Jeremy☆Brett - Rebecca (1979) Epi.4 1/4 

He's so beautiful, and so tender and vulnerable.

I liked the way Maxim kissed her hands

Joanna’s voice is so soft and lovely. It’s just right to suggest her nameless character’s inner wisdom and true beauty.

Thank you! I love Jeremy Brett no matter what!

I was 26 when I first saw the BBC 1979 production of Rebecca. The diffident insecurity of Joanna David’s the girl, is my main impression from those days, plus the gladness I felt at the jolly friendliness of Vivian Pickles’ Be (Beatrice), and so, when I revisited this version of Rebecca on RU-vid after all these years, I was pleasantly surprised by its excellent quality. In fact, I would say of all the dramatizations I have seen, this one comes closest to defining the book. Apparently, there are copy write issues that prevent a release on DVD, a pity, not least because of the beauty of the locations, the ambiance of the weather, the gorgeous vintage motorcars, and the costume details, that would so much benefit from better image definition. Of course, it is the cast, who in my opinion, not only have the right physical characteristics, but also are pitch perfect in their parts. I have reviewed David’s career at that time, a petite, pretty woman who often appeared in costume dramas, but as the girl she is plain, and we can see how her portrayal shows the lack of confidence which is counter balanced by qualities so attractive to Maxim. There is an innate fragrant gentility in her, underpinned by a strong moral compass, such a contrast to the rotten infidelity at the heart of Rebecca, and all the more interesting when Maxim reveals to his second wife that he has shot his first, his confession falling short of being cruel because a wife, in that period, could not testify against her husband. Anna Massey obviously enjoyed the Danvers role, but for me, now knowing that Anna had been married to Jeremy, that they had a son together, and that Anna sued for divorce when Jeremy left her for Gary Bond, added a certain frisson to the scenes between Anna’s Danvers with Jeremy’s Maxim. I appreciate the subtle restraint in the actress playing Mrs. Van Hopper, while enjoying the exuberance of Vivian Pickles as the sister in law. Although I did not make the connection in 1979, I continue to love best the Mrs. Bennet as performed by Vivian in Pride and Prejudice, especially in the scene, not often portrayed, when Elizabeth informs her mother she is to marry Mr. Darcy. Vivian’s portrayal is hilarious, at first dumb struck, then becoming hysterical as she lists all the advantages her daughter is to gain from the marriage. Vivian’s Mrs. Bennet has a cheerful, Teflon coated quality that even outshines Alison Steadman in the part, and this resilience shines again in her performance as Beatrice. Jeremy Brett appeared too old for me when was 26, reviewing this production now, the sensitivity of the light and shade of his performance in his handsome face, impresses me now. I do so wish a good print of this production was available for anyone to continue to enjoy, and considering the growing interest in the history of filmed drama, also for younger people to discover.

Great actors at their best. Thanks so much for posting.

Jeremy is beutiful but the lady that played rebecca is no joan fontaine I couldnt watch I t because of her