murder mystery in a classically french ambience.
The audience almost lives and feels the characters in a brilliantly made movie.
The head chambemaid is unforgettable, as also the performances of sir olivier and joan fontaine.
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- Neelesh from South Croydon, UK
- Posted 11 May 2006 07:27
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Sumptuous
Hitchcock's first American film is sumptuous David O Selznick production of Daphne du Maurier novel of girl who marries British nobleman but lives in shadow of his former wife. Stunning performance by Joan Fontaine.
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News and features
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The Essential Guide to Alfred Hitchcock
- 09 Sep 2008
The Essential Guide to Alfred Hitchcock Born 1899, Leytonstone, England Died 1980, Bel Air, USA More books have been written about Alfred Hitchcock than any other filmmaker, alive or dead. He was the self-styled “master of suspense”. In a career that stretched to half a century, he directed more than 50 films – and rarely strayed from his favourite genre. The son of a grocer, and a devout Catholic, Hitchcock often attributed his fascination with (and fear of) the law,... Read more
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Rebecca
A string of classic suspense films produced in England had earned Alfred Hitchcock a reputation in the United States, and his first American production, REBECCA, cemented his fame. Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, REBECCA was conceived to rival producer David O. Selznick's previous epic, ...
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