Robert E. Sherwood (1896–1955)

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again….”

Joan Fontaine is captivating in Hitchcock’s beautifully realized romantic drama of a new wife competing with a memory so strong it hangs like a shadow over every facet of her existence. Robert E. Sherwood and Joan Harrison crafted a riveting screenplay from Michael Hogan and Scottish mystery writer Phillip MacDonald’s adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s now classic tale of dark romance.

Franz Waxman’s lovely score and George Barnes’ lushly photographed scenes frame David O. Selznick’s stellar production like a mist forming on the grounds of Manderly. A wonderful cast of screen veterans make this very long film a mesmerizing drama from which you can’t look away.

Olivier gives a strong performance as the dashing yet troubled widower, Maxim, but it is Fontaine as the young and unsure girl overwhelmed by his romantic attentions who stole our hearts and became a film favorite, winning the Academy Award the next year for Hitchcock’s Suspicion.

Fontaine is swept off her feet by the debonair but brooding widower, Maxim. Mousy and shy, there is an endearing charm to her performance in the early portion of the film which has the viewer falling in love with her. It all seems like a dream to her, and Hitchcock uses a rainy windshield to give she and the viewer a snow globe-like first glance at Manderly, further augmenting the story’s dreamlike quality.

Their fairy-tale romance has its darker elements, however, and from her first moments at Manderly she begins to realize that Rebecca, though long-dead, is in many ways still very much alive. She must compete with Rebecca’s figurative ghost at every turn, diminishing her self-confidence. Friends like Reginald Denny and Nigel Bruce cannot offset the twisted loyalty of Maxim’s housekeeper, Miss Danvers (Judith Anderson).

Just when she finds the strength to break free from Rebecca’s memory, a battered boat and startling revelations from Maxim about his marriage turn everything upside down. George Sanders causes much trouble during this phase of the story but the revelations are not as yet fully disclosed; nor is the outcome for Manderly and the couple certain in any way. Fontaine is amazing as she grows up and becomes an anchor for Maxim, finally becoming Mrs. De Winter.

A romantically haunting drama with a tremendously enchanting performance from Joan Fontaine, Rebecca is a cinematic masterpiece and a must-see film.… (more)

This is a classic 1940s black and white film, which we'd never seen before the end of 2006 although the DVD had been on our shelves for a while.

It stars David Niven as a Bishop, who is so busy that he barely has time to be with his wife and daughter. It also stars Cary Grant as a slightly unlikely angel, in a suit, sent to help.

There are lots of amusing incidents, and some parts that are quite moving. We thought it very well done, in an era without computer graphics or simple special effects, and the story is good with a thought-provoking message.

Definitely recommended if you like a bit of sentimental nostalgia and a feel-good story.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-bishops-wife-loretta-young-cary-...… (more)