Great one Henry! This movie is fascinating as the lead character is Rebecca and we never see her. Rebecca is the character we learn to know the most about, and we can feel her prescence everywhere. Cleverly done, even the fact that the 2nd Mrs de Winter didn't have a name makes Rebecca's prescence even stronger.
The movie seemed like any romance movie at first. But when the climax came, it came wave after wave, like the sea. The big reveal (in the form of multiple small revelations) was executed beautifully. I didn't expect it at all. Who knew there was even something to unveil? When the moment came - BOOM - shock, and assumptions were formed. Then - BOOM - another reveal which overturned the previous assumptions. The best plot twist is the one you don't see coming till it hits you at supersonic speeds, and then the only thing you hear is the breaking sound barrier. And this one came in waves.
Remember that until about 1960, "making love" meant saying sweet words very respectably in public. It can be confusing in older books and movies! (So "making violent love to you behind a palm tree" just meant giving her lots of kisses in an idealized romantic setting.)
You're my new favourite (new) reactor with all these Hitchcock reactions! After you cover Strangers on a Train (*wink*), I recommend Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It was Hitchcock's favourite.
What a great reaction and commentary. As you mention that notion of assumption, Hitchcock has always dealt with subjectivity and appearances vs. reality and how our main character has to walk through sinister webs to get to the heart of the matter. I think Joan Fontaine should have won the Oscar for her performance especially in those opening scenes where her innocent perspective is always being challenged by people she presumes to be more experienced and knowledgeable than she is. In that sense the fact that doesn't have a proper name given adds to her quality of innocence; And of course the title of the movie is a person we never see which creates even more irony regarding appearances and reality, doesn't it? Anyway, fantastic reaction. Looking very forward to all of your Hitchcock reactions.
When I arrive somewhere, I still say, “That’s it! That’s Manderley!” Mrs. Danvers frightens me to this day, more than many famous cinema villains. The coroner's inquest anticipates VERTIGO. This story is a descendent of JANE EYRE and an ancestor of PHANTOM THREAD. For Christmas: THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER.
Nice 😂 The most frightening villains are the ones who hide their motives and actions. The 2nd Mrs. De Winter would've died if it wasn't for that shipwreck. I'll add "The Shop Around the Corner", thanks for suggesting! 😉
Terrific reaction, Henry, and a pleasant surprise on my feed. This is a gothic romance, with a happy ending, except for Manderley. Glad you also picked up the humor. Author Daphne DuMaurier never gives our heroine a name, as Rebecca dominates the story, even in death. Hitchcock continuously told Joan Fontaine that Lawrence Olivier disliked her, feeding her insecurities and anxieties. I love the cinematography of this film, the use of shadow and light is exquisite, especially in Rebecca’s bedroom. People underestimate Hitchcock as a romance director but I think he excelled in it as well as suspense. The beginning romance in Monte Carlo was charming and interesting. The viewer is swept along like our heroine is. Looking forward to the next Hitch film!
I know why Hitchcock did that, but I feel sorry for Joan believing that Lawrence disliked her 😅. The romance at the beginning is sweet, though short. That's understandable, because it was not the main focus of the film.
My understanding was that Olivier really did dislike Fontaine, probably not personally but in terms of her suitability for the role (he told Hitchcock "Fontaine's terrible, old boy!" and he wanted his wife Vivien Leigh to play the part). Also, Fontaine would try to overplay her English roots with the English cast and this rubbed them the wrong way (e.g., there's an anecdote of her trying to impress with her lineage coming from English nobility, and Hitchcock simply making fun of it in response).
@@gammaanteria Interesting. Cary Grant also disliked Fontaine. He worked with her in Hitch's "Suspicion" and apparently Grant thought she was immature and unprofessional, which is unusual for Grant, since he always got along well with his leading ladies. Joan Fontaine is the only leading lady about which he said unflattering things.
The scene where Danvers tries to talk her into suicide is one of the most chilling in all of film I think. It horrifies me every time I see it. Your reactions are great! Thank you.
