Rebecca - Criterion Collection | Judith Anderson, Florence Bates

Rebecca - Criterion Collection | Judith Anderson, Florence Bates | Great performance by what's-her-name (recommended)

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Rebecca - Criterio...

	Rebecca - Criterion Collection Judith Anderson, Florence Bates Criterion, 2001 average customer review:based on 157 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Timeless Classic

What happens when everyone frequently compares you to your husband's late first wife? This is what happens in Alfred Hitchcock's 1940 film "Rebecca". This classic, Best Picture Oscar winner stars Sir Laurence Olivier as George Fortescu Maximillian de Winter and Joan Fontaine as the second Mrs. de Winter.

During a trip to Monte Carlo, Maxim meets the young companion of socialite Mrs. Edythe van Hopper (Florence Bates) and is immediately intrigued. When Mrs. van Hopper is taken ill, Maxim begins a courtship with the meek and insecure girl. Afterwards, with the threat of being separated, the two quickly marry and return to Maxim's estate, Manderley, in England.

The newlywed's wedded bliss is short lived however. The second Mrs. de Winter soon finds herself overwhelmed by Maxim's varying temperament as well as being constantly compared to the late Rebecca. This is especially true of Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson) who was Rebecca's personal maid and has kept the first Mrs. de Winter's quarters untouched since her death as if awaiting her return.

The volatile situation comes to a head during a costume party thrown by the second Mrs. de Winter. Disaster ensues after creating and wearing a costume suggested by Mrs. Danvers which turns out to be one of Rebecca's favorites. While reminding the second Mrs. de Winter that she can't compare to the former mistress of Manderley, a boating accident occurs which not only brings about the discovery of a sunken vessel on the ocean floor but culminates in Maxim's confession of what his life was like with Rebecca, his true feelings and what happened to her a year earlier. Will Maxim and the second Mrs. de Winter's marriage survive or will it fall victim to Rebecca's ominous shadow?

It is easy to see why "Rebecca" is considered to be one of Hitchcock's best works. Two of the era's top stars, Olivier and Fontaine, give exceptional performances as the tortured Maxim and the sympathetic Mrs. de Winter. The supporting cast, especially Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers, also help to make a convincing story of a woman's memory that is so strong that it reaches beyond the grave.

Fans who like to pinpoint Hitchcock's appearances will not be disappointed. The director, known for making cameos in his films, appears early in the movie, standing outside of a phone booth.

There were only two points that the film could have discussed further. What was the second Mrs. de Winter's name? Throughout the film she is never referred to by her actual name but as Maxim's wife or Mrs. de Winter. Also, added background information on Rebecca would have made it easier to understand why she was the person Maxim claims she was. Was she a "social climber" or a "spoiled little rich girl"?

"Rebecca" is a timeless classic. Whether a person has seen the movie in the past or plans to watch it in the future, the movie is an intriguing piece of cinematic art.

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Great performance by what's-her-name (recommended)

Hitchcock suspense is woven from two directions -- the bizarre behavior of the housemaid, Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), who despises the new Mrs. de Winter (Joan Fontaine) and the secret past tormenting Mr. de Winter (Laurence Olivier). Humorous at times, this epic film reveals an insecure woman who must find out how to assert herself among nobles and house servants despite overwhelming opposition because of her non-royal family background. The fact that her first name is never mentioned hightens the shyness she must overcome living in the shadow of Rebecca.

Movie quote: "You thought you could be Mrs. de Winter, live in her house, walk in her steps, take the things that were hers! But she's too strong for you."

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A Classic .. But so many questions left..

got this dvd from the Hitchcock OOP boxset and was eager to watch it right away when i saw that this film won a couple of Oscars. production wise, efforts by Selznick and Hitchcock gave this film a classic status. Olivier is definitely affective. Fontaine is sweet and beautiful but at times irritatingly charming.---> can't read her expressions (which frustrates me), very unpredictable, which worked positively in so many scenes.

Nice plot but very abrupt ending and left many questions in my bag after seeing the film. nice transfer and features by criterion though.. really something to grab in your collection.

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"Happiness is something I know nothing about."

This was Alfred Hitchcock's first American film and stars Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. Olivier and Fontaine have married rather hastily, and Olivier's dead first wife (Rebecca), who from appearances one assumes he loved very much, provides the chief stumbling block for Fontaine in ever capturing Olivier's love. But it's soon revealed that he never loved Rebecca, but hated her; in fact, killed her. Rebecca's dead body being discovered after a number of years have passed is a bit hard to believe, but from that point on the picture really rolls. There is a legal inquiry, attempted blackmail, and arson committed by the jealous housekeeper (Judith Anderson), who is deliciously wicked. The movie is a tad too long (over two hours), but the last hour is excellent. Definitely worth a watch.

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