Rebecca (1997) User Reviews

the second best TV version

[didi-5 · 7/10 · 10 July 2008]

I thought this was marvellous, and that Charles Dance as Maxim, Emilia Fox as The Second Mrs De Winter, and Diana Rigg as Mrs Danvers, were note perfect - but that's before I saw the 1970s version with Jeremy Brett, Fox's mother Joanna David, and Anna Massey.

However, this 1990s version runs a close second. It isn't as involving to watch, and Dance has a certain dryness that perhaps does not work all through the piece - but the cast do well (including Faye Dunaway as Fox's chaperone). Set pieces are excellent, there's beautiful scenery, and a tight script, and all this is good.

You rarely see watchable literacy adaptations of this quality, and this version of 'Rebecca' does not really disappoint. It's just that it has already been done better before - and it is a shame that the 1997 version is the only one now widely available for viewing.

Watch it by all means - but try to seek out other versions as well.

To the commentator who mentioned it, the second Mrs. DeWinter had no first name

[gbays85 · 8/10 · 1 October 2007]

The second Mrs. DeWinter has no first name, and she was never given one for the film. Caroline DeWinter was the ancestor that the second Mrs. DeWinter dressed as for the costume ball. If this was not mentioned in the film, it should have been. It is mentioned in Alfred Hitchcock's masterful version of the book, by Dame Judith Anderson. Now, in context of the film, it was definitely closer to the book than Hitchcock's version (which you can blame David O. Selznick for the changes in the plot), and there is some very good acting, but it still seems like what it is, and that is a television film. Christopher Gunning provided a very emotional score though, with a heart wrenching theme for cello and orchestra.

Wonderful version, great performances.

[jhsteel · 8/10 · 31 December 2008]

I have always found Lawrence Olivier's portrayal of Maxim de Winter to be distant and forbidding, which detracted from the Hitchcock version of Rebecca, although that film has so much to recommend it. This lovely, warm adaptation is blessed by Charles Dance who makes Maxim a much more attractive man worth fighting for and Emilia Fox is a wonderful actress, even at this young age. The difference in their ages is important to the story and the casting here is so convincing that the book is really brought to life. I am glad it lacks the sinister quality of Hitchcock because it's refreshing to see a different approach and in some ways a more modern take on the story, even though it is set in the correct period. Although I knew the story well, I was still gripped by it, and was surprised by some twists. I saw this when it was originally shown on TV in 1997, and have just seen it again - I think I liked it better this time. Well worth 4 hours of anyone's time, to do justice to such a great novel.

more romantic, less scary, but very good

[LMB-3 · 21 August 1999]

I enjoyed this version of Rebecca very much. This one is more focused on the romance than the excellent version from Hitchcock. It must be said that the romance in this version is more realistic than the one with Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. Do not get me wrong, I adore the film. But it was quite obvious that the late, great LO was much younger than his alter ego Maxim the Winter. I found the romance in this mini series more convincing because some scenes where added which are not in the book (the honeymoon for instance). It gives the character of Maxim De Winter more warmth and passion. Charles Dance has the advantage that he is about the same age as Maxim and therefore (in my honest opinion) more convincing than LO. Mr. Dance is an excellent actor and he gives a very good performance as Maxim. I was also quite pleased with the performance of Emillia Fox. I had never heard of her before, but I hope to see more of her work in the future. Her portrayal of a young insecure woman who tries to cope with the memory of her husband's first wife was quite impressive. Faye Dunaway made a very amusing Mrs. Van

Hopper. Diana Rigg portrays Mrs. Danvers rather as a tragic character than as a villain. I found this approach very refreshing.

I would also like to add something to a comment made earlier in another review of this mini-series. Someone mentioned that the second Mrs. De Winter first name is Caroline, because in the party scene she is announced as Lady Caroline De Winter. This is of course completely wrong. Lady Caroline is the name of the lady from the painting. It is not Mrs. De Winter's first name, which isn't mentioned at all. I hope that this clears this matter once and for all.

Comparisons

[pculliton-617-536576 · 7/10 · 27 July 2010]

I recently viewed both the 1979 version (got a copy recorded off TV broadcast from somebody in Canada!) and the 1997 one, as well as reviewed the book. I have of course seen the '42 Olivier version as well.

