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Amazon.co.uk Review
"Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again..." From the first classic line of this unforgettable film, Rebecca casts its spell. David O. Selznick brought Alfred Hitchcock to the United States in order to give this adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel the proper atmosphere. The resulting film is a stunning marriage of their sensibilities. It paid off critically and financially as well. Like Gone with the Wind, which Selznick released a year earlier, Rebecca won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Laurence Olivier stars as Maxim de Winter, who, reeling from the recent and unexpected death of his glamorous wife Rebecca, impulsively marries a young and adoring governess (Joan Fontaine). The new Mrs de Winter tries to fit into her role as mistress of the great house Manderley, but every step she takes is haunted by Rebecca's spirit. The ghost's brooding presence is personified by the insanely meticulous Mrs Danvers, brilliantly portrayed by Judith Anderson. As Fontaine's character begins to uncover the dark secrets of the de Winter clan, the house seems to take on a life of its own.
Passionate love and romance blend seamlessly with typically Hitchcockian emphases on guilt, sexuality and Gothic horror. The production values are stunning and the cast is excellent, down to the least of the supporting players. While Rebecca has enough surprises to captivate even the most jaded of moviegoers, it is also one of those rare films that improves with each viewing. --Raphael Shargel
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 40 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Rebecca is by far one of Alfred Hitchcock's most entertaining and often overlooked masterpieces. In this film his US directorial debut we see at work the first signs of his genius as the master of film suspense coming to life. Laurence Olivier is great as the tortured Maxim haunted by the memory of his beautiful and mysterious first wife and Joan Fontaine puts in a good performance as the shy dowdy second wife of Maxim who slowly unravels dark hidden secrets behind Rebecca's tragic death. They don't make classic thrillers any more like Rebecca and I like it because the film is still good entertainment after so many years. Dame Judith Anderson is probably one of the best female villains of all time in her portrayal of the sinister housekeeper Mrs Danvers.
One of the great thrillers of all time and a film that must be added to any Hitchcock fan's movie collection.
One of the great thrillers of all time and a film that must be added to any Hitchcock fan's movie collection.
43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This 1940 film was a star at the Oscars, winning two and gaining a raft of nominations in almost every class. Hitchcocks first Hollywood studio-bound feature, it oozes deft cinematography, eerie scenes, brilliant studio sets and acting. Of course it has that slick direction from Hitch that we've come to expect from later films. It's exciting, romantic, gothic, it even has a lesbian sub-plot, and shows a young dashing Olivier (before his over-acting days came..) and the ever-gorgeous Joan Fontaine. Each scene is exquisitely lit, the dialogue is succinct, incidental music is passionate and the book-based story intelligent. No matter that it's 1940 black and white, I'm 30 and found the film 'spine-tinglingly' enchanting.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Joan Fontaine stars as a miserably shy and awkward lady's companion who meets the worldly and recently widowed Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo. They seem an odd couple, but after a few short weeks, they marry and come home to his elegant country estate, Manderley. There, the new Mrs. de Winter is overwhelmed with her new, grand lifestyle, and is especially frightened by the forbidding housekeeper, who keeps her first mistress' memory and influence alive. Maxim reveals a terrible secret which forever alters the couple's life, and affects the very existence of Manderley.
This wonderfully atmospheric tale, complete with swirling fog and spooky organ music, will take you away to the glamourous, yet lonely world of Manderley. Joan Fontaine gives a breathtaking performance, convincing us she really is crippled with feelings of inadequacy, despite being a flawless beauty. Judith Anderson is unforgettable as the sneering housekeeper. Laurence Olivier makes a properly snobbish and brooding Maxim, and manages to be the hero despite a very fatal flaw. The title character, Rebecca (the first Mrs. de Winter), is never seen, but makes her intimidating presence known. If you like gothic romances filled with 1940's elegance and lots of creepy atmosphere, you'll enjoy Rebecca.
This wonderfully atmospheric tale, complete with swirling fog and spooky organ music, will take you away to the glamourous, yet lonely world of Manderley. Joan Fontaine gives a breathtaking performance, convincing us she really is crippled with feelings of inadequacy, despite being a flawless beauty. Judith Anderson is unforgettable as the sneering housekeeper. Laurence Olivier makes a properly snobbish and brooding Maxim, and manages to be the hero despite a very fatal flaw. The title character, Rebecca (the first Mrs. de Winter), is never seen, but makes her intimidating presence known. If you like gothic romances filled with 1940's elegance and lots of creepy atmosphere, you'll enjoy Rebecca.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great transfer! Great film!
Hitchcock's wonderful version of this "gothic" tale, set in the South of France and the West Country , has never looked better than in this new blu ray transfer. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Adrian Drew
Rebecca
Classic Hitchcock - bags of atmosphere and the dominating presence of the incomparable Laurence Olivier makes this one of the best of its time. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Vicky A
One of The Greats
One of the greatest films ever and certainly the best Hitchcock. It's got everything- rom, com, suspense, some scary bits and a great ending. Modern films don't come close. Read more
Published 4 months ago by QB
Rebecca
A good old film there are many versions of this film but you can't beat the original actually bought this for my aunt, but I will be borrowing it.
Published 4 months ago by Golden oldie
Romance, mystery, chills...and lovely Larry
There's not a single negative thing that can be said about this movie, especially the fact that it is presented in its pure, perfect original black-and-white! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Helen Garth
This is a classic!
In my view, this is the best adaptation ever of "Rebecca." As it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock is has to be a winner for suspense and atmosphere. Read more
Published 5 months ago by K. J. Pratt
Do you think the dead come back and watch the living?
Rebecca is directed by Alfred Hitchcock and adapted to screen play from the Daphne du Maurier novel of the same name. It stars Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and Judith Anderson. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Spike Owen
Everything You Would Hope for and More
A true masterpiece. Everything came together perfectly for Hitchcock's Oscar award winning, romantic thriller, starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Lafferty
Hitchcoch is Hitchcock
Hitchcoch is Hitchcock. He was a master of suspence and with the best actors of the time in the cast they were bound to catch you.
Published 8 months ago by Kristina Suder
Old film, in DVD format,
A superb film, a well known plot, but it keeps the viewer in suspense, and is beautifully acted by the leading players.
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. Audrey J. Callaghan
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