Lux Radio Theatre - Rebecca

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – “Lux Radio Theatre: Rebecca”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: July 15, 2026
Cast (notable):

• Laurence Olivier as Maxim de Winter
• Vivien Leigh as Mrs. de Winter
• Betty Blythe as Mrs. Danvers
• William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)

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Overview

This episode features a full-cast radio adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s haunting novel Rebecca, presented by Lux Radio Theatre. Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh star in this atmospheric tale of romance and suspense set amidst the mysterious and imposing Manderley estate. Faithful to the classic Golden Age radio style, this performance brings to life themes of memory, jealousy, and hidden truths, all against the backdrop of English estate intrigue.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Opening and Introduction

• [01:03] Producer William Keeley welcomes listeners, highlights the prestige of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier’s participation, and introduces the adaptation:
  • “We consider it a rare privilege to have them in their first and only radio appearance together on our stage... We chose David O. Selznick’s immortal screenplay, Rebecca…”

Act One: Meeting and Marriage

First Encounter in Monte Carlo

• [02:45] Mrs. de Winter (unnamed throughout):
  • Famous opening: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again...”
  • Describes the dreamlike quality of Manderley and her first meeting with Maxim de Winter by the cliffside ([04:02]).
• [07:10] The pair’s relationship develops through awkward encounters and growing affection.
  • Notable quote, Maxim: “I asked you to come out with me because I wanted your company. You’ve blotted out the past for me...” ([11:31])
• [14:07] Maxim unexpectedly proposes:
  • “I’m asking you to marry me, you little fool.”
  • Mrs. de Winter is surprised and overwhelmed, doubting whether she belongs in his world.

The Shadow of Rebecca

• [16:32] Arrival at Manderley.
  • Introduction to Mrs. Danvers, the formidable housekeeper with an almost obsessive loyalty to the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca.
  • Mrs. de Winter feels Rebecca’s presence in every aspect of the house—personal possessions, pets, and household routines.

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Act Two: Life at Manderley, Suspicion, and Sabotage

Life Under Rebecca’s Shadow

• [17:32] Mrs. Danvers coldly reminds the new Mrs. de Winter of Rebecca’s legacy:
  • “I came here when the first Mrs. De Winter was a bride.”
• [18:30] The new mistress perceives herself as an outsider, constantly compared—implicitly and explicitly—to the beautiful and enigmatic Rebecca.

Exploration and Discovery

• [20:13] Mrs. de Winter’s innocent trip to the beach cottage ignites Maxim’s distress, hinting at past trauma:
  • Maxim, agitated: “Because I hate the place. And if you had my memories, you wouldn’t go there...”
• [25:20] Mrs. de Winter’s anxieties mount; even mentions of the sea or Rebecca fill her with dread.

The Costume Ball and Mrs. Danvers’ Cruelty

• [31:21] Mrs. Danvers manipulates Mrs. de Winter, suggesting she dress as a portrait in the gallery for the Manderley ball, knowing it was one of Rebecca’s costumes.
• [32:03] Maxim’s horrified reaction at the ball:
  • “What the devil do you think you’re doing...Just as you did a year ago.”
• [32:47] Confrontation between Mrs. de Winter and Mrs. Danvers:
  • Danvers: “Even in the same dress, you couldn’t compare with her… You tried to take her place... But she’s too strong for you.”
  • Danvers, pushing her emotionally: “Why don’t you leave Manderley? He doesn’t need you. You’ve nothing to live for, really, have you? ... Why don’t you jump?” [34:44]
• [35:03] A shipwreck interrupts; a diver finds Rebecca’s actual boat—and a body inside.

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Act Three: Truth Unveiled and the Fall of Manderley

Maxim’s Confession

• [36:25] In Rebecca’s cottage, Maxim finally tells the truth:
  • “It’s Rebecca’s body lying there on the cabin floor.”
  • “Because I put it there.” ([38:31])
  • Maxim reveals his hatred for Rebecca and recounts her manipulations, their marriage’s misery, and her fatal fall.
  • “What are you talking about? You thought I loved Rebecca. I hated her...” ([39:12])

The Inquest and Blackmail

• [48:21] A formal inquest investigates Rebecca’s death, raising suspicions of suicide or murder.
• [49:29] Rebecca’s cousin, Jack Favell, attempts blackmail with a letter from Rebecca that suggests she wasn’t suicidal ([50:25]).
• [52:16] Mrs. Danvers is questioned about Rebecca’s doctor.
• [54:25] Dr. Baker reveals Rebecca was terminally ill, not pregnant, as she had told Maxim. This news reframes Rebecca’s actions as deliberate manipulation.

