Rebecca (1940 movie) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rebecca |
|
|---|---|
.jpeg)
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Produced by | David O. Selznick |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Adaptation by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | Franz Waxman |
| Cinematography | George Barnes |
| Editing by | W. Donn Hayes |
| Studio | Selznick International Pictures |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
| Release date(s) | March 21, 1940 (Miami) April 12, 1940 (United States) |
| Running time | 130 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1.29 million |
| Money made | $6 million |
Rebecca is a famous American psychological thriller film from 1940. It was directed by the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. This movie was special because it was Hitchcock's first film made in America. It was also his first movie working with producer David O. Selznick.
The story of Rebecca is based on a popular 1938 novel by Daphne du Maurier. The film's script was written by Robert E. Sherwood and Joan Harrison.
The movie stars Laurence Olivier as Maxim de Winter, a rich widower. Joan Fontaine plays the young woman who becomes his second wife. Other important actors include Judith Anderson, George Sanders, and Gladys Cooper.
Rebecca is a gothic story, which means it has a mysterious and often spooky feel. It was filmed in black-and-white. The first wife, Rebecca, is never seen in the movie. However, her memory and reputation are always present. They affect Maxim, his new wife, and the spooky housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers.
The film was released on April 12, 1940. It was a big hit with both critics and audiences. Rebecca was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. This was more than any other film that year! It won two awards: Best Picture and Best Cinematography. It is the only film directed by Hitchcock to ever win the Best Picture award.
In 2018, Rebecca was chosen for the United States National Film Registry. This means the Library of Congress decided it was very important. It was recognized for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Contents
Meet the Characters: Who's Who in Rebecca?
- Joan Fontaine as the second Mrs. de Winter: The young, shy new wife.
- Laurence Olivier as George Fortescue Maximilian "Maxim" de Winter: The owner of Manderley.
- Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers: The strict and creepy housekeeper at Manderley.
- George Sanders as Jack Favell: Rebecca's cousin.
- Reginald Denny as Frank Crawley: Maxim's estate manager and friend.
- Gladys Cooper as Beatrice Lacy: Maxim's sister.
- C. Aubrey Smith as Colonel Julyan: A local official.
- Nigel Bruce as Major Giles Lacy: Beatrice's husband.
- Florence Bates as Mrs. Edythe Van Hopper: The second Mrs. de Winter's first employer.
- Edward Fielding as Frith: The oldest butler at Manderley.
- Melville Cooper as Coroner at trial: The official in charge of the investigation.
- Leo G. Carroll as Dr. Baker: Rebecca's doctor.
- Leonard Carey as Ben: A man who lives near the beach at Manderley.
- Lumsden Hare as Mr. Tabbs: A boat builder.
- Forrester Harvey as Chalcroft the innkeeper: The owner of a local inn.
- Philip Winter as Robert: A servant at Manderley.
Alfred Hitchcock often made a short appearance in his films. This is called a cameo. In Rebecca, he can be seen near the end of the movie. He is walking away from a phone booth.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Film
Many talented people worked to create Rebecca. Here are some of the key roles:
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Producer: David O. Selznick
- Screenplay: Robert E. Sherwood and Joan Harrison
- Cinematography (Photography): George Barnes
- Music: Franz Waxman
- Special Effects: Jack Cosgrove
- Film Editor: Hal C. Kern
Awards and Recognition for Rebecca
Rebecca won two important Academy Awards. These were for Best Picture and Best Cinematography. It was also nominated for nine other awards.
It's interesting to note that Rebecca is the only Best Picture winner since 1936 that did not win an Academy Award for acting, directing, or writing.
The AFI also honored Rebecca twice. They included it in their lists of great American films:
- AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills: Rebecca was ranked as number 80.
- AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains: Mrs. Danvers was named the 31st greatest villain.
Images for kids
-
In Monte Carlo, Max de Winter (Laurence Olivier) stops to speak to Mrs. Edythe Van Hopper (Florence Bates) only after recognizing her companion (Joan Fontaine), the girl he had encountered earlier.
-
Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, stars of the film
See also
In Spanish: Rebecca (película) para niños