My verdict on this version ('97) is that everyone is wonderful except Charles Dance. Totally inappropriate casting. He's all freckled and spotty and not the slightest bit attractive.

That being said, I have no idea why all the film versions skip (at least as far as I have noticed) the -- to my mind-- crucial scene in the book when the narrator finally tells Mrs. Danvers that she doesn't much care what the former Mrs. DeWinter would have done because SHE is Mrs. DeWinter now. This is after the "You should be the one who's dead" in Rebecca's room/shipwreck/Maxim's confession scenes.It may be that one version includes this, but I don't recall seeing it...

Anyway, Charles Dance?! Cannot BEGIN to compare to Jeremy Brett's portrayal. He was simply superb. I am so sorry this version is not available (except as I obtained it) on DVD.

The ultimate dream for lonely and insecure girls

[Catharina_Sweden · 9/10 · 28 February 2015]

It is no wonder this story has been so popular ever since it was written. It is the ultimate dream for lonely, shy and insecure girls! Who did not wish for something like this (minus Mrs Danvers of course!) to happen, when one was in the same age as the new Mrs de Winter..? That some handsome and attractive man, rich and powerful, and intensely more eligible than even the most popular boy in school who was off-limits to oneself, should come and whisk oneself off - far away from monotonous jobs, mean bosses, gossipy and slutty work-mates, bad living conditions..? To some more glamorous life as the châtelaine of an old, mysterious mansion...

The thing which is the most alluring, is the fact that the second Mrs de Winter at first cannot believe that she can compete with the first Mrs de Winter, who - seemingly - had it all: beauty, courage, many accomplishments and talents - and first and foremost the ability to manipulate others, to make herself popular with everybody. Exactly as the popular girls at school.

But then it turned out that some people in fact had began to see through the first Mrs de Winter, not least her own husband, and that he really loved the second Mrs de Winter - because of her inner qualities that he was able to see through her shyness and awkwardness... No wonder this story was such a success! Of course, in reality it can never happen. The Rebeccas of this world win every time...

This movie is a very good rendering of the story, better than even the Hitchcock version. First of all the three hours are needed to be able to include all the events from the novel. Also, it follows the novel very faithfully - except for the fire scene in the end, in which the producers must have become temporarily insane..? In the novel Mr de Winter was not there in time to try to save Mrs Danvers, and even if he had been - why should he..? After all the evil that she had done..?

To give the accident in the fire as an explanation to why Mr de Winter could not father children, is also very silly - and especially as it was not in the novel. There was no need for such an explanation. Maybe the couple did not want children - it is understandable if they did not want to bear the heir to the Manderley estate, as they could not themselves go back there. Maybe Mr the Winter wanted his line to end with him, after all the tragedies.

I miss one thing in this version though: the eeriness, spookiness. The suggestion - which is also there in the novel - that the first Mrs de Winter is still in the house. Either as a ghost, or (this thought at least struck me when I read the novel) that she is not dead, but that she staged the accident and is keeping herself hidden somewhere in the house, to come out sometimes at night and make a disturbance in the house. Maybe to find out how fast Mr de Winter would remarry if she died..? There is no suggestion at all of anything like that in this version, and no ghostly atmosphere at all - the creepiness comes altogether from human beings.

The interiors and exteriors are all quite right. Emilia Fox is good in the role as the second Mrs de Winter, although maybe a bit too cheeky towards Mrs van Hopper in the beginning, before she new that she would be able to quit her job. I had pictured the new Mrs de Winter as more insecure and nervous. Charles Dance is quite right as a mysterious, debonair lord of the manor, of course, but I find the age difference (which is about ten years larger than between the characters in the novel) a little off-putting. A 20 years older man when you are 20 is experienced and exciting - at least if he is handsome - but a 30 years older man in that age is a dirty old man...

Diana Rigg is as scary as she should be as Mrs Danvers. The supporting staff is quite alright. The only actor I find entirely miscast is Faye Dunaway as Mrs van Hopper. She is still too youthful and beautiful there, for this role. The "thing" with Mrs van Hopper was that everybody should find her pathetic when she is laying herself out for Mr de Winter. Because it would be entirely impossible that he would want this fat old woman. But in this movie, at that point I thought that they would be quite well-matched - and that it was instead strange and wrong that he should start to form an attachment with a young and innocent girl...

All in all, this is a very good production of "Rebecca"!