Aftermath: Catastrophe and Catharsis

• [56:23] As Maxim prepares to return home, he sees Manderley ablaze—a fire set by a deranged Mrs. Danvers.
• [57:02] Mrs. de Winter concludes:
  • “Manderley is no more. And we are happy now, Maxim and I. For all our fears and suffering lie buried in its ruin.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Opening Dream:
  • “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…” – Mrs. de Winter ([02:45])
• Proposal:
  • “I’m asking you to marry me, you little fool.” – Maxim de Winter ([14:07])
• Rebecca’s Power:
  • “You tried to take her place… But she’s too strong for you. No one ever got the better of her. Never, never. She was beaten in the end, but it wasn’t a man, it wasn’t a woman. It was the sea.” – Mrs. Danvers ([33:16])
• Danvers’ Manipulation:
  • “Why don’t you jump?” – Mrs. Danvers ([34:44])
• Maxim’s Confession:
  • “It’s Rebecca’s body lying there on the cabin floor.” – Maxim de Winter ([37:29])
  • “Because I put it there.” – Maxim de Winter ([38:31])
• Revelation:
  • “What are you talking about? You thought I loved Rebecca. I hated her.” – Maxim ([39:12])
• Resolution:
  • “Manderley is no more. And we are happy now, Maxim and I. For all our fears and suffering lie buried in its ruin.” – Mrs. de Winter ([57:02])

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Memorable Moments

• Mrs. Danvers’ psychological torment of Mrs. de Winter during the costume ball and at the window (urging her to jump), brimming with gothic horror.
• Maxim’s emotional confession that he never loved Rebecca, but felt trapped and manipulated by her, which shatters Mrs. de Winter’s longstanding insecurities.
• The climactic destruction of Manderley, symbolic of the end of Rebecca’s lingering influence and the couple’s potential for a new beginning.

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Structure & Flow

• The episode emulates the classic radio play format, using atmospheric sound effects, music, and period-appropriate dialogue to create a vivid, immersive experience.
• The tone is formal, dramatic, and moody, reflecting the gothic suspense and psychological complexity of the story.
• The strengths of the performance lie in its ability to translate du Maurier’s layered narrative and internal monologue to compelling dialogue and pacing.

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening & introduction: [01:03]
• Mrs. de Winter’s dream: [02:45]
• Marriage proposal: [14:07]
• Arrival at Manderley: [16:32]
• Discovery at the cottage: [20:13]
• Confrontation with Mrs. Danvers at the ball: [32:03]
• Danvers’ psychological assault: [33:38]
• Excavation of Rebecca’s boat: [35:28]
• Maxim’s full confession: [36:25]
• Inquest & Favell’s blackmail: [48:21]–[53:27]
• Dr. Baker’s revelations: [54:00]
• Manderley burning: [56:23]
• Final reflection: [57:02]

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Closing

This episode delivers a lush and faithful adaptation of Rebecca, brimming with suspense, dramatic performances, and the brooding atmosphere that made both the novel and the Hitchcock film enduring classics. The interplay between Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier is especially poignant, making this a gem of radio drama for any fan of classic literature, film, or audio storytelling.

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For a complete immersion into the golden age of radio drama, this Rebecca performance is essential listening.

Transcript

[Mrs. De Winter]

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[Announcer/Commentator]

There were too many choices.

[Mrs. De Winter]

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[Narrator/Host]

