Rebecca

In this made-for-television adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel, a young bride moves into her husband's grand estate, Manderley, only to find herself living in the shadow of his deceased first wife, Rebecca. The new Mrs. de Winter struggles with the pervasive presence of Rebecca's memory, the intimidating housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, and the secrets that haunt the estate.

This 1979 television film adaptation of 'Rebecca' received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often comparing it unfavorably to Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1940 film. While some praised the performances, particularly Laurence Olivier's return to the role of Maxim de Winter, others found it lacking the suspense and visual flair of its predecessor. Its quality is generally considered respectable for a television production of its era.

• Laurence Olivier's commanding presence as Maxim de Winter is a highlight.
• The production values are decent for a television movie but don't match the cinematic grandeur of the 1940 version.
• Joanne Woodward effectively portrays the insecurity and growing unease of the second Mrs. de Winter.

Google audience: Audience reviews for this specific adaptation are scarce, but general sentiment often compares it to the more famous Hitchcock version, suggesting it is a competent but less impactful retelling.

Laurence Olivier, who played Maxim de Winter in this 1979 adaptation, had previously been considered for the role in Alfred Hitchcock's 1940 film version before it ultimately went to Francis Sullivan.