Rebecca (1940)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Rebecca is a 1940 American romantic psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It is based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film stars Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, and Judith Anderson, and tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, only to find herself overshadowed by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.

The Story Unfolds

The Meeting and Marriage

The film begins with a young, unnamed protagonist (Joan Fontaine) working as a companion to a wealthy American woman. While in Monte Carlo, she meets the brooding widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). Despite their different social statuses, they fall in love and marry. Maxim takes his new wife back to Manderley, his large country estate in England.

Life at Manderley

The new Mrs. de Winter struggles to adapt to her new life. She is constantly compared to Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to linger in the house. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), is particularly hostile, idolizing Rebecca and undermining the new Mrs. de Winter at every turn. The new bride feels increasingly insecure and overshadowed by Rebecca’s legacy.

The Climax and Resolution

The Revelation

As the story progresses, the new Mrs. de Winter learns more about Rebecca’s true nature. She discovers that Rebecca was not the perfect woman everyone thought she was, but rather manipulative and deceitful. The tension reaches its peak when Rebecca’s sunken boat is discovered, with her body inside, prompting an inquest.

The Truth About Rebecca’s Death

During the inquest, it is revealed that Rebecca was not as virtuous as she appeared. Maxim confesses to his new wife that he had known all along that Rebecca was unfaithful and had wanted to divorce her, but Rebecca taunted him by suggesting she was pregnant with another man’s child. During an argument, Rebecca fell and hit her head, and Maxim placed her body in the boat and sank it to avoid scandal.

The Conclusion

The Fire at Manderley

The film concludes with a dramatic climax when Manderley is set on fire. Mrs. Danvers, driven mad by her obsession with Rebecca, sets the mansion ablaze. The de Winters escape, but Manderley is destroyed. The film ends with the implication that the new Mrs. de Winter and Maxim can now begin a life free from Rebecca’s shadow.

Movie Ending

Rebecca ends with the burning of Manderley, symbolizing the end of Rebecca’s overpowering influence and the beginning of a new chapter for Maxim and his new wife.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Rebecca.

Type of Movie

Rebecca is a romantic psychological thriller that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and drama, focusing on themes of jealousy, identity, and the haunting power of the past.

Cast

Laurence Olivier as Maxim de Winter
Joan Fontaine as the second Mrs. de Winter
Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers
George Sanders as Jack Favell
Gladys Cooper as Beatrice Lacy
Nigel Bruce as Major Giles Lacy

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Franz Waxman, whose music enhances the suspenseful and dramatic elements of the narrative.

Filming Locations

Rebecca was filmed at various locations in California, including:

Big Sur: For the rugged coastline scenes.
Various sets at Selznick International Studios: For the interiors of Manderley.

Awards and Nominations

Rebecca received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

Academy Awards: Won Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Nominated for Best Director (Alfred Hitchcock), Best Actor (Laurence Olivier), Best Actress (Joan Fontaine), Best Supporting Actress (Judith Anderson), Best Adapted Screenplay, and others.
New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Won Best Director (Alfred Hitchcock) and Best Actress (Joan Fontaine).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation closely follows Daphne du Maurier’s novel but makes some significant changes, such as the nature of Rebecca’s death to comply with the Motion Picture Production Code.
Joan Fontaine was chosen over other actresses due to her ability to portray the vulnerability and innocence of the second Mrs. de Winter.

Inspirations and References

Rebecca is based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the psychological impact of the past. The film reflects broader themes of gothic romance and psychological suspense.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Rebecca closely follows Alfred Hitchcock’s vision, with some additional content and behind-the-scenes insights available in special editions and DVD releases.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The second Mrs. de Winter’s arrival at Manderley.
Mrs. Danvers showing Rebecca’s preserved room to the new Mrs. de Winter.
The discovery of Rebecca’s boat and body.
Maxim’s confession about Rebecca’s death.
The dramatic fire at Manderley.

Iconic Quotes

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” – Opening line, second Mrs. de Winter
“You thought I loved Rebecca? You thought that? I hated her!” – Maxim de Winter
“You’ll never get the better of her. She’s still mistress here, even though she’s dead.” – Mrs. Danvers

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance, as he often did in his films, seen near the end of the movie walking past the phone booth.
The movie subtly shifts from gothic romance to psychological thriller, blending genres to maintain suspense.

Trivia

The film’s budget was approximately $1.29 million, and it grossed over $6 million worldwide.
Rebecca is the only film directed by Alfred Hitchcock to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine had a tense relationship during filming, which contributed to the on-screen tension between their characters.

Why Watch?

Rebecca offers a masterful blend of suspense, drama, and psychological depth, featuring standout performances, particularly by Joan Fontaine and Judith Anderson, and masterful direction by Alfred Hitchcock. Its blend of gothic romance and psychological thriller elements makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and suspenseful storytelling.

Director’s Other Movies

Alfred Hitchcock also directed:

Recommended Films for Fans

Jane Eyre (1943)
Wuthering Heights (1939)
Gaslight (1944)
Notorious (1946)
Suspicion (1941)