First Time Watching *REBECCA* (1940) on the edge of my seat! | HITCHCOCK

HI Everyone! Today we are deep diving into the mind of the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, with the romantic, psychodrama REBECCA (1940)! Get ready for this one!
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Mia Tiffany
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FULL VIDEO RUNDOWN
00:00 Intro
00:30 Golden Oscar Patron Shoutout
01:22 Film Background
01:34 Quick Synopsis
01:48 Historical Background
03:28 Interesting Facts
05:11 Film Reaction
35:18 Final Thoughts
36:39 Outro
37:56 Bloopers & Outtakes
Original Source: Rebecca (1940) The Criterion Collection
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@tmatthewnielsen]

I love the plot twist moment with Maxim saying that he hated Rebecca. It's one of those situations where everything he had done earlier in the film is given a new context and reinterpreted since we had every reason to believe he loved her, and everything he had said and done could have been because he loved her, but knowing it was because he hated her makes so much sense in the moment it's revealed. It's just a great classic movie moment that was built up and executed perfectly, in my opinion.

[@MoviesWithMia]

Agreed!

[@Thomas-qj7zq]

It's really one of the most shocking moments in movie history, made even more explosive by the superb acting by Olivier and Fontaine. You are not prepared for its power on first viewing it.

[@andrewcharles459]

"You can't fall in love in three days!" Good heavens, in movies of that period three days is exceedingly long. Three minutes is more usual.

[@tmatthewnielsen]

Ingrid Bergman certainly discovered that those quick romances don't always go so well. #Gaslight

[@johnnehrich9601]

EXACTLY! EXACTLY! - in the movies of this era, as the man and woman shake hands in greeting, he immediately asks her to marry him. She agrees, they do so, and generally "live happily ever after." In Disney's Snow White, she meets the prince over a wishing well and later he walks up to her coffin, awakens her with a kiss and off they go to his castle. Cinderella, she has a couple of dances with her prince, both are instantly smitten. North by Northwest, the two pass in the corridor of the train and bingo! Shadow of a Doubt - the detective asks her to marry him after one date. In the old Hollywood version of romance, most times both the man and woman fall head over heels at the same time. Even when it doesn't happen, it is often because of the necessity of the plot, and treated as an unnatural exception. Unfortunately for the time, this created unrealistic expectations of romance, leading to quickie and unsuitable marriages. And with abhorrence of divorce, this created lots of unbreakable (and hidden) misery. As was what happened with Max's marriage to Rebecca here. A common refrain was "marry in haste, repent at leisure." In today's world, people live together or can at least become intimate. They don't have to wait until the wedding night, to find out how compatible they are.

[@katalinbudai57]

In this film , in this story there was more than three days!

[@LadyOndyne]

When you read the book, you realized Mrs Danvers raised Rebeca since she was a little girl and that's why she is so obsessed. Also, Rebeca's personality is one of a Psychopath with a megalomania. It's one of my favourite books, and my favourite movie XD

[@caspence56]

George Sanders was the actor who played Rebecca's cousin/lover. He was known for his portrayals of suave slimeballs in other great films such as "All About Eve" and "The Ghost and Mrs.Muir". One of my all-time favorite actors!

[@nicholasbielik7156]

I think I first knew him as the voice of Shere Khan the tiger in Disney’s Jungle Book. He’s unforgettable once you’ve heard him.

[@zvimur]

Also the Philistine king in "Samson and Delilah".

[@caspence56]

@@nicholasbielik7156 They couldn't have chosen a more perfect voice for the villainous Shere Khan. His voice was so polished and smooth as silk!

[@ElliotNesterman]

Sadly, he committed suicide. His note said simply, "I'm Bored."

[@MsAppassionata]

Don’t forget about his role as Lord Henry in “The Picture Of Dorian Gray”. What a bastard.

[@marthachlipala4538]

Rebecca was clearly a narcissist / sociopath. Great review and a great watch. Really enjoyed watching this classic movie with you. It's one of my favorites.

[@pj9654]

The hit I got from Rebecca's character was that she was a nymphomaniac, with no sexual limits. Mrs. Danvers was in love with Rebecca, which makes the earlier scene showing off Rebecca's underwear - and the sheerness of it - even creepier. Imagine being Maxim with a wife who slept around - always flaunting it and rubbing his face in it.

[@hew2356]

Her character reminded me of Ellen, the insanely jealous wife from "Leave Her to Heaven." They were both coldblooded, calculating women who reach out from the grave to destroy their spouses.

[@randywhite3947]

I like how the second Mrs. De Winters doesn’t even have a first name like The protagonist is so overshadowed by the past that we never even learn her name, while the movie is named after the previous wife. That’s interesting to me.

[@Divamarja_CA]

Same in the novel.

[@PungiFungi]

@@Divamarja_CA in the novel, the only clue we have to her name was that it was either usual or had an usual spelling and she commented that Maxim got it right. The fact that she remained nameless while the name Rebecca hung over her like a shroud was quite deliberate on Du Maurier's part, and the film makers kept that. I was so afraid they would give her name.

[@missyadams]

In the Italian adaptation, her name was Jennifer. When I reviewed the current version on my blog, I called her 'Nomie', short for Innominatam, which means 'Nameless'

[@bryanspindle4455]

I have seen Rebecca at least 10 times over the years and l never noticed the second Mrs. De Winter wasn't called by her first name!

[@maryevens4261]

I call this the movie where the heroine has such low self-esteem that she doesn't even have a first name. She starts out all shy with hunched shoulders, saying "sorry" a lot. But when she gets the truth about Rebecca, and Max is falling apart, she does grow a backbone and supports him completely.