Splendid slow-paced mystery

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 4 February 2012]

This two-part TV adaptation of the famous Daphne Du Maurier benefits hugely from a pitch-perfect piece of central casting: Charles Dance as the mysterious Maxim de Winter and Emilia Fox as his new wife. Dance is all suaveness mixed with a little sensitivity, while Fox is mousey and subdued, and the two actors share a genuine chemistry at all times.

Given the nature of the three hour running time, the pacing of this is slow and unhurried. I wasn't bothered: there are enough interesting supporting characters (the friendly gardener, the mad fisherman, the caddish acquaintance) to keep the attention hooked, and the sumptuous locations make this a delight to look at.

The nature of the mystery kept me guessing right until the end, and it helped that I hadn't read the novel or seen any of the other adaptations (including the famous Hitchcock film). It also goes without saying that Diana Rigg makes for a masterful villain as Mrs Danvers, putting memories of her pin-up days long in the past. She's truly hissable, and it's testament to the quality of the storytelling that by the end you can only empathise with rather than hate her character.

Excellent

[pale_moon · 10/10 · 18 May 2001]

This is a terrific adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel. The period detail, costume and scenery are all spot-on, and the acting is good, especially among the principals. Generally, this television version is more faithful to the book, both in spirit and in plot, than the 1940 Hitchcock version with Laurence Oliver and Joan Fontaine. I found Charles Dance to be a much more believable Maxim de Winter, with some definite sex appeal that was lacking in Olivier's portrayal. Emilia Fox was perfectly charming as the 2nd Mrs. de Winter, managing to come across as shy and unsure of herself without appearing too passive or neurotic. As has been stated in other reviews, the romance between the two was far more believable and realistic in this version.

Diana Rigg gives quite a different portrayal of the creepy Mrs. Danvers than Judith Anderson did, and I found Rigg's more humane and pathetic (although still sinister) housekeeper more three-dimensional. The supporting characters are also good, and I even enjoyed Jonathan Cake's scenery-chewing portrayal of Jack Favell.

All in all, a great effort, well worth watching.

Poor direction/excellent acting

[fubar-2 · 7/10 · 14 September 1998]

An excellent production with the always superb Diana Rigg is marred by some poor directorial choices. Why would Mrs. Danvers try to convince her to commit suicide by jumping through a window she'd barely even fit through! And why would Charles Dance try to save Diana. I don't even remember that in the book!

Famous story well done. First to show Rebecca alive.

[bigone · 10/10 · 4 August 1998]

This was an excellent production of a famous story. The acting was just as good as the previous versions and the photography was the best, far better than most theatrical movies. One thing that made this version special was seeing Rebecca and hearing her in a flashback sequence.

A SUPERB version of REBECCA

[classicera · 10/10 · 9 April 2007]

First of all, I enjoyed the old classic version of the 1940s REBECCA with Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine and I have seen it over 100 times in my lifetime. However, I find myself very captivated by this 1997 version by Masterpiece Theatre and with its great actors, the assemble cast, the music score, the filming location and the more detailed storyline, which is simply superb and very well done. I believe the 1997 version is the best version of Rebecca, second to the book. Further, I have seen ALL the versions of Rebecca and have read the book by Daphne Du Maurier and can actually comment in good faith that this is simply the best adaptation with more details about the characters that you don't see in the 1940s version.

With this superb 1997 adaptation, you are able to see a more deeper version of both Max and the second Mrs. DeWinter's characters played by Charles Dance and Emilia Fox. You see that they are in love in this version whereas in the Hitchcock version, it's not so obvious. You also get a better sense of Mrs. Danvers' character who you almost feel sorry for in this adaptation. Additionally, you'll see a few glimpses of what the beautiful Rebecca might look like.

I believe this 1997 version of Rebecca stands alone as a great love story and great mystery that will keep you captivated.

Just Okay

[broadway_melody_girl · 5/10 · 11 April 2008]

THe 1997 BBC adaption of the renowned romance/suspense novel REBECCA was an interesting take on the novel. But not a very good one. The lighting and photography do nothing to set the suspense and sense of dread in Manderley that is supposed to be the lingering spirit of Rebecca, very unlike the book and 1940 movie. This miniseries focused more on the romance. However, I think that the "spirit of Rebecca" that is supposed to be almost "haunting" Manderley did not come across very well. They did show Rebecca in some flashbacks, which was unique but I thought sort of ruined the "Rebecca mystique". The acting was pretty much all excellent and solid but Charles Dance as Maxim was VERY different. I don't think his portrayal of Maxim was deep enough, it didn't show enough (for total lack of a better word) angst about what was happening. Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers was also different, but it worked, she was a great Mrs. Danvers. Emilia Fox as "I" was good too.