Download the app Today Lux presents Hollywood. Lieber Brothers Co. The makers of Luxe toilet soap bring you the Lux Radio Theater, starring Vivian Leigh and Laurence Olivier in Rebecca. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. The motion picture industry was delighted when Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Lee decided to return to the United States after too long an absence. As you know, they're recognized as two of England's finest artists. We've honored Ms. Lee with our Academy Award for her performance as Scarlett O' Hara and Mr. Olivier for his Hamlet. So I was especially delighted I was able to persuade them to appear on the Lux Radio Theatre. Since they're sailing next week for England, their schedule is extremely tight and we consider it a rare privilege to have them in their first and only radio appearance together on our stage. We chose David O. Selznick's immortal screenplay Rebecca. First, because of Laurence Olivier's brilliant characterization in his original role of Maxim de Winter. And second, because the role of Mrs. De Winter is tailored to the charm and acting ability of Vivian Leigh. We regret that Sir Lawrence and Lady Olivier can't stay longer in our country. But we hope when they sail next week for England, they'll take along plenty of Lux toilet soap. Vivien Leigh has been a friend of Lux for years. Now. Here's our play, starring Laurence Olivier as Maxime de Winter and Vivien Leigh as the woman who tells the story of Rebecca.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive and for a while I could not enter for the way with bar to me. Then, like all dreamers, I was possessed of a sudden with supernatural powers and passed like a spirit through the barrier before me. The drive wound away in front of me, twisting and turning, and finally there was Manderley. Manderley, secretive and silent. Time could not mar the perfect symmetry of those walls. But I knew I looked an empty, desolate shell with no whisper of the past in its staring, blackened windows. We can never go back to Manderley again. That much is certain. But sometimes in my dreams, I do go back to the strange days of my life which began for me in the south of France. There, on a great cliff towering above the sea, I first saw him. He was looking down, staring at the rocks below. And then suddenly, I thought I saw him about to. No, no. Stop.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Stop.

[Maxim de Winter]

What the devil are you shouting about? Who are you? What are you staring at?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare. But you were so close to the edge of the cliff, I was afraid that.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, you were. Well, what are you doing here?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I was only walking. I came up the path and I.

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, get on with your walking. Don't hang about here screaming. Go on.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

I never come to Monte Carlo out of season again. Not a single well known personality in the hotel.

[Mrs. De Winter]

His coffee. Stone cold.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Wait up, garcon.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I don't believe he can hear you, Mrs. Van Hopper.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Forget him. Get him. What are you being paid for, girl?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, that's Max de Winter.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Look, see him coming this way. What are you looking so surprised about?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Why, I saw him today on the cliff pond.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Mr. De Winter. How do you do?

[Maxim de Winter]

How do you do?

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

I'm Edith Van Hopper. Do you remember me? It's so nice to run into you here. Do sit down and have some coffee. Mr. De Winter's having some coffee with me. You may go.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Of course.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm afraid I must contradict you. We shall both have coffee with me. Garcon. Coffee, please.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

You know, I recognized you just as

[Mrs. De Winter]

soon as you came in.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Are you playing the tables much here at Monte?

[Maxim de Winter]

No, I'm afraid that sort of thing ceased to amuse me years ago.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Oh, I can well understand that. If I had a home like Manderley, I should certainly never come to Monte. I hear it's one of the biggest places in that part of the country. And you just can't beat us for beauty.

[Maxim de Winter]

Cigarette, Mrs. Vanhopper?

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Oh, thank you.

[Maxim de Winter]

And you?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, no, no. I thank you.

[Maxim de Winter]

What do you think of Monte Carlo? Or don't you think of it at all?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Well, I think it's rather artificial.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

She's spoiled, Mr. De Winter, that's her trouble. Most girls would give their eyes for the chance to see Monty.

[Maxim de Winter]

Wouldn't that rather defeat the purpose?

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Well, now that we've found each other again, I do hope I shall be seeing something of you. Your valet's unpacked by for you, I suppose.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm afraid I don't possess one. Perhaps you'd like to do it for me.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Oh, hell. This young lady might make herself useful. She's a capable child in many ways. Aren't you, dear?

[Maxim de Winter]

That's a charming suggestion, but I'm afraid I cling to the old motto, he travels fastest who travels alone. Perhaps you've not heard of it. Good night.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Well, what do you make of that?

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Do you suppose that sudden departure was intended to be funny? Perhaps he didn't quite realize how it looked.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Poor thing.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

I suppose he just can't get over his wife's death. They say he simply adored her.

[Mrs. De Winter]

When I came alone to the dining room the following day, he was already there at the next table. As I sat down, I paid the penalty of my awkwardness. I knocked over a vase of flowers, the water soaking the cloth. Mademoiselle, why, I'm so sorry. What a stupid thing.

[Maxim de Winter]

You can leave that waiter go and let another place at my table. Mademoiselle will have lunch with me.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, no. Oh, no, I couldn't possibly. Please don't be polite.

[Maxim de Winter]

It's very kind of you, but I wasn't being polite. I should have asked you to lunch with me even if you hadn't been so clumsy. Sit down. We needn't talk to each other if we don't feel like it.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Well, thank you very much.

[Maxim de Winter]

What's happened to your friend?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, she's ill in bed with a cold.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, I'm sorry I was rude to you yesterday. The only excuse I can offer is that I have become boorish through living alone.