[@mtlee43]

I have loved Laurence Olivier all of my life. Many years ago, there was a screening of Rebecca in a local movie theater and when Olivier walked on camera for the first time in his tuxedo the audience gasped. He stunned all of us with his beauty!

[@PedroCastillo_1980]

One of the greatest films ever made a true masterpiece Rebecca directed by Alfred Hitchcock produced by David O. Selznick starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and music score by Franz Waxman. This film was nominated for 11 Oscars and won 2 including best picture and best cinematography. Thank you so much Mia Tiffany for reacting this classic just excellent😊😊😊😊

[@cynthianavarro4316]

Larry O. is so gorgeous but you must see him in Wuthering Heights (1939). Talk about Dreamy! I also love Joan Fontaine such much. For her, it's Jane Eyre (1944) AND you get Orson Welles, too! Can't wait for Notorious!

[@jeffreythornton428]

I have always thought that Mrs Danvers was in love with Rebecca. Her behavior seemed that of an unrequited lover. As for the second Mrs. deWinter Maxim 's attraction to her was that in her open hearted simplicity she was extremely different from the evil conniving Rebecca. Another great Joan Fontaine film is Jane Eyre starring Orson Welles.

[@a.paulafernandes]

There's definitely a subtext about Mrs. Danvers obsession towards Rebecca. You can't platonically touch someone's underwear like that.

[@MsAppassionata]

I love Jane Eyre. It’s one of my favorite films.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I saw it as a double feature with Olivier's Wuthering Heights.

[@ceciliacasey8039]

Yes she was

[@randysmith7045]

In the book it is obovious she and Rebecca had a thing

[@iluvmusicals21]

Dame Judith is so frightening in her stillness, and obsessive worship of Rebecca. She has a very small role in "Laura". I know you would enjoy Gene Tierney in one of her best known roles.

[@jamesalexander5623]

She was also the Vulcan Priestess T'Lar in the Star Trek Film The Search for Spock!

[@scottainge]

Did you know she in The Ten Commandments the 1956 version?

[@jamesalexander5623]

Another Great Film with incredible Twists!

[@jamesalexander5623]

@@scottainge Yes .... Nefertiri Killed her!

[@philipsheppard4815]

There's definitely a lesbian subtext that obviously couldn't be explicit in those days but it's pretty clear she was in love with Rebecca.

[@katetoldness4220]

I love this movie so much! I've seen it a few times. Even beyond the suspense it is so nuanced. My heart just broke for Mr. Dewinter upon learning his true feelings about Rebecca and for his new wife. That he wasn't occasionally abrupt, cross or standoffish because he was still in love with Rebecca and shouldn't have put this poor girl through the ordeal of trying to replace her. No. It was because he'd been in a loveless, potentially emotionally abusive marriage for years and was desperate to love and be loved. It also made sense that he started to fall for the main when she cried out and prevented him from committing suicide. It must have amazed him that someone had it in them to care about a total stranger when his own wife would have stood by and let him hurt himself and probably just laughed. Also I completely disagree that Rebecca is "strong." At the end of the day she was a liar, a cheat and a covert bully. People like that are fundamentally weak. The second Mrs Dewinter is the strong one. It takes strength to love. It takes strength to be there for someone and not let go when the chips are down.

[@pennypierce6511]

Rebecca is so powerful the second wife has no name...astounding

[@nickwhite7476]

Joan Fontaine is perfect in this film, she plays nieve, under confident shy woman without appearing characterless or wooden which I've seen others do in this role. A lot of Hollywood actors are not taken seriously as actors due to their good looks, Laurence Olivier is such a respected actor people forget how handsome he was when young. Mrs Danvers character and acting perfection.

[@pfarden5836]

Glad you're doing Hitchcock. Even his pre-Hollywood movies like "The 39 Steps" are good.

[@melenatorr]

And "The Lady Vanishes".

[@youngbloodk]

They are both good. I watch the 39 steps every few months. I love it. I also really like the original The Man Who Knew Too Much.

[@brachiator1]

Hitchcock's British films are as good as, if not superior to, his Hollywood movies. The 39 Steps, the original The Man Who Knew Too Much, and The Lady Vanishes are masterpieces.

[@a.paulafernandes]

The Lodger is amazing.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@youngbloodk I love Robert Donat. He’s one of my favorite actors of all time.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

George Sanders (Jack Favell) specialized in playing smooth, charming, but creepy villains. If you liked him in this, you should watch All About Eve and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@MsAppassionata]

Check him out in The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1945) if you haven’t done so already. What a nasty piece of work! Haha.

[@donbrown1284]

Hitchcock had an underrated talent for casting first time film actors -- in this case Mrs. Van Hopper was played by Florence Bates, a Jewish woman fromTexas who had only done theater before this film. She went on to a long career playing upper crust dowagers like this. In STRANGERS ON A TRAIN he gave Marion Lorne her first film role playing the murderer's mother and opened a whole new career for her.

[@hippychikforever]

My favorite Hitchcock film! If you think it's easy to fall in love with Lawrence Olivier here, you should see him in That Hamilton Woman, co-starring his real life wife, Vivien Leigh.

[@hungfao]

It is my understanding that Hitchcock thought of this film as his masterpiece. I agree....but, then again, I like everything Hitchcock did.

[@randywhite3947]

Nope He thought Shadow of a Doubt was his best work

[@maximillianford9301]

Where the hell did you get this information lol. He hated the control that Selznick tried to impose upon its production. I know for a fact that he preferred The Lodger and Shadow Of A Doubt at minimum.

