Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier, adapted by the author in a play. The story depicts an unnamed young woman who impetuously marries a wealthy widower, before discovering that both he and his household are haunted by the memory of his late first wife, the title character.
A bestseller that has never gone out of print, Rebecca (novel) sold 2.8 million copies between its publication in 1938 and 1965. It has been adapted numerous times for stage and screen, including a 1939 play by du Maurier herself, the film Rebecca (1940), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and the 2020 remake directed by Ben Wheatley for Netflix. The story has been adapted as a musical.
The novel is remembered especially for the character Mrs Danvers, the West Country estate Manderley, and its opening line: "Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again."
1946
Drama
Playwright: Daphne du Maurier
Director: Thelma Morton
Winner - 1946 National Theatre Drama Festival
Horsham Base Hospital Ladies Auxillery
Synopsis
Max de Winter brings his shy young bride to Manderley, his great house in Cornwall. Everywhere, she senses the overpowering presence of Rebecca, Max's drowned wife. Mrs Danvers, the grim housekeeper, will not allow her to forget her shortcomings.
She doubts Max's love until Rebecca's body is found. Max confesses that he murdered Rebecca. Will Max be spared from the gallows?