One of the first Hitchcock movies I ever saw, way back in the 70s. And no, we never find out "Joan"'s name, either in the movie or the novel it is based on, which was written by Daphne du Maurier who also wrote the story The Birds was based on. Fans usually call her "I" or "The 2nd Mrs. DeWinter". There is one major difference in the movie from the book it is based on, though... *spoilers below* In the book Max DID kill Rebecca. He shot her when she goaded him into killing her but the bullet didn't hit any bone so there was no evidence of a gunshot wound when her body was found. Hitchcock had to change that because of what used to be called the Hays Code, which governed what movies could and could not depict right up through the late 60s when the ratings system was put into place. In this case they couldn't show that Max got away with murder, and that was one thing the Hays Code would not allow. That's also why Vertigo ended the way it did. If you do some research you can learn more details about the Hays Code, although that could spoil some movies for you.
I found out about the Hays Code after watching Psycho (1960). At the time, I felt it was strange because I didn't see any actual wounds or bleeding in it. I feel it's better to be aware of the Code when watching these movies.
I have heard it said the Code was also a factor in the final version chosen for the ending of Casablanca. (I won't elaborate here in case some readers haven't yet seen it.)
If I recall. that final shot with the close-up of Rebecca's 'R' dissolving in the fire, was likely an influence on the final shot of Citizen Kane/Rosebud.
Great reaction and review of one of my favorite films. You should read the book. I thinks it's neat that George Sanders was in the Academy Award winner for Best Picture of 1940 and of 1950 (All About Eve). He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the second one.
This may be my favorite reaction you’ve done so far. I love this movie so much. It’s romantic and mysterious and I find there is a lot of subtle humor in it as well. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts ! I hope you watch It’s a Wonderful Life for the Christmas season if you haven’t already see it. It is one of those movies that everyone should watch at least once.
At one point, Hitchcock considered naming the second Mrs. de Winter "Daphne" after the book's author, Daphne du Maurier, but in the end he decided to stick with the convention in the book of not giving her a first or maiden name.
Back in the day, the phrase "make love to" did not mean what it means now. It referred to a kind of serious flirting. If I remember correctly, there was a scene in a Jane Austin book in which a young gentleman compliments a young lady at the dinner table and she responds, "Why sir, I do believe you're making love to me." Such a scene could even be interpreted as a hint of a marriage proposal. Letting the public into a house such as Manderlay became a custom in the 20th century when it became difficult to keep good help at the low wages traditionally made in these houses. The tourist revenue offset maintenance costs.
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
Rebecca's doctor at the end is played by Leo G. Carroll who played The Professor in "North by Northwest." Oh, and this is by no means one of Hitchcock's earliest movies.
I didn't even realize that. Yes, I'm sure he directed more than a few before Rebecca. I just consider it as one of his earlier (more well-known) movies.
Leo G. Carroll also played the director of the mental inststution in "Spellbound." Hitchclock had a little "Repertory Company" of actors he used regularly.
This was Hitchock's first American movie. Before this he had been a top film director in the UK for over a decade. In fact, three years earlier a retrospective of his movies was held in New York and when he showed up for it he was mobbed.
I’m newly subscribed to your channel due to your wonderful reaction to one of my favorite Hitchcock movies. I’m so excited to watch your other reactions.
Forgot to mention that you had me burst out laughing when you described the photo as having a poster smashed over Joan Fontaine’s head! 😂😂😂 For Christmas: A Christmas Story (very humorous), Scrooge (1951 with Alastair Sim), It’s a Wonderful Life!
Don’t know if you noticed, but to put a fine point on the dominance of Rebecca’s oppressive presence, the female lead’s name is never mentioned by Hitchcock.
Glad to see someone reacting to this. It's a very good adaptation of the novel and Joan Fontaine plays her part excellently, showing her transition from ditsy naive young girl to mature experienced woman. I highly recommend you read the novel which gives much more of her feelings and fears, and the malicious threatening presence of Mrs Danvers. One of my favourite books ever.
