Great performance by What's-her-name

Humorous at times, this epic film reveals an insecure woman who must find out how to assert herself among royalty despite overwhelming opposition. The fact that her maiden name is never mentioned hightens the shyness she must overcome to assume her new role.

"Happiness is something I know nothing about."

This was Alfred Hitchcock's first American film and stars Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. Olivier and Fontaine have married rather hastily, and Olivier's dead first wife (Rebecca), who from appearances one assumes he loved very much, provides the chief stumbling block for Fontaine in ever capturing Olivier's love. But it's soon revealed that he never loved Rebecca, but hated her; in fact, killed her. Rebecca's dead body being discovered after a number of years have passed is a bit hard to believe, but from that point on the picture really rolls. There is a legal inquiry, attempted blackmail, and arson committed by the jealous housekeeper (Judith Anderson), who is deliciously wicked. The movie is a tad too long (over two hours), but the last hour is excellent. Definitely worth a watch.

A Classic .. But so many questions left..

got this dvd from the Hitchcock OOP boxset and was eager to watch it right away when i saw that this film won a couple of Oscars. production wise, efforts by Selznick and Hitchcock gave this film a classic status. Olivier is definitely affective. Fontaine is sweet and beautiful but at times irritatingly charming.---> can't read her expressions (which frustrates me), very unpredictable, which worked positively in so many scenes.

Nice plot but very abrupt ending and left many questions in my bag after seeing the film. nice transfer and features by criterion though.. really something to grab in your collection.