If you liked the book Rebecca see the Hitchcock version also and compare the two. I find the Hichcock version superior, it is more faithful to book even thought a vital part of the book's plot is slightly distorted.

Love this version!

[pyenme · 10/10 · 5 September 2008]

I appreciated the romantic aspect of this version, even if it may not have followed the spirit of the book entirely. Maybe that is because I think Charles Dance is hot, and any chance I have to see him in a romantic situation is OK with me! On the whole, I think this "Rebecca" is very good - and stands its ground along side Hitchcock - not as a comparison, but as a different approach. I did get the British version (I have a region-free player) because the PBS version cut out 18 minutes. I do believe the British version (with the honeymoon scene) may have been shown originally on Masterpiece Theatre, but in the US release DVD, it (along with a couple other scenes I like) were cut. Glad to have that region-free player!!

A much broader version than the Olivier

[amcd49 · 9/10 · 5 January 2005]

I enjoyed this version very much, the actors in the main roles were very good. I especially liked the young Emilia Fox as the new Mrs DeWinter. She started out as the shy young girl and became the strong young wife fighting for her love. Charles Dance was very well cast as Maxim, not as stuffy as Olivier. I found Diana Rigg a bit over the top, but the supporting cast were very good, especially Faye Dunaway. The locations and overall look of the show was very pleasing to the eye. I liked this longer , more adult version as it covered the whole story and was very true to the novel. But, like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice I will always now and again go back and watch the original black and white versions.

Awesome, an excellent adaptation

[lathabonthala · 10/10 · 24 April 2006]

I read the book by Daphne Du Maurier, and after loving it so much, I decided to watch this latest adaptation. All I can say is that this is better than what I expected! It can captivate every possible type of viewer with its rich tapestry of ideas and emotions in the underlying plot. Charles Dance as Maxim de Winter surpasses all expectations one might have (and isn't too bad to look at either!). In this version, he portrays Max as more romantic (perhaps more so than other adaptations), something which adds a touch of realism and allows for a different perspective of his character. Emilia Fox as the second Mrs. de Winter is refreshing and plays her character with the perfect amount of insecurity over the haunting presence of Max's first wife, Rebecca. Fox also presents her character as nothing but loving and dedicated towards her much older husband, with passion and romance that helps justify many a scene in this version, presented very aesthetically and with realism. The romance and chemistry between the two lead actors is incredibly convincing and is also very appealing. Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers is superb, as she almost shows Mrs. Danvers to be in love with Rebecca, but not in a socially acceptable manner for that era, as well as being a tragic, lost individual who is clearly struggling to let go. Remaining supporting cast of Faye Dunaway as the pleasantly extrovert Mrs. Van Hopper and Jonathan Cake as the wild living, slightly devilish cousin of Rebecca, Jack Favell, are perfectly suited to their respective characters. 'Rebecca' also highlights many social taboos and difficulties experienced by the upper classes of the late 1920's, something which is executed faultlessly in this adaptation, and is also something which helps you to justify why Maxim did what he did (you'll have to see this to understand what I mean!). All in all, it has everything that makes for compelling viewing: murder, social taboo, romance, tears... it is truly awesome!

A joy to watch

[scarlett-greene · 9/10 · 10 July 2014]

Oh I wish I were Emilia Fox. Charles Dance as Maxim De Winter captured my heart- I will dream of him as he romanced this young lady with love and romance. I adore his moments of sensitivity towards his blossom. The manner in which he glances at his bewildered beauty brings tears of joy to my wounded heart. As a mere example when Maxim states:''of course I love your hair.'' Mrs De Winter smiles as if a thousand bars of gold were placed into her hands. To find a romance with such wonder would be my dream- this wonderful portrayal of acting is solidified by wonderful acting from all the cast.The music is complements the darling movement of the film. An amazing cast with the wonderful Faye Dunaway of whom as usual acted with such high vivaciousness.