One of the best DVD audio commentaries I've ever heard was by Leonard Leff, on the Criterion Collection's DVD release of "Rebecca" (it was actually taken from Criterion's LaserDisc of the film--anyone remember those? :D). His commentary was jam-packed with information about the production of this movie (e.g., Hitchcock's feuds for control with producer David O Selznick), Hitch's techniques in the movie (e.g., making Mrs. Danvers tend to appear out of nowhere to make her seem almost supernaturally evil) and symbolism (his films were so deeply thought-out!). I think the later Blu-Ray reissue of "Rebecca" no longer has the commentary, a shame.
I don't believe the second Mrs. DeWinter's name is ever stated. The reason could be to keep the name Rebecca at the forefront in the film. I wonder if the second wife's name is ever stated in the original book?
Some more, because that's who I am! Maxim's sister is Gladys Cooper, the great and wonderful. She also made a profession of playing cold, nasty ladies, but also practical and kindly ones. My introduction to her was in "My Fair Lady", where she played Mrs. Higgins. But her most landmark role is in "Now, Voyager," and I can tell you nothing more than that star Bette Davis said she adored working with Cooper. Husband here was Nigel Bruce, always adorable and sweet, and bumbling. He became famous as Dr. Watson in a series of Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone. I see you have "Suspicion" in your line up, so I know you'll have seen Bruce again!
Producer David O. Selznick won his second Best Picture Oscar in a row for this film. The first was a little movie called Gone With the Wind. Selznick brought Hitchcock over from England and their differences began soon after. Selznick was a very controlling Producer and Hitchcock was used to doing what he liked. Hitch struggled to find a project that Selznick would approve until finally Selznick assigned him Rebecca. Hitch did what he normally did and completely rewrote the source material. He would continue to do this his entire career. Selznick objected saying, "We bought Rebecca and we will make Rebecca!" Hitch was not overly fond of the finished film because it was more Selznick than Hitchcock but he still managed to infuse some of his own style and he was nominated for Best Director, an award he never won. The two continued to fight and had an uneasy working relationship. Hitch made more movies on loan-out than he made for Selznick while under contract. Hitch fled Selznick as soon as he could and managed to get in some digs in later films. Cary Grant's character in North by Northwest had the middle initial O, like Selznick, and said it stood for nothing. Selznick did not have a middle name and added the O for effect. And in Rear Window, the antagonist bears a striking resemblance to Selnick.
In the novel Maxim deliberately kills Rebecca but until the 1970s there was a code in American movies and tv that main characters couldn't get away with a crime.
I don't think the movie poster is them busting through a picture, but them sort of stepping out of the novel, a book which was extremely popular at the time.
Bless you! So many bigwig reviewers say the manor name wrong, even having see the film! Ends -LEY ("LEE"), not -lay. Thank you for correct pronunciation.
Oh good!! I just watched your reaction to The Birds, and now this! I've subscribed so I won't miss any more! Ye olde algorithm isn't offering you enough!!
Many People including Critics assume that Mrs. Danvers is a Lesbian! Feeling Rebecca's Undergarments and showing them to the new Mrs. De Winter! .... I thought so myself the first time I saw the Film!
At the time, they couldn't specify it, due to the restrictive Hays code. On the other hand, audiences knew how to read whatever subtle hints were presented. And implying this back then would make her a lot more sinister as being queer in any way was deemed part of a evil psychosis with no further explanation. By the way, in the book, at first it may seem Danvers has a romantic interest in Rebecca but then it becomes clear it was due to having raised her like a daughter, it was a maternal affection. Lesbian Danvers was just part of Hollywood's demonizing of anything homosexual, helping to justify to the audience her death at the end.
@@jamesalexander5623 That assumption didn't start until the 90's. Henry is correct - it was meant to imply obsession but not a sexual one. It wasn't until the sex-obsessed 80's and 90's did interpretations to sexualize everything. No one thought that back in the 40's to the 70's. I'm old. I lived through the 60's to now.
