My Cousin Rachel (1952)

A young man plots revenge against the woman he believes murdered his cousin, but his plans are shaken when he comes face to face with the enigmatic beauty.

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers:

Nunnally Johnson (screen play), Daphne Du Maurier (from the novel by) (as Daphne du Maurier)

Stars:

Olivia de Havilland, Richard Burton, Audrey Dalton

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Olivia de Havilland	...	Rachel Ashley (as Olivia deHavilland)
Richard Burton	...	Philip Ashley
Audrey Dalton	...	Louise Kendall
Ronald Squire	...	Nicholas Kendall
George Dolenz	...	Guido Rainaldi
John Sutton	...	Ambrose Ashley
Tudor Owen	...	Seecombe
J.M. Kerrigan	...	Rev. Pascoe

Storyline

When Philip Ashley's much-loved (and rich) cousin Ambrose dies, he is convinced that Ambrose was murdered by his new wife Rachel to inherit his wealth. But when he meets Rachel and falls in love with her, he knows that his suspicions must have been unfounded. But were they, or is Rachel just trying to use Philip to get at the estate Ambrose left to him instead of to her? And will she murder him next?

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Plot Keywords:

period drama | literature on screen | european literature on screen | british literature on screen | 20th century literature on screen | 

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Taglines:

"She makes a secret potion for her lovers to drink!"

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features the only Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominated performance by Richard Burton. His subsequent six other acting nominations would all be in the Lead Acting category.

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Quotes

Rachel Sangalletti Ashley: Why did you ask me here?
Philip Ashley: To accuse you.
Rachel Sangalletti Ashley: Of what?
Philip Ashley: Perhaps of breaking his heart which would be murder wouldn't it...

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Connections

Version of My Cousin Rachel (2017)

User Reviews

Effective adaptation of DuMaurier novel

Richard Burton falls for his uncle's widow in "My Cousin Rachel," a beautifully produced 1952 movie starring Olivia de Havilland in the title role. Burton is Philip Ashley, whose beloved uncle Ambrose moves to Italy for his health, marries a widow, and dies of a brain tumor...or did he? Philip is very suspicious of his uncle's wife and the doctor she brought in to care for her husband, Rainaldi. de Havilland plays the widow Ashley who comes to visit Philip and quickly makes him regret his doubts, as he falls madly in love with her.

This is a highly atmospheric, well acted film with a very intriguing story that keeps the viewer guessing as to the true character of Mrs. Ashley. Is she a greedy, conniving seductress/killer, or a warm, loving woman? Several movie stars have demonstrated the ability of doing period pieces realistically, and Richard Burton was definitely one of them. Handsome, romantic, and boyish in appearance, with a wonderful voice and fine acting ability, he brings Philip to life with a passionate performance. Olivia de Havilland is magnificent as Rachel - hers is a subdued, gentle performance that gives nothing away as to Rachel's true character or motivations. The attraction between the two is entirely believable.

The final moments of the film are its best. Highly recommended.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

24 December 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Daphne du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel

Filming Locations:

Stage 6, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1