Rebecca was written by Daphne du Maurier, 1907 - 1989, a native of Cornwall who wrote adventurous and romantic stories that translated well to film noir.
Joan Fontaine captured the lead role of Mrs. DeWinter in the 1940 film Rebecca, one of Director Alfred Hitchcock's finest. Her performance earned her a best actress Oscar nomination. Her character was known only as "Mrs. DeWinter," overshadowed by her husband's deceased first wife.
Sir Laurence Olivier starred as the male lead role in the film. Olivier was one of Britain's favorite actors for many years, and costarred with the most successfull actors and actresses in the U.K. and the United States during his career.
Judith Anderson played the wicked Mrs. Danvers, earning a supporting actress Oscar nomination.