34:42 It would help if you put this timestamp (34:42) next time, so I know what you were referring to 😂 At that time, I was referring to incest. Because Favell and Rebecca were cousins. I thought it was illegal.
@@henryellow First cousins can legally marry in England to this day and in many states in the United States (although in other states not). It's less common now as society's views have changed. I'm not really sure what level of cousin Rebecca and Favell were; it could have been more distant. Although I kind of doubt Rebecca would have cared anyway. She's a bit Cersei Lannister, isn't she? :)
Great one Henry! This movie is fascinating as the lead character is Rebecca and we never see her. Rebecca is the character we learn to know the most about, and we can feel her prescence everywhere. Cleverly done, even the fact that the 2nd Mrs de Winter didn't have a name makes Rebecca's prescence even stronger.
The movie seemed like any romance movie at first. But when the climax came, it came wave after wave, like the sea. The big reveal (in the form of multiple small revelations) was executed beautifully. I didn't expect it at all. Who knew there was even something to unveil?
When the moment came - BOOM - shock, and assumptions were formed. Then - BOOM - another reveal which overturned the previous assumptions. The best plot twist is the one you don't see coming till it hits you at supersonic speeds, and then the only thing you hear is the breaking sound barrier. And this one came in waves.
Remember that until about 1960, "making love" meant saying sweet words very respectably in public. It can be confusing in older books and movies! (So "making violent love to you behind a palm tree" just meant giving her lots of kisses in an idealized romantic setting.)
Ohhhhh~ okay I should keep that in mind 🤣
You're my new favourite (new) reactor with all these Hitchcock reactions! After you cover Strangers on a Train (*wink*), I recommend Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It was Hitchcock's favourite.
Glad you enjoy the reactions 😊
I'll get to them eventually 😉
What a great reaction and commentary. As you mention that notion of assumption, Hitchcock has always dealt with subjectivity and appearances vs. reality and how our main character has to walk through sinister webs to get to the heart of the matter. I think Joan Fontaine should have won the Oscar for her performance especially in those opening scenes where her innocent perspective is always being challenged by people she presumes to be more experienced and knowledgeable than she is. In that sense the fact that doesn't have a proper name given adds to her quality of innocence; And of course the title of the movie is a person we never see which creates even more irony regarding appearances and reality, doesn't it? Anyway, fantastic reaction. Looking very forward to all of your Hitchcock reactions.
I think the Academy was compensating for not giving Fontaine Best Actress for this film, so they gave it to her in Suspicion, another Hitch film!
@@catherinelw9365 I agree.
this is one of my favorite movies of all time.’ thank you for reacting to it!
When I arrive somewhere, I still say, “That’s it! That’s Manderley!”
Mrs. Danvers frightens me to this day, more than many famous cinema villains.
The coroner's inquest anticipates VERTIGO.
This story is a descendent of JANE EYRE and an ancestor of PHANTOM THREAD.
For Christmas: THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER.
Nice 😂
The most frightening villains are the ones who hide their motives and actions. The 2nd Mrs. De Winter would've died if it wasn't for that shipwreck.
I'll add "The Shop Around the Corner", thanks for suggesting! 😉
Terrific reaction, Henry, and a pleasant surprise on my feed. This is a gothic romance, with a happy ending, except for Manderley. Glad you also picked up the humor. Author Daphne DuMaurier never gives our heroine a name, as Rebecca dominates the story, even in death. Hitchcock continuously told Joan Fontaine that Lawrence Olivier disliked her, feeding her insecurities and anxieties.
I love the cinematography of this film, the use of shadow and light is exquisite, especially in Rebecca’s bedroom. People underestimate Hitchcock as a romance director but I think he excelled in it as well as suspense. The beginning romance in Monte Carlo was charming and interesting. The viewer is swept along like our heroine is.
Looking forward to the next Hitch film!
I know why Hitchcock did that, but I feel sorry for Joan believing that Lawrence disliked her 😅.
