Rebecca

Rebecca

Year: 1940

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

DramaMysteryThrillerRomance

A young woman marries the wealthy Max De Winter and finds herself living in the imposing estate of Manderley, overshadowed by his deceased first wife, Rebecca. She struggles to escape Rebecca’s lingering presence and the controlling influence of the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, as she uncovers disturbing secrets about the De Winter family and the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s death. Navigating a web of mystery and manipulation, she must confront the past to forge her own future.

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Timeline – Rebecca (1940)

Trace every key event in Rebecca (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Protagonist's Voiceover

The film opens with a haunting voiceover from the young protagonist, reflecting on a dream of returning to Manderley. This sets a mysterious tone and introduces the significance of the estate in her life.

Manderley
2

Meeting Maxim de Winter

While serving as a paid companion in Monte Carlo, the young woman encounters the distinguished widower, Maximilian de Winter. Their immediate connection sparks a whirlwind romance, culminating in a quick engagement.

Monte Carlo
3

Marriage to Maxim

In a rapid progression, the protagonist marries Maxim just weeks after they first meet. This moment marks the beginning of her new life at Manderley, filled with both excitement and trepidation.

Manderley
4

Arrival at Manderley

Upon arriving at the grand estate of Manderley, the new Mrs. de Winter is met by the chilling presence of Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper. The oppressive atmosphere and unexplained obsession with Rebecca set the stage for her insecurities.

Manderley
5

Rebecca's Legacy

Mrs. Danvers reveals her deep obsession with Rebecca, Maxim's deceased wife, maintaining her bedroom as a shrine. This revelation casts a shadow over the new Mrs. de Winter, who feels she cannot measure up to her predecessor.

Manderley
6

Visit from Jack Favell

Complications arise when Jack Favell, Rebecca's cousin, unexpectedly visits Manderley while Maxim is away. His presence stirs up past tensions and adds to the protagonist's growing insecurity.

Manderley
7

Costume Party Preparations

In an effort to fit into her new role, the protagonist convinces Maxim to host a costume party. During preparations, Mrs. Danvers suggests a costume inspired by Rebecca, setting the stage for a disastrous reveal.

Manderley
8

Disastrous Party Reveal

At the costume party, the protagonist wears a dress that horrifies Maxim because it resembles the outfit Rebecca wore at her last ball. This moment leads to heightened tensions between husband and wife, exposing deep emotional scars.

Manderley
9

Discovery of Rebecca's Body

A shipwreck nearby reveals the body of Rebecca, forcing Maxim to confront the truth of her death. In a moment of vulnerability, he confesses to his wife that he misidentified her body to shield a shocking secret.

Near Manderley
10

Confession of Rebecca's Death

Maxim reveals the complicated circumstances surrounding Rebecca's demise, including the tragic fallout of her pregnancy. This confession lays bare the dark history of their marriage and Rebecca's manipulative nature.

Manderley
11

Police Inquiry Begins

As suspicions about Rebecca's death arise, a police inquiry is launched, probing into the events leading to her passing. Maxim and his wife must navigate the investigation while concealing the truth.

Manderley
12

Revelation of Rebecca's Illness

During the inquiry, testimonies from a doctor reveal that Rebecca was battling late-stage cancer rather than being pregnant. This revelation alters the narrative surrounding her tragic death and impacts the investigation’s direction.

13

Verdict of Suicide

The coroner announces a verdict of suicide after deliberations about Rebecca's death. This finding momentarily lifts the cloud of suspicion over Maxim while leaving the true story concealed among the remaining few.

14

Manderley Set Ablaze

In a climactic turn of events, Mrs. Danvers, driven mad by her obsession with Rebecca, sets Manderley on fire. The new Mrs. de Winter and the staff escape the flames, marking a dramatic end to the estate's haunting legacy.

Manderley
15

Final Escape from Manderley

As flames engulf Manderley, the new Mrs. de Winter narrowly escapes with the estate staff. The conclusion leaves a lingering sense of loss, with the fate of the manor and its secrets forever altered.

Manderley

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:33

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Rebecca Summary

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Rebecca Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rebecca

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rebecca

More About Rebecca

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More About Rebecca

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