[@epsteinisms1483]

Mia: You are the most perceptive of any of the film reactor /reviewers that I've seen on KZbin. It is a joy to watch your videos and be caught up in your love and enthusiasm for these classic films. That being said..... There's a major plot point overlooked here - "Danny" Danvers didn't merely admire Rebecca - she had a homosexual crush on her! That realization is what Joan Fontaine was reacting to. The film was as overt as a 1940 Hollywood film could be without using language like "lesbianism". The censors wouldn't have allowed it.

[@deckofcards87]

Rebecca is a close second to Vertigo as Hitchcock's best film, imo.

[@12classics39]

One of the most gripping and suspenseful films ever. The opening line is one of the greatest hooks in any novel or film. After that first line, you just HAVE to know more.

[@macc.1132]

One of the best Hitchcock films, everyone involved is on their game. The B&W cinematography is lush and dreamlike and haunted. Mrs. Danvers is one of cinema's best villains. If you enjoy George Sanders, you should check out his Oscar winning performance in All About Eve, a film with in which EVERYONE gets juicy dialogue. It won Best Picture for 1950.

[@randysmith7045]

i took a summer school class in high school in 1976. we watched this film and loved it ever since.

[@garywilliams1948]

Judith Anderson was actually born in Adelaide , South Australia and was very successful in theatre on Broadway before coming to Hollywood. I recommend her first film, Blood Money , a 1933 American Pre-Code crime drama film directed by Rowland Brown.

[@MyDarkmarc]

There were many different types of roles that were written for women that could be portray onscreen: the romantic lead, the star's best friend or sidekick, mother, mother-in-law, old maid aunt, and ingenue were just a few. If an actresses made their screen debut after the age of thirty-five most probably they would be offered second leads or supporting roles. I remember an interview with Judith Anderson (back in the 1970's) and she made a witty remark that I still remember to this day, "Hollywood was a good place to learn how not to act". Anderson did not fit the "Starlet" or even the "Femme Fatale" stereotype in appearance but earned great respect from her directors, from the audiences and from the critics. Judith Anderson was born Frances Margaret Anderson on February 10, 1897 in Adelaide, South Australia. She was the youngest of four children born to Jessie Margaret, a former nurse, and Scottish-born James Anderson, a share-broker and pioneering prospector. When Anderson arrived in New York City in 1918 and established herself as one of the greatest theatrical actresses of her day and became a major star on Broadway throughout the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's. Anderson made her Hollywood film debut under director Rowland Brown in a supporting role in Blood Money (1933). Her striking, not conventionally attractive features were complemented with her powerful presence, mastery of timing and an effortless style. Judith Anderson was distinguished stage and later television actress of her era, she received two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award and was also nominated for a Grammy Award and an Academy Award. She is considered one of the 20th century's greatest classical stage actors. The film-version of the best-selling novel by Daphne Du Maurier was Rebecca (1940, Selznick) the film was the American debut of British director Alfred Hitchcock. In the first few days of production Judith Anderson realized that everything and everybody was on her side and she give a performance that is perfectly in tune with the tone and the direction of the film as all these elements coalesce to enhance and elevate each other. Judith Anderson deserves a great deal of credit for the subtlety and intelligence of her performance, which could have easily been construed as camp and overwrought considering the nature of the character. Instead, she makes Mrs. Danvers, Manderlay's unwelcoming housekeeper, one of the most unforgettable villains ever, delivering a performance that is both genuinely terrifying but also expertly controlled and psychologically rich. Notice how Mrs. Danvers: is often seen in shadow, she's rarely seen walking and when she does she usually seen coming from a dark corner of the room. She turns Mrs. Danvers in the personification of efficiency in her early scenes, she purposefully appears as basically inhuman, whose existence revolves around her profession and nothing else. Still, right from the beginning, Anderson suggests that there is something eerie going on with Mrs. Danvers and the fact that the viewer cannot exactly pin-down what it is that makes her character so intentionally frustrating, uncomfortable and later a downright frightening presence whenever she appears. Judith Anderson and Joan Fontaine both deliver an engrossing two character acting duet that makes their scenes together so captivating and compelling to watch there is very little said explicitly, it's all in the subtext of their performances, which makes their exchanges together both reserved and explosive. They have a terrific chemistry with Fontaine being extremely touching at portraying her character's attempts to gain Mrs. Danvers' respect and Anderson being so effectively and subtly cruel as she constantly undermines Mrs. De Winter's authority and self-confidence, unfavorably comparing her to Rebecca (the former wife) and doing her best to make her feel out-of-the-place and unworthy. The turning point in Anderson's performance is the scene in which Mrs. Danvers finds the second Mrs. De Winter inside Rebecca's bedroom and boudoir. Mrs. Danvers begins to show Rebecca's room to her, Anderson uncovers her character's devotion, or rather obsession, towards the deceased woman: it's a challenging scene that could have been played in many different ways while Anderson simply accomplishes it to perfection. Watch how Mrs. Danvers’ handles Rebecca’s fur coat and especially her sheer underwear are most significant she tellingly states that, "you see your hand through the peignoir." Throughout, Judith Anderson keeps her delivery crisp and preternaturally calm, conveying Mrs. Danvers’s madness only with her eyes and body movement, to great effect. Death has not relinquished the hold Rebecca had on Mrs. Danvers; in fact, it’s intensified it. Judith Anderson is frighteningly convincing as she caresses Rebecca’s lace underwear, such that the scene is laced with an almost palpable degree of sexual tension and lesbian subtext. Mrs. Danvers' passion for her mistress is undeniable, and the nature of that passion is left unspecified. The question of a lesbian subtext to the Danvers-Rebecca relationship is one to which the novel alludes to as well, and it gives another layer of richness to Mrs. Danvers’ character. If there was a degree of romantic passion on Mrs. Danvers’s part, her grief becomes more sympathetic; her madness, more understandable. Anderson conveys everything through modifying her voice, sometimes soft and sometimes hard. She never turns Mrs. Danvers into a cheap villain or goes into hysterics, instead finds the humanity in the deranged woman she is playing: there's genuine pain in Anderson's performance and that touch of vulnerability and grief is what makes her insanity all the more terrifying, because it feels real. And she's unforgettable in a later scene in which Mrs. Danvers tries to convince the second Mrs. De Winter that she will never replace Rebecca in her husband's heart and urges her to jump from the balcony - it's the moment of truth in which the character reveals herself in all its cruelty and wickedness. But its Anderson's electrifying performance that is: brilliant, vicious, unhinged and chilling to the bone. Mrs. Danvers is an incredibly effective villain, making Mrs. Danvers a genuinely and subtly threatening presence whenever she appears, but the hints of humanity in her performance is what makes her all the more haunting. An unforgettable performance by an unforgettable character. Her Mrs. Danvers is ghostly in her carriage, but terrifyingly real in her interactions with her new mistress. Yet in the film adaptation, the other-worldliness never leaves her, and Anderson plays it masterfully, creating a character who is deeply unsettling and deliciously spooky.