Rebecca set in Hampshire not CORNWALL

[ymmfuller · 2/10 · 9 July 2019]

Although this was an acceptable version, how could any producer make the fundamental error of setting a Cornish novel, by quintessentially "Cornish-by-inspiration" writer Daphne du Maurier, in soft centred Hampshire? The generally overlooked, though I believe far superior version with Jeremy Brett and Joanna David as Maxim de Winter and his gauche second wife and Anna Massey as the sinister Mrs Danvers, is so perfectly cast that the actors have no need to "act" for they simply "are" those people. Likewise the great house, Manderley, is enchanting Caerhays Castle whose setting on the south Cornish coast also has the perfect driveway, beach and bay. This version is totally true to du Maurier's unsettling tale and I recommend you seek it out on YouTube.

British TV Masterpiece

[Cathy-18 · 10/10 · 3 November 1998]

This is just the thing to watch while curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of cocoa. Charles Dance is an absolute heart throb and young Emilia Fox's acting is outstanding! Jonathan Cake plays a convinvingly devilish Favell and Diana Rigg - well, what can I say?! This murder mystery suspense story is fantastic and a great favourite of mine. The lesbian innuendo between Mrs Danvers and Rebecca takes your breath away. This story must have been a shocker in its time - 1930's. I'd recommend it to anyone to watch it, you're guaranteed to be glued to your seat.

I actually loved this version

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 7 June 2012]

I do see that this TV version of the wonderful Daphne Du Mourier book has those who both love and hate it. I personally did love it. I do prefer Hitchcock's film(one of my all-time favourite films) and the 1979 series, but this stands on its own. The story is more faithful(if not entirely) in tone to the Hitchcock film and the romance possibly broader, and is dealt with in an atmospheric manner and is just as suspenseful as the previous two versions. It looks wonderful visually, Manderly is imposing, the scenery is beautiful and the photography is remarkably good. There is also a haunting, emotional score(especially the cello and orchestra theme) by Christopher Gunning, a tight script, a lot of interesting characters lead and supporting and, while slow, fluid pacing. The acting was mostly fine to me. Charles Dance might be too old for Maxim and I did find Jeremy Brett more believable, but I did in a way find him attractive and thought he captured the darkness and angst of the character quite well. I actually found the weak link to be Emilia Fox, I do have huge affection for Joan Fontaine in Hitchcock's film and I also much prefer her mother Joanna David as an actress so I may be biased, but Fox for a character as shy as the second Mrs De Winter seemed too beautiful, elegant and dare I say wan. The supporting cast are even better, Faye Dunnaway is always a pleasure to watch, and Jonathan Cake is a suitably smarmy Jack, but top honours go to Diana Rigg as a sinister yet also humane Mrs Danvers. Other than Fox, my other complaint was the flashbacks with Rebecca. I can understand why they were included and they were interesting enough, but I much prefer it when Rebecca is mysterious and just omnipresent, it is more suspenseful that way. Overall, I loved it but I do prefer Hitchcock's and the 1979 series. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Beautiful scenery and great character acting

[barryrd · 9/10 · 10 January 2021]

I thoroughly enjoyed this 1997 version of "Rebecca", which recently aired uncut on PBS. Charles Dance played Max DeWinter brilliantly. The character he portrays is a gentleman who seems above the fray but can explode with raw emotion on a moment's notice. Something is clearly eating away at him. Emilia Fox, the young woman he falls in love with and marries, is perfect - a bit shy but surprisingly mature. The background photography is superb in both locations: Monte Carlo, where they meet, and on the coast of Cornwall, the site of Max's magnificent estate. We are introduced to Mrs. Danvers, played by Diana Rigg, who makes the new Mrs. DeWinter as uncomfortable as she could possibly be. I didn't care much for the reinvention of Mrs. Danvers' character in this movie. She cannot let go of the memory of Maxim's first wife but in this movie, her preference has added motivation. Geraldine James, an excellent actor, is Max's sister. I remember her in The Jewel in the Crown, a Masterpiece Theatre show from the 1980's. (More recently she appeared in the Downton Abbey movie as Queen Mary.) Faye Dunaway, a Hollywood leading lady, has a role as the gossip-prone Mrs. Van Hopper, who employed Rebecca as a companion and has delusions of winning over Max. The character of the former Mrs. DeWinter and the movie mystery eventually converge and the pace picks up. We encounter some additional characters as the movie takes some interesting twists and turns that will entertain the viewer, even if you've seen previous versions of Daphne duMaurier's novel. All in all, a highly entertaining and beautiful movie.