The romance at the beginning is sweet, though short. That's understandable, because it was not the main focus of the film.
My understanding was that Olivier really did dislike Fontaine, probably not personally but in terms of her suitability for the role (he told Hitchcock "Fontaine's terrible, old boy!" and he wanted his wife Vivien Leigh to play the part). Also, Fontaine would try to overplay her English roots with the English cast and this rubbed them the wrong way (e.g., there's an anecdote of her trying to impress with her lineage coming from English nobility, and Hitchcock simply making fun of it in response).
@@gammaanteria Interesting. Cary Grant also disliked Fontaine. He worked with her in Hitch's "Suspicion" and apparently Grant thought she was immature and unprofessional, which is unusual for Grant, since he always got along well with his leading ladies. Joan Fontaine is the only leading lady about which he said unflattering things.
I love this film - great reaction 👏 Daphne du Maurier is a brilliant novelist. And Mrs Danvers is a wonderfully sinister villain 🖤
The scene where Danvers tries to talk her into suicide is one of the most chilling in all of film I think. It horrifies me every time I see it.
Your reactions are great! Thank you.
One of the first Hitchcock movies I ever saw, way back in the 70s. And no, we never find out "Joan"'s name, either in the movie or the novel it is based on, which was written by Daphne du Maurier who also wrote the story The Birds was based on. Fans usually call her "I" or "The 2nd Mrs. DeWinter". There is one major difference in the movie from the book it is based on, though...
*spoilers below*
In the book Max DID kill Rebecca. He shot her when she goaded him into killing her but the bullet didn't hit any bone so there was no evidence of a gunshot wound when her body was found. Hitchcock had to change that because of what used to be called the Hays Code, which governed what movies could and could not depict right up through the late 60s when the ratings system was put into place. In this case they couldn't show that Max got away with murder, and that was one thing the Hays Code would not allow. That's also why Vertigo ended the way it did. If you do some research you can learn more details about the Hays Code, although that could spoil some movies for you.
I found out about the Hays Code after watching Psycho (1960). At the time, I felt it was strange because I didn't see any actual wounds or bleeding in it.
I feel it's better to be aware of the Code when watching these movies.
I have heard it said the Code was also a factor in the final version chosen for the ending of Casablanca. (I won't elaborate here in case some readers haven't yet seen it.)
If I recall. that final shot with the close-up of Rebecca's 'R' dissolving in the fire, was likely an influence on the final shot of Citizen Kane/Rosebud.
You're right! I never connected the two!
Great reaction and review of one of my favorite films. You should read the book. I thinks it's neat that George Sanders was in the Academy Award winner for Best Picture of 1940 and of 1950 (All About Eve). He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the second one.
This may be my favorite reaction you’ve done so far. I love this movie so much. It’s romantic and mysterious and I find there is a lot of subtle humor in it as well. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts ! I hope you watch It’s a Wonderful Life for the Christmas season if you haven’t already see it. It is one of those movies that everyone should watch at least once.
Glad you enjoyed it! I have that on my list, thanks 😊
At one point, Hitchcock considered naming the second Mrs. de Winter "Daphne" after the book's author, Daphne du Maurier, but in the end he decided to stick with the convention in the book of not giving her a first or maiden name.
The opening narration is straight from the opening of the novel.
I see. No wonder it sounds exactly like the words I would read in a novel 😂
@@henryellowDaphne du Maurier is a brilliant novelist 🇬🇧
Back in the day, the phrase "make love to" did not mean what it means now. It referred to a kind of serious flirting. If I remember correctly, there was a scene in a Jane Austin book in which a young gentleman compliments a young lady at the dinner table and she responds, "Why sir, I do believe you're making love to me." Such a scene could even be interpreted as a hint of a marriage proposal.
Letting the public into a house such as Manderlay became a custom in the 20th century when it became difficult to keep good help at the low wages traditionally made in these houses. The tourist revenue offset maintenance costs.