[Mrs. De Winter]

You weren't really. You just wanted to be by yourself.

[Maxim de Winter]

Tell me, is Mrs. Van Hopper a friend of yours or just a relation?

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, she's my employer. I'm what is known as a paid companion.

[Maxim de Winter]

I didn't know the companionship could be bought. Is that a sketching pad? Do you sketch?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, a little.

[Maxim de Winter]

Were you going sketching this afternoon?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes. Well, I haven't made up my mind.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'll drive you somewhere in the car.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, no, please don't. I.

[Maxim de Winter]

Nonsense, nonsense. Order your lunch and we get along. You've taken long enough for that sketch. I shall expect a really fine work of art.

[Mrs. De Winter]

You're not a very easy subject. Your expression keeps changing all the time.

[Maxim de Winter]

Does it? Well, I'd concentrate on the view instead, if I were you. It's much more worthwhile. Rather reminds me of our coastline at home. Do you know Cornwall at all?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, yes. Yes, I went there once on a holiday. I was in a shop there and I saw a postcard with a beautiful house on it, right by the sea. And I asked whose house it was. And the old lady said, that's Manderley.

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes, Manderley is beautiful, but to me it's just the place where I was born. And have lived in all my life. Now I don't suppose I shall ever see it again.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, well, we're lucky not to be home during the bad weather, aren't we? I can't ever remember enjoying swimming in England until June, can you? But the water's so warm here, I could stay in all day. There's a dangerous undertone. There was a man drowned here last year. But I never have any fear of drowning. Have you?

[Maxim de Winter]

Why did you say that?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I said something wrong? I didn't mean to.

[Maxim de Winter]

Come along. I'll take you home.

[Mrs. De Winter]

That night I learned the reason for his strangeness. I was late getting back to the hotel. As I opened the door of Mrs. Van Hopper's suite, I heard her talking to someone on the telephone.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Oh, yes, I knew him quite well. I knew his wife too. She was the beautiful Rebecca Hildreth. You know, the most glamorous creature in all England. She was drowned, poor thing, while she was sailing near Manderley.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love. For it is a fever and a burden too. I have forgotten much of Monte Carlo, of those morning drives with him, of where we went, of what we said. But I have not forgotten how I trembled as I sat beside him. You know, I wish there could be an invention that bottled up the memory like perfume. And then, whenever I wanted to, I could uncork the bottle and live the memory all over again.

[Maxim de Winter]

At what particular moment in your young life would you want to keep?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, all of them, all of these last few days.

[Maxim de Winter]

Sometimes, you know, those little bottles contain demons that have a way of popping out at you, just as you're trying most desperately to forget.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, of course.

[Maxim de Winter]

Stop biting your nails.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I didn't know I was. Would you please tell me, Mr. De Winter, why you ask me to come out with you? It's obvious that you want to be kind, but why do you choose me for your charity?

[Maxim de Winter]

I asked you to come out with me because I wanted your company. You've blotted out the past for me more than all the bright lights of Monte Carlo. But if you think I just asked you out of kindness or charity, you can get out of the car and find your own way home. Go on, open the door and get out. Here, take my handkerchief. You better, Better blow your nose.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Thank you, Mr. De Winter.

[Maxim de Winter]

Please don't call me Mr. De Winter, I have a very impressive array of first names. George Fortescue Maximilian. You needn't bother with them all at once.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Hey, it's your ceiling vent. So I'm dripping. Could be the rain, could be the upstairs bathroom. Yikes. You could hire the guy your neighbor recommended, but I'm pretty sure that's just his cousin. Do we know if he's licensed or does he just own a ladder?

[Maxim de Winter]

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[Narrator/Host]

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[Maxim de Winter]

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[Narrator/Host]

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[Maxim de Winter]

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[Narrator/Host]

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[Maxim de Winter]

ASU.

[Narrator/Host]

EDU.

[Maxim de Winter]

That's a degree better. My family called me Maxim. Come in, come in. Well, hello. What are you doing here? Anything the matter?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I've come to say goodbye. Maximum. We're going away.

[Maxim de Winter]

What on earth are you talking about?

[Mrs. De Winter]

It's true. We're going now. I was afraid I wouldn't see you again.

[Maxim de Winter]

Where's she taking you to?

[Mrs. De Winter]

New York. I don't want to go. I shall hate it. I shall be miserable.

[Maxim de Winter]

You mind if I finish shaving?

[Mrs. De Winter]

But I can't stay. I.