I like it.

[olivechxy · 10/10 · 11 May 2002]

I have always liked Laurence Olivier. I wanted very much to see this film, thinking it was his version. So at first I was disappointed. After seeing it, I changed my idea, and began to read that novel, and remind myself of the scenes in the movie while reading. Then I became fancinated with the story and want very much to see the Olivier version, and at last I got the chance. This time I was really very disappointed at Olivier's harsh actions which I think destroyed the image of Maxim in my mind. How differently Charles Dance acted. Elegant, reserved, ideal Englishman Dance's Maxim was. Maybe Dance is a bit too old, but I think that is of unimportance. Fox and Rigg are also perfectly suitable for the role, while Fontain is too tall (and too beautiful and maybe a bit fatter than a little girl as the role is) and the other Mrs Danvers is too young. But I think the scene in bed in Dance's version(when Maxim was telling the truth of Rebecca) does harm to the elegance and reserveness of his. Anyhow, this is one of the best film I have ever seen.

The best rendition of Rebecca to date.

[jaymark · 5 May 2000]

I thought this movie batted a thousand! It was true to the story and portrayed Maxim in the most romantic light possible. The actress that played his wife did a splendid job also and all of the other characters were casted perfectly. Charles Dance was just splendid in his characterization of Maxim. I only wish the people who put this movie together would do a sequel!

Watch the Hitchcock version instead

[michelleeb · 1/10 · 29 January 2009]

Totally miscast - Emilia Fox is too confident, beautiful and elegant to play the plain, awkward, painfully shy second Mrs De Winter. Charles Dance is too old to play Max De Winter (he's supposed to be 15 - 20 years older then her, not 30) and he lacks any sense of darkness or anger. Even Manderley itself is dreadfully unimpressive. Only Diana Rigg, as Mrs Danvers comes anywhere near creating a character similar to the book.

The directing is of the 'point and shoot' variety, with no subtleties.The one trick, with Mrs Danvers and the light, is lifted straight from Hitchcock.

In fact the whole thing has no sense of mystery or doom or tragedy. There is no chemistry between the leads, despite the script showing them kissing passionately at a time in the book when he barely touches her. There's no romance between them, in fact their kisses seem awkward and forced, and a bit disgusting, given how much older than her he looks (not to mention his lack of sex appeal and passion) The script itself is terrible, deviating from the book, having her challenging him at a time when in the book, she can barely speak to him.

If you love the book, like I do, don't bother with this. Watch the Hitchcock version, with its great acting, sense of tragedy and doom, deep romance and a script practically lifted from the book, instead.

The best "Rebecca" Adaption

[waldenpond88 · 9/10 · 7 October 2020]

I've read Daphne DuMaurier's novel "Rebecca" several times plus both sequels by Sally Beauman and Susan Hill which are also very gripping. I've watched the Hitchcock adaptation from 1940 multiple times, but never cared for Joan Fontaine's playing the second Mrs. de Winter.

This 1997 adaptation has it all: the perfect locations (Hitchcock couldn't film his "Rebecca" in Cornwall as WW II was going on), great actors and a wonderful score by Christopher Gunning. His score for the Sophie Marceau movie "Firelight" very much resembles his "Rebecca" soundtrack.

Diana Rigg impersonated Mrs. Danvers not quite as demonic as Judith Anderson did in 1940. Charles Dance was good as usual, but my favorite actress in this TV adaptation from 1997 is the young woman who played the second Mrs. de Winter.

You're missing the point.

[mollie84 · 11 September 2004]

I have not yet seen this movie, but my sister and I are reading through Rebecca right now, and I'd like to explain to those who misunderstood: Mrs. De Winter had herself announced as Caroline De Winter because she was dressed as that lady (the lady in the painting)and acting that part. I mean, it's a costume ball. She intended this to make everyone think, "Who?" and look to see. Caroline is not her name; the point is that you never even know what her name is.

I have seen the old version of this movie, and in my opinion and that of my sister, as we read the book, Laurence Olivier is absolutely the definitive Maxim De Winter in every way.