I see, so the public has to pay to tour the mansion. I wonder if the tourist revenue is stable.
Thanks for sharing! 😊
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
@@henryellow I visited Britain back in the late 90's and toured a few castles/mansions which were by donation. Considering how long the lines were, I imagine the tourist revenue was stable then. I don't know about now.
Rebecca's doctor at the end is played by Leo G. Carroll who played The Professor in "North by Northwest."
Oh, and this is by no means one of Hitchcock's earliest movies.
I didn't even realize that.
Yes, I'm sure he directed more than a few before Rebecca. I just consider it as one of his earlier (more well-known) movies.
Leo G. Carroll also played the director of the mental inststution in "Spellbound." Hitchclock had a little "Repertory Company" of actors he used regularly.
This was Hitchock's first American movie. Before this he had been a top film director in the UK for over a decade. In fact, three years earlier a retrospective of his movies was held in New York and when he showed up for it he was mobbed.
He was active in the silent era. Blackmail was a very good crossover silent/sound film.
@@joebloggs396 "over a decade" from 1939 includes the silent era.
I’m newly subscribed to your channel due to your wonderful reaction to one of my favorite Hitchcock movies. I’m so excited to watch your other reactions.
I'm glad you enjoyed my reaction. Welcome aboard! 😊
There's more Hitchcock to come, sooner than you think!
I'm not sure, but I don't think Mrs. Danvers ever blinks
You might be right, I can't recall seeing her blinking 😂
Forgot to mention that you had me burst out laughing when you described the photo as having a poster smashed over Joan Fontaine’s head! 😂😂😂
For Christmas: A Christmas Story (very humorous), Scrooge (1951 with Alastair Sim), It’s a Wonderful Life!
I'll add them to my list 😉
Thanks for your suggestions!
Don’t know if you noticed, but to put a fine point on the dominance of Rebecca’s oppressive presence, the female lead’s name is never mentioned by Hitchcock.
Yes, I noticed that.
During and after the reaction, I didn't know how to refer to Joan Fontaine's character because she didn't have a name...
"If today you are better than you were yesterday, then that's a win!" 👍🌟💯❤
Always! 😊
Glad to see someone reacting to this. It's a very good adaptation of the novel and Joan Fontaine plays her part excellently, showing her transition from ditsy naive young girl to mature experienced woman. I highly recommend you read the novel which gives much more of her feelings and fears, and the malicious threatening presence of Mrs Danvers. One of my favourite books ever.
Another. wonderfully fun reaction and commentary.
One of the best DVD audio commentaries I've ever heard was by Leonard Leff, on the Criterion Collection's DVD release of "Rebecca" (it was actually taken from Criterion's LaserDisc of the film--anyone remember those? :D). His commentary was jam-packed with information about the production of this movie (e.g., Hitchcock's feuds for control with producer David O Selznick), Hitch's techniques in the movie (e.g., making Mrs. Danvers tend to appear out of nowhere to make her seem almost supernaturally evil) and symbolism (his films were so deeply thought-out!). I think the later Blu-Ray reissue of "Rebecca" no longer has the commentary, a shame.
The Criterion Blu-ray has it.
I don't believe the second Mrs. DeWinter's name is ever stated. The reason could be to keep the name Rebecca at the forefront in the film.
I wonder if the second wife's name is ever stated in the original book?
Some more, because that's who I am!
Maxim's sister is Gladys Cooper, the great and wonderful. She also made a profession of playing cold, nasty ladies, but also practical and kindly ones. My introduction to her was in "My Fair Lady", where she played Mrs. Higgins. But her most landmark role is in "Now, Voyager," and I can tell you nothing more than that star Bette Davis said she adored working with Cooper. Husband here was Nigel Bruce, always adorable and sweet, and bumbling. He became famous as Dr. Watson in a series of Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone. I see you have "Suspicion" in your line up, so I know you'll have seen Bruce again!
Oh, it seems I failed to recognize Nigel Bruce. He was Beaky in "Suspicion"!