[@stevenbosch429]

Winston Churchill talked about the black dog of despair that followed him when he was out of office. Nigel Bruce was frequently cast as the good fellow who invariably put his foot in his mouth.

[@TTM9691]

Watching the intro: oh my gosh, Mia has discovered The Criterion Collection! Don't go broke, Mia!!!! They are addicting!!! Every DVD they put out is exactly like that! It's always "the definitive" release! (They also have an incredible streaming website of their own, with all their movies.) 12:00 - Hitchcock dollying in is definitely a tool in his toolbox! He always moved the camera fluidly, going back to the silent days, and retaining that movement throughout his early British sound films, definitely in "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1934), where there's a famous shot, zooming in from way across the ballroom to a person's hand holding a key. / So happy you loved this! All I can say is there are MANY Hitchcock movies that are amazing - not all of them, and even some of the "classic" titles, you will find that there are some you like better than others - but there is ALWAYS another great Hitchcock movie out there to discover. I still haven't seen 'em all (although I've seen most of 'em!), and I'm elated when I find a new "great" that I hadn't seen before (The last three would be: "The Ring", one of his silents, is great!, And I finally saw "Jamaica Inn", which has a bad rap, and I liked it! And I finally saw one of his last movies ,"Frenzy", and it was frickin' INTENSE! Very disturbing!). Anyways, thanks MIa!!!

[@randywhite3947]

I love Criterion but I wouldn’t always say they do have the definitive release

[@TTM9691]

@@randywhite3947 Ok, how about "they often do the definitive release". Or even better: "They do a great job over at Criterion".

[@vinson1445]

Sorry it took me a few days to watch this. I love this channel. I think it's the only reaction channel for classic movies and you're commentary on them is so spot on. I hope you're channel grows and grows.

[@MoviesWithMia]

Thank you so much, Vinson! And thank you so much for watching 😊

[@AQuietNight]

I can guess who was the model for Mel Brook's Frau Blucher from his movie Young Frankenstein.

[@celinhabr1]

I'm so happy! It's one of my favorite movies, i can't wait for more Hitchcock movies reactions by you. I love everything about this movie, from the directing, cinematography, acting etc. One of Hitch's best movies. It's always so great to see your insights, great comentary. And Girl, i always fangirl hard for Olivier in this one. He's so bloody gorgeous in this and Wuthering Heights.

[@blackiemittens]

"She was the most beautiful CREATURE I ever saw." That line from Maxim's friend Frank...spoke volumes! Not showing Rebecca herself, is a master stroke, Because audiences create the most beautiful wicked woman and That's who THEY see. This one's been a favorite for decades. Like Olivier, Mia? Review Wuthering Heights! 😍💔😳🔥

[@johneyon5257]

funnily - Vivien Leigh auditioned for the role of the new Mrs deWinter - she actually could have been the original based on that description

[@Constance8722]

I'm 70 years old now, and I read the novel "Rebecca" as a girl in my young teens. Once you read it, you never forget it. Daphne du Maurier's writing, in that novel especially, just penetrates the brain like one of those once-in-a-lifetime vivid dreams that stays with you always.

[@billverno6170]

The proper word for the George Sanders character is ‘cad’. Sanders was the personification of the cad in many, many movies.

[@randywhite3947]

His autobiography had cad in the title

[@lkitten]

I love Rebecca! I'm like you about Mr Olivier playing Max and how dashing he is, I always said I could put up with a Mrs Danvers if I could marry a Maxim De Winter. She's one of my most hated movie characters, I want to push HER out a window lol! And you know it took me multiple viewings and getting part way through the book before realizing we don't know the new Mrs De winter name? I believe it's only ever mentioned that it's unusual in the book.

[@kelseyk530]

Maxim was horrible to her, in the film and the book. I've read the book twice.

[@michaelaharris-sutton9002]

People don't realize how important this movie and book are one important fact is it got us the archetype, Mrs. Danvers the creepy housekeeper archetype played tremendously by Judith Anderson.

[@MetisRose95]

One of my all time favorite books and movies...not biased or anything

[@lemorab1]

"Rebecca" is one of those movies that I wish I could time travel back decades ago and relive my first viewing of it. I didn't know the story and everything was a revelation. I don't remember if it was Million Dollar Movie on TV when I was in high school or in college a few years later at the UCLA Pacific Film Archive in a freshly restored print. I never get tired of seeing the Hitchcock/Fontaine/Olivier version of it.

