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.