[Maxim de Winter]

Tell me something. Which would you prefer, New York or mandolin?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, please, don't joke about it. Mrs. Van Hopper's waiting and I. I'd better say goodbye.

[Maxim de Winter]

Now repeat what I said. Either you go to America with Mrs. Van Hopper or you come home to Manderley with me.

[Mrs. De Winter]

You mean you want a secretary or something?

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm asking you to marry me, you little fool.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Marry you?

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, my suggestion doesn't seem to have gone at all well. I'm sorry.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, but you don't understand. It's that I. Well, I'm not the sort of person men marry on earth. Do you mean I don't belong in your sort of world?

[Maxim de Winter]

For one thing, what is my sort of world?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Well, Manderley. Oh, you. You know what I mean.

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, I'm the best judge of whether you belong there or not. Of course, if you don't love me, that's a different thing. Fine. Blow to my conceit, that's all.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I do love you. I love you most dreadfully. I've been crying all morning because I thought I'd never see you again.

[Maxim de Winter]

Bless you for that. I'll remind you of this one day, and you won't believe me. It's a pity you have to grow up.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I was afraid to tell Mrs. Van Hopper, for I knew what she would say when we were alone. She congratulated me, but I didn't like her smile.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

But of course, you know why he's marrying you, don't you? The fact is, that empty house got on his nerves. He just couldn't go on living alone. You haven't flattered yourself that he's in love with you? I hope not, after being married to Rebecca Hildreth, the most beautiful, the most cultured woman in all England. Well, goodbye and good luck, Mrs. De Winter.

[Mrs. De Winter]

We were married that evening in a little village near the sea. And in May we came to Manverley. We arrived early in the evening. It was raining. As we drove through the high iron gates, the drive twisted and turned as a serpent. And then suddenly there was the host mandolin, a thing of grace and beauty and yet somehow almost frightening. As came into the great hall, I saw that it was crowded with people. The staff of the house and the estate, they stood silent and curious, gazing at me. And then someone advanced from the sea of faces. She was tall and gaunt, dressed in deep black, and her prominent cheekbones and hollow eyes gave her a sort of scowl's face.

[Maxim de Winter]

This is Mrs. Danvers. You don't have to worry about the house at all, darling. Mrs. Danvers takes care of everything.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Good evening, Mrs. Danvers.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Good evening, madam. I have everything in readiness for you.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, that's very good of you.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Will you go to your room now, madam, or will you have tea in the library?

[Maxim de Winter]

Why, I don't think the room first, Mrs. Danvers.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Yes, sir. This way, if you please, madam. I hope you'll approve the new decorations of these rooms, madam.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, I didn't know that they'd been changed. What did it look like before?

[Mrs. Danvers]

It had an old paper and different hangings. It was never used much, except for occasional visitors.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, then it wasn't Mr. De Winter's room originally?

[Mrs. Danvers]

No, madam. He has never used the east wing before. The only good view of the sea is from the west wing.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The room's very charming, and I'm sure that I shall be comfortable.

[Mrs. Danvers]

If there's anything you want done, madam, you have only to tell me.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Mrs. Danvers. I suppose you've been at Manderley for many years.

[Mrs. Danvers]

I came here when the first Mrs. De Winter was a bride.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I do hope we'll be friends, Mrs. Danvers, but you must be patient with me. This sort of life is new to me, and I do want to make a success of it and to make Mr. De Winter happy. So I know that I can leave all the household arrangements to you.

[Mrs. Danvers]

I hope I shall do everything to your satisfaction, madam. I have managed the house since Mrs. De Winter's death, and Mr. De Winter has never complained.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I. I think I'll go downstairs now.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Certainly, madam. The room in the west wing I was telling you about is there through that door. It's not used now. It's the most beautiful room in the house, the only one that looks down across the lawns to the sea. It was Mrs. De Winters room.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I knew Even then that Mrs. Danvers despised me. Standing there, watching me, laughing silently at my awkwardness, telling me over and over that there had been another before me. The beautiful Rebecca Hildreth. There was everything to remind me of that. The letter R embroidered on the linens, her writing paper in the drawers of the desk. A dog who still slept outside her room. She was everywhere at Manderley. Rebecca, who had died and who still wandered through that house. I met someone else the next morning when I came down to breakfast.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, good morning.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Good morning.

[Maxim de Winter]

You're Mrs. De Winter, aren't you?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes.

[Maxim de Winter]

My name's Crawley. I manage the estate for Maxim. Awfully glad to meet you.