[@tomaria100]

Mia, in the book Mrs. Danvers raised Rebecca and her cousin Favel. She was their Nanny. As a young girl, Rebecca whipped a horse till it bled in order to master it.

[@Ceractucus]

I watched this movie 31 years ago, Thanks for reminding me how great it was. I need to watch again, very soon. Cheers!

[@alexanderwildlife]

Your enthusiasm is a delight. I'll step back from the precipice at the edge of the sea and smash that subscribe button.

[@donnagamble5283]

This is one of my favorite movies. I love your channel , I have been watching old movies since I was a child.

[@marybicanic3093]

Its amazing how you feel George Sanders is the man you love to hate and yet he commands any scene he's in.. He wonderfully in All About Eve. I think you'd love that one.

[@vernonbrown9275]

You are my favorite commentator of all these films that people like to watch and make comments for... You express a definite love of cinema!

[@lorrainechandler7864]

Love the movie and the novel.I also love Jeremy Brett and Joanna David in the BBC adaptation which was made in the late 1970's and shown on PBS .

[@franciscogarza9633]

Hitchcock's first American film and his only best picture winner Rebecca is a masterpiece of haunting atmosphere gothic thrills and gripping suspense, REBECCA (1940) 98/100% Certified Approved ☑️

[@agenttheater5]

28:17 In the book after the costume debacle Mrs Danvers told the second Mrs De Winter about how Rebecca was so lovely that men would stop and stare at her even when she was 12 and how she'd laugh about how she'd become a beauty, about how she'd never let anyone step over her or get the better of her and how she'd say "I'll see them in hell first Danny", and about the time when she rode a big strong horse when she was 16 who was wild and restless and how she clung onto him, whipping at him with her riding crop and digging into his sides with her spurs so hard that she drew blood and how when she got off him she was trembling and bleeding all over and simply said "That'll teach him, won't it Danny?" 28:56 Favell is both.

[@belavarplaniie8933]

''Letter from an unknown woman with Ms.Fontaine'' uses music superbly, it was her favourite movie too.

[@annikawittmann4967]

Just discovered your channel! I'm autistic and my special interest is old movies. Planning on binging all your videos :D

[@MoviesWithMia]

Welcome! I am so glad you found the channel!! Hopefully you’ll enjoy the videos 😊

[@randywhite3947]

Same

[@etherealtb6021]

I read the book first and it is from the 2nd Mrs. DeWinters' POV, which the film conveys so well and Rebecca does feel like a real presence in the book. Like, when he said he hated Rebecca, I was stunned like you, i was so wrapped up in the news Mrs. D's POV!! I think in the book, they go out together for over a week and he only marries her so quickly because propriety then wouldn't allow him to pay to keep her in Monte Carlo without marrying her, which I think he says something like hat in the book.

[@rayolsen8425]

This is one of my favorite movies and I've had such a pleasure seeing you watch it. It's been getting more recognition now because of the remake from last year, but I recall many Hitchcock aficionados calling it one of his lessor works because it isn't "pure Hitchcock", meaning it wasn't a film he had complete creative control over. Apparently, he and David O. Selznick butted heads regarding many of the creative choices, and I thought the final film was the best of both worlds: it does have a lot of the trademarks of a classic Hitchcock thriller, and it's also a very sumptuous and gothic melodrama like what Selznick wanted. Something I find refreshing about this movie is that it's one of the few Hitchcock movies in which the love story is genuinely romantic. Most of the relationships in Hitchcock's movies are played out in a very cynical or ironic way. In Rebecca, it's constantly hinting at that same kind of twisted undercurrent, only to reveal that what these two have is genuine and that the more twisted and toxic relationship happened offscreen. Plus, it's just a "Who's Who" of great British actors of the day. Almost everyone with a speaking role is distinguished and instantly recognizable to star-gazers like me.

[@pattyestrada6]

Hi Mia, you should react to “Wuthering Heights” (from 1939) and “That Hamilton Woman” (from 1941) both of which have Laurence Olivier as a lead. That Hamilton Woman also starred his then wife Vivien Leigh, who actually screen tested for the role that went to Joan Fontaine in Rebecca. However, both David Selznick and Hitchcock didn’t think she was a good fit for this role.

[@kelseyk530]

"That Hamilton Woman" was Churchill's favorite film and he watched screenings that they set up frequently in Downing Street for him to watch throughout WWII.

[@lemorab1]

It's correct that Rebecca is never seen in the movie, and only seen through the recollections of others in the book. However, if Rebecca had been seen in the film, Vivien Leigh would've been perfect.

[@panheadipustex]

I am so late to this party and I so rarely comment on ANY KZbin videos that I watch but I couldn't resist. First of all, Rebecca is one of my all time favorite classic movies. SO GOOD. And I absolutely loved your commentary on this film. Watching your reactions to the twists and turns was fantastic! Great job, great video, great commentary about a great movie!

[@MoviesWithMia]

Thank you so much for watching 😁

[@primevaltimes]

Rear Window!

[@phillipridgway8317]

So many truly great Hitchcock films to search out, with the added fun game of spotting his cameo appearance in just about all of them!

[@moviemonster2083]

I imagine you would really like another gothic romance with Joan Fontaine, 'Jane Eyre", (1943). Wonderful adaptation of the novel and featuring a very young Elizabeth Taylor in I think her first role in a movie, as young Jane's doomed classmate. Peggy Ann Garner is the young Jane. Orson Welles plays Rochester. Fabulous movie.