Producer David O. Selznick won his second Best Picture Oscar in a row for this film. The first was a little movie called Gone With the Wind. Selznick brought Hitchcock over from England and their differences began soon after. Selznick was a very controlling Producer and Hitchcock was used to doing what he liked. Hitch struggled to find a project that Selznick would approve until finally Selznick assigned him Rebecca. Hitch did what he normally did and completely rewrote the source material. He would continue to do this his entire career. Selznick objected saying, "We bought Rebecca and we will make Rebecca!" Hitch was not overly fond of the finished film because it was more Selznick than Hitchcock but he still managed to infuse some of his own style and he was nominated for Best Director, an award he never won.
The two continued to fight and had an uneasy working relationship. Hitch made more movies on loan-out than he made for Selznick while under contract. Hitch fled Selznick as soon as he could and managed to get in some digs in later films. Cary Grant's character in North by Northwest had the middle initial O, like Selznick, and said it stood for nothing. Selznick did not have a middle name and added the O for effect. And in Rear Window, the antagonist bears a striking resemblance to Selnick.
Thanks for sharing this trivia! 😊
In the novel Maxim deliberately kills Rebecca but until the 1970s there was a code in American movies and tv that main characters couldn't get away with a crime.
The second Mrs. De Winter's first name is never mentioned.
I don't think the movie poster is them busting through a picture, but them sort of stepping out of the novel, a book which was extremely popular at the time.
Oh right, it could be seen as a book too.
It just looked like a canvas painting at first glance 😂
Christmas movie: "Miracle on 34th Street" - the original 1947 version.
Bless you! So many bigwig reviewers say the manor name wrong, even having see the film! Ends -LEY ("LEE"), not -lay. Thank you for correct pronunciation.
This is my favorite movie ever. Loved your reaction to it! ❤
We never learn her name, not in the movie or in the novel it was based on.
Oh good!! I just watched your reaction to The Birds, and now this! I've subscribed so I won't miss any more! Ye olde algorithm isn't offering you enough!!
Very nice reaction to another classic.
Great reaction
Many People including Critics assume that Mrs. Danvers is a Lesbian! Feeling Rebecca's Undergarments and showing them to the new Mrs. De Winter! .... I thought so myself the first time I saw the Film!
At the time, they couldn't specify it, due to the restrictive Hays code. On the other hand, audiences knew how to read whatever subtle hints were presented. And implying this back then would make her a lot more sinister as being queer in any way was deemed part of a evil psychosis with no further explanation.
By the way, in the book, at first it may seem Danvers has a romantic interest in Rebecca but then it becomes clear it was due to having raised her like a daughter, it was a maternal affection. Lesbian Danvers was just part of Hollywood's demonizing of anything homosexual, helping to justify to the audience her death at the end.
Is that so?
I assumed it was adoration / admiration bordering obsession.
You're being too kind Henry. And perhaps a little Naive?
@@jamesalexander5623 That assumption didn't start until the 90's. Henry is correct - it was meant to imply obsession but not a sexual one. It wasn't until the sex-obsessed 80's and 90's did interpretations to sexualize everything. No one thought that back in the 40's to the 70's. I'm old. I lived through the 60's to now.
You were right. Her obsession was not sexual. The lesbian interpretation is tediously modern rubbish.
Late wife.
Isn't what illegal?
34:42
It would help if you put this timestamp (34:42) next time, so I know what you were referring to 😂
At that time, I was referring to incest. Because Favell and Rebecca were cousins. I thought it was illegal.
@@henryellow First cousins can legally marry in England to this day and in many states in the United States (although in other states not). It's less common now as society's views have changed. I'm not really sure what level of cousin Rebecca and Favell were; it could have been more distant. Although I kind of doubt Rebecca would have cared anyway. She's a bit Cersei Lannister, isn't she? :)
@@henryellow Will timestamp next time.
Ah, I see.
I assumed the laws were much more strict back then, so it was a bad move for Favell to reveal that.
Apparently, that was not the case.