Alfred Hitchcock's first work in Hollywood is an atmospheric adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's enduring novel.

Joan Fontaine made her breakthrough to stardom as the nameless young bride haunted by the memory of husband Laurence Olivier's first wife, the enigmatic Rebecca of the title, who died in mysterious circumstances.

In later years, Hitchcock rather mischievously dismissed Rebecca as a novelette, `a woman's picture' lacking in humour.

But its virtues are simplicity, superb performances and a richly textured visual style.