[@corawheeler9355]

I'm so glad I found you and have subscribed so I can see your reactions to more of these old films. When I was a child, there were only 3 or 4 TV channels and, for lack of anything else to broadcast, they would play these old films. My mom, my sister and I would find the TV listing in the Sunday paper to see what great old movies we could look forward to viewing .... films like, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, It Happened One Night, Dial M For Murder, Pride And Predudice, etc. Looking forward to more.

[@1nelsondj]

Great supporting cast, love George Sanders as Favell, he had a series of films in the '30s and '40s as The Saint and a series as The Falcon at the same time. He was also in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and the classic "All About Eve" with Better Davis. Nigel Bruce as the brother in law is most famous for portraying Dr. Watson to to Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmesin 14 (!) films and a radio series. As for Olivier the year before this "in what many consider Hollywood's greatest single year" he starred in the epic "Wuthering Heights" as Heathcliff opposite Merle Oberon's Cathy. It was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, strongly recommend. I've read the book more than once as well, Emily Bronte's only novel.

[@agenttheater5]

If you're interested in another Joan Fontaine/Alfred Hitchcock movie there's 'Suspicion', that also stars Cary Grant. If you want another Ingrid Bergman/Alfred Hitchcock movie there's 'Spellbound', that also stars Gregory Peck.

[@Grubbygund]

This is one of my favourite noir films and made me become a big fan of Joan Fontaine as an actress. Definitely worth reading the book, as it’s in the first person view of the 2nd Mrs DeWinter. It really gives you a sense of the terror that Rebecca has psychologically on the protagonist!

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Mia, As we watch Joan Fontaine nearly driven to madness, Hitchcock was happy to let tension just build. Behind it all is the shadowy force of Rebecca. Who is not there but she's in every frame. Nice to see the Master at work. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@marlasotherchannel9847]

I love watching your video's and hearing your commentary. So glad you watched "Rebecca, Laurence Olivier at his dreamiest. Please, please watch "All About Eve", one of the best screenplays ever and Bette Davis's greatest performance.

[@markalleneaton]

Love your enthusiasm - any Hitchcock you want to review, I'm there. (Also, if you like George Sanders' (Favell) silky-sleaze, check out All About Eve (starring Bette Davis and featuring Marilyn Monroe (this was before Niagara by a couple of years)).

[@stephenulmer3781]

Oh my! I was hoping for a channel that reacted to older movies and I just discovered you. Awesome! 😁

[@MoviesWithMia]

Hi!! Welcome!! I am so glad you found the channel 😊

[@CrassMufumbu]

Great review...the genius of the movie are the doorknobs designed for giants..and the furniture....she's literally a child for most of the movie.

[@fronkykoko]

The presence of Rebecca is so strong and eerie it is almost like a ghost story

[@randysmith7045]

"Wrenched stuff. Get me a chocolate, quick." my fav line.

[@patstokes7040]

Favel is played by George Sanders and he also played in All About Eve. Great actor, really great. The English always had actors that could understate themselves. They didn't have to do much to really get there point across.

[@MichaelChong100]

You should watch Shadow of a Doubt (1943), it's also quite suspenful too!

[@MoviesWithMia]

Yes! I did and it was GREAT kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LIo32YfZ5gatk

[@johngolden5257]

Great analysis of Flavell/George Sanders. I’ve always felt he brought the same quality to his voice over role as the tiger Shere Khan in Disney’s 1967 animated Jungle Book.

[@KMH6290]

Been waiting for this one!! What a great reaction! 😄 This has been one of my favorite movies since I was a teenager. 😍 1. In the book, Maxim really was guilty of killing her, but according to the Hays Code, he couldn't get away with murder, so they had to change it. 2. The second Mrs. DeWinter is never named in the book or the movies. 3. Yes, Favell is her cousin AND lover. 😳 4. As a testiment to Oliver's acting, he actually couldn't stand Joan Fontaine and was horrible to her on set. He wanted Vivian Leigh to get the part but the producers wanted a lesser known actress.

[@crose7412]

Mia Tiffany, I'm so glad you also like George Sanders! I recommend him in 'The Ghost and Mrs Muir', 'All About Eve' or 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. He never played the leading man so we only get drip-fed slivers of him and always crave more!! I haven't seen 'While the City Sleeps' yet but I'm very much looking forward to seeing him in that soon too...

[@wrybreadspread]

The cast in this first version is stellar. Olivier has a flawless face and manner. Joan Fontaine is a fragile ingenue. George Sanders is a suave rogue. Judith Anderson is stony with malice. Diana Rigg was also an exceptional Mrs. Danvers in the later version.

[@Keyboardje]

Although you never get to see Rebecca, it is clear why the movie (and book) was named after her. She is the main character. You also never get to know the name of the second Mrs. de Winter. I find it unbelievably satisfying, the moment she hears Maxime say he hated Rebecca, as then she, and we the audience, get to understand it was BECAUSE she was nothing like Rebecca, but sweet, innocent and truly loving, Maxime fell head over heels in love with her! It is bitter sweet to realize that by "growing up" and growing into her position as Mrs. de Winter, she partly looses that what made him fall in love with her, even though he realizes this and feels guilty towards her for regretting that loss of her child-like character and looks. But he still loves her even then.

[@madelinecorzine4992]

Love this movie! Great reaction! Just found your channel and am enjoying your videos! I think you should review Sunset Boulevard! One of my favorite classics!