[Mrs. De Winter]

How do you do?

[Maxim de Winter]

A lot of stuff piled up while Maxim was away.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, I'm sure there must have been. I do wish I could help you with some of it.

[Maxim de Winter]

Help him? Frank never allows anyone to help him. Like an old mother hen with his bills and rents and taxes. Come on, Frank. We must go over these estimates.

[Narrator/Host]

I'll get my papers.

[Maxim de Winter]

You'll find quantities of breakfast over there, darling, but you must eat it all, or cook will be mortally offended.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I'll do my best, Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

Later on this afternoon, maybe we'll take a walk around the estate, just you and I. Darling, there's a good deal I'd like you to see.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I'll be ready, Maxim. Anytime.

[Maxim de Winter]

Come along, Jasper. Come along. Keep that coat round you, dear.

[Mrs. De Winter]

It isn't raining now, Maxim. Must.

[Maxim de Winter]

I certainly, certainly. Can't be too careful with children.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, it's glorious here. I love every foot of it. Maxim.

[Narrator/Host]

Jasper.

[Maxim de Winter]

Here. Not that brain. Jasper, come back.

[Mrs. De Winter]

He went down those steps by the cliff. Where does that lead to?

[Maxim de Winter]

It leads to a little cove where we used to keep a boat.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Let's go down.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, no. A perfectly dull and uninteresting stretch of sand, just like any other. Oh, please, some other time, darling. Not today.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

Listen.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Is that Jasper? There must be something wrong. Perhaps he's had to.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, he's all right. Leave him alone, dear.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I think I better go.

[Narrator/Host]

No, come back.

[Maxim de Winter]

Don't bother about him. I tell you, he can't come to any harm. You find his own way back.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Jasper.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Jasper. Jasper.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, there you are. What do you want in that cottage? Jasper, come on home. Come on, Jasper.

[Mrs. Danvers]

He comes here looking for her.

[Announcer/Commentator]

What?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I didn't know there was anybody.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

I know that dog.

[Mrs. Danvers]

He comes from the house.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

He ain't yours?

[Mrs. De Winter]

No. He is Mr. De Winter's dog.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

I know that dog.

[Mrs. Danvers]

He comes down looking for her.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Whose cottage is this?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Mrs. D. Winter.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, come here, Jasper.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

You won't tell anyone you saw me near, will you?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Don't you belong on the estate?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Yes, but I weren't doing nothing.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I was just putting my shells away.

[Mrs. Danvers]

She's gone in the sea, ain't she?

[Mrs. De Winter]

She'll never come back no more. No, she'll never come back. Come on, Jasper. Come on, boy. Maxim. Maxim. Here I am. Wait. Oh, Maxim, I'm sorry I was such a time.

[Maxim de Winter]

You knew I didn't want you to go there, but you deliberately went.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, why not? There was only a cottage down there and a strange man.

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, don't go there again, do you hear?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Why not?

[Maxim de Winter]

Because I hate the place. And if you had my memories, you wouldn't go there or talk about it or even think about it.

[Mrs. De Winter]

What's the matter? Oh, I'm sorry, Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

We should have stayed away. We should never have come back to Mandalay. What a fool I was.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Why? I've made you unhappy. Somehow I've hurt you. I can't bear to see you like this because. Because I love you so much.

[Maxim de Winter]

Do you? Do you? I've made you cry. Forgive me. I sometimes seem to fly off the handle for no reason at all. Don't I? Come, we'll go home and have some tea and forget all about it.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, let's forget all about it.

[Narrator/Host]

In a few moments, we'll bring you act two of Rebecca. And now here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood Reporter, to give us the Lux Radio Theater's movie news of the week. What's the good word tonight, Libby?

[Announcer/Commentator]

The big news this week, John, is the Hollywood premiere Thursday Night of the 20th Century Fox Picture All About Eve. Daryl F. Sannet can be proud of this sophisticated comedy about life behind the footlights.

[Narrator/Host]

It's going to be a gala event, all right. Everyone wants to see Bette Davis and Anne Baxter in two very dramatic roles.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Oh, yes. Betty is a famous star whose career is threatened by an apparently sweet and admiring young actress played by Anne Baxter. Almost too late, she finds she's befriended a ruthless schemer with no scruples about stealing her career and the man she loves.

[Narrator/Host]

And turns out to be a rather unsympathetic character, doesn't she?

[Announcer/Commentator]

Yes, indeed.