[@johnpotter8039]

I first saw "Rebecca" in college at UCLA in 1970. I have watched it dozens of times since. I've driven through Cornwall to get the atmosphere (yes, the "South of France" is really Big Sur, CA, and "Manderley" is a model and matte painting). I see that Hitchcock was, indeed, a foody. The scrambled eggs, served in the wonderful silver container at breakfast, Max devouring his breakfast in his room. The elaborate "full English" breakfast at the sideboard at Manderley (and what is in the chafing dish she inspects?) The lunch with the paper "panties" on the chops, the elaborate dinner service in the dining room. The way George Saunders nibbles on the drumstick at the "picnic" in the Rolls Royce. Speaking of appetites, I also attended a lecture by Mel Brooks at the UCLA Film School. He told a story of a lunch at Chasen's with Hitchcock. He had ordered sole. Hitchcock started with a shrimp cocktail, followed by a "salad with green dressing" (which was probably Lorenzo dressing, popular in the 1950s), a sirloin steak, a loaded baked potato and a chocolate sundae for dessert. He then waved over the head waiter and said "Jimmy, let's do this again."

[@zomska]

One of my favourite Hitchcock movies . Thank you for reacting to it!

[@melenatorr]

Mrs. van Hopper is played by Florence Bates, who specialized in these sorts of roles and really gave them life. For another, different variation with this wonderful actor, I hope one day you'll sample "I Remember Mama". Our protagonist, whose first name is never given to us, is played by Joan Fontaine, younger sister of Olivia de Havilland (Melanie from "Gone with the Wind"). The two had a falling out and they never made it up with each other, which I consider sad. A story goes about them is that, as a child, Olivia made a pretend will, where she said she gifted her beauty to Joan, seeing as how Joan had none of her own (a snippy and, I feel, untrue statement; and again, I don't know if the story itself is true). That's Franz Waxman composing the music; he was also the composer for "The Philadelphia Story", among, of course, others. My mother said that, as children, there was a game called "Statues" where you imitated someone. Mrs. Danvers whispering "Jump" was a favorite. I think I mentioned this last week, but Judith Anderson was a great and respected theater actress, most famous for her characterization of Medea in the classic by Euripides. My mother saw her, and never forgot Anderson's entrance as Medea, shouting: "Death, death, death!" An all time favorite movie moment for me has always been that swivel that Olivier enacts before he says "I hated her". Such an amazing punctuation to this complete turnaround for the New Mrs. de Wynter. The magistrate with the moustache is Melville Cooper, in a small role here; but he is yet another in that long line of indispensable supporting players. He is the Sheriff of Nottingham opposite Claude Rains' Prince John and Basil Rathbone's Guy of Guisborne (be still, my heart; Basil Rathbone....); and for my money, the very best Mr. Collins out of all the adaptations of "Pride and Prejudice": the 1940 version (which also features Olivier). Favell is George Sanders - magnificent at playing charming, irresistible cads, villains, cynics, and other such velvety-smooth ne'er-do-wells. My introduction to him was in "All About Eve", and I instantly lost my hear to the voice and the sly, needle-cold intelligence. Colonel Julyan, the distinguished gentleman reading Rebecca's letter is C. Aubrey Smith. One day, looking at old photos of my father's family, we came across a photo of his grandfather. We were delighted to see that C. Aubrey Smith bore a remarkable resemblance to this countryman of Spain, and now, it's family custom to cry out whenever Smith comes on screen: "It's your grandpa!" Rebecca's London doctor is Hitchcock regular Leo G. Carroll. I got to know him as Topper in an old tv series based on a movie comedy of the same name. The movie starred Roland Young, Billlie Burke (the Good Witch in "The Wizard of Oz"), and, top of the list, of course, Cary Grant, actually in a major supporting role in this early flick. So glad: "Notorious"! One of my favorites! Grant, Bergman, Rains! And in a major supporting role, another great character actor, Louis Calhern. I could say more, but I can't. You must discover the greatness.

[@epsteinisms1483]

@Maria Torres Love your post. Actually I love all of them. You always demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of film and film history. Yes, George Sanders played many caddish roles. But not always - his "Falcon" series for example. And he managed to keep his dark side in check, and even showed a heroic trait on "Foreign Correspondent". And he sang beautifully in "Call Me Madam". Great piano player too!

[@melenatorr]

@@epsteinisms1483 Thank you so much! I appreciate this so much. Yes, Sanders could turn noble and I do love him in "Foreign Correspondent". And yes, he could sing, too! His brother, Tom Conway, was kind of a dead ringer for him.

[@epsteinisms1483]

@@melenatorr Tom Conway was in three of the most hair-raising films ever: the three Val Lewton thrillers in the '40's. "Cat People", "The Seventh Victim" and "I Walked With A Zombie". I just went over his bio in IMDB. Interesting, although ultimately sad life. Apparently he and his brother flipped a coin to see which one would have to change his name! (Tom lost!)

[@melenatorr]

@@epsteinisms1483 Yes, it was a sad ending to a talented man. It appears that his alcoholism became so severe that brother George cut ties with him, which would have only accelerated things for Tom. But it must have been hard for both brothers. And George himself committed suicide. I remember reading about it when it happened, and crying.

[@paintedjaguar]

"Rebecca" is just chock full of famous character actors.

[@Ray_2112]

Great choice of a movie! If you want to see another Hitchcock one with Joan Fontaine, I recommend "Suspicion". It has Cary Grant as the other lead and was made one year after "Rebecca", Fontaine won an oscar for her performance there. It's not as good as "Rebecca", but definitely worth watching.

[@randywhite3947]

Olivier nearly stared in suspicion

[@RebeccaODonnell-1941]

You should watch The Barretts of Wimpole Street (Shearer, March, Laughton). It’s one of my favorite films, about the true love story of poets Elizabeth Barrett (“How do I love thee, let me count the ways”) and Robert Browning. Sidney Franklin, the director, told Charles Laughton that censors would never allow the depths of abuse his character probably did, so Laughton would have to imply it. Norma Shearer said the tears in her eyes during their scenes together were real. She was terrified and repulsed by him. Brilliant acting, great film.

[@guyindiman8701]

I was skeptical at first ("just another film reaction and analysis like so many out there") but your enthusiasm and delight became infectious and won me over. Congratulations.

[@brandonflorida1092]

Good choice of film, good analysis. If I had the power, I'd give you a TV show because you have a lot of talent for this type of work.

[@laurab68707]

Great Reaction. I had just watched Rebecca this afternoon. As I had seen some scenes previously, but not the entire movie. Was so good. Loved your outtakes and bloopers.

[@starlightperkins330]

If u think Larry Olivier is dashing in this film, watch him in the 1939 version of "Wuthering Heights ". He's breathtaking as the brooding Heathcliff.

[@snookyookum]

Well now. You absolutely killed this reaction. Delving into the mind of Hitchcock in the first viewing. His multy layered film can be still be plumbed after multiple viewing. It was a pleasure watching you realize the depths of his art. So well done!

[@HappySunshineDay]

I've seen this movie a hundred times, but watching it 'with' you makes it all new again! So fun! Thank you!

[@SueProv]

You will Love Notorious. I also suggest Rear Window and Vertigio is cosidered his best and Very very high on all time moviesm. Its not my favorite but it's a huge coassicm. Your nails always look great

[@scottbennett8819]

Great book. Great movie. I love your reactions and your film choices. My only complaint is that you don't upload as often as I'd like.

[@ceciliaramos2280]

I had to read Rebecca in high school. I became obsessed with this book. It’s only fitting that Hitchcock would make the movie.

[@dekmusique]

Me too as well as having the opportunity to view it in high school as there was a movie room to view classic books turned into movies .,.during recess

[@ericjanssen394]

Your first Criterion? Don’t blame you-They’ve been a cult legend with disk fans since literally BEFORE the days of DVD. Most of what we have in Blu/DVD today (docs, commentaries) were invented back when they were Voyager Laserdiscs. Most are foreign/art, but if you see a Criterion classic, BUY IT. (There’s a 1/2-price sale at Barnes & Noble every November, that’s how I got their $200 complete Godzilla book/set.)

[@LazlosPlane]

It's so great watching these great Classic films I've seen a hundred times through your eyes.Thanks

[@adititida]

What an awesome reaction/review Mia! That's why I wait eagerly for your videos, you are able to grasp even the slightest hints and points of a story that not everyone will understand. And sometimes I'm surprised to see that I've missed on some aspects of them too XD Thank you for this, haven't seen such quality content elsewhere. And I can't imagine what other Hitchcock movies are waiting in line! (I hope you watch at least one collaboration of Alfred Hitchcock with Cary Grant & James Stewart, who have both (separately) worked with Hitchcock around 4 times!) Oh, and I loved you gushing about Olivier ahhh 😍 Just got to the end of the video and I am excited for Notorious!! Yayy

[@1nelsondj]

My mom was a big Hitchcock fan so I bought her 2 box sets of his films, "The Masterpiece Collection" (14 films) and "The Signature Collection" (9 films) plus "Lifeboat". I inherited them when she passed away, I also downloaded 6 more which I put to DVD-Rs including "Rebecca". There are a lot of different collections. His TV show ran for 10 seasons, 268 episodes which is unheard of nowadays, although he only direct 18 of them himself. Quite a legacy.

[@paintedjaguar]

There were also a few books of spooky stories with Hitchcock's name on them. Sort of like the "Goosebumps" line that was popular with kids a few years ago. If that sort of thing interests anyone, I also recommend the classic British anthology series "Pan Book of Horror Stories" which ran to 30 volumes over the years since 1959.

[@scottainge]

I'm so excited to do the Hitchcock mouth I'm really looking forward to watch the man who knew too much and psycho and rear window thanks

[@sethball2475]

Notorious next!? Wow. That’s my fifth favourite movie of all time, and the oldest film in my Top 5. I’m a Spy movie fanatic, and Notorious is my fave Spy movie. So as much fun as Rebecca was, I can barely wait for what’s just around the corner…

[@pigmeatmarkham898]

I know “Notorious” is next, but is there a list of future picks? I’d like to get a head start in case she picks one I haven’t seen already.

[@a.paulafernandes]

For Laurence Olivier, i would definitely recommend Wuthering Heights (1939),That Hamilton Woman (1941), Hamlet (1948), Richard III (1955). And Joan Fontaine: Suspicious (1941)// another Hitchcock movie, this one also with Cary Grant.// The Constant Nymph (1943), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948).

[@amandabroom9878]

Just started and can’t wait!!! What a great Sunday night treat!

[@pabmusic1]

The 2nd Mrs de Winter is never named in the novel - or in the film. It was my mother's absolute favourite book. Daphne du Maurier was great - Hitchcock filmed three stories - Jamaica Inn, Rebecca and The Birds.

[@jenniferyorgan4215]

Another good Alfred Hitchcock film with Joan Fontaine is Suspicion. It also stars Cary Grant

[@Pixiesnix]

I'm watching this reaction a second time after that reveal at the end. Puts a whole different spin on Olivier's performance!

[@Caambrinus]

In the film, Manderley is a 'stately home' or 'mansion'; some American reactors call them 'castles', but a castle is a military, defensive building (the last castles were built in the 16th century). Some castles are still stately homes (e.g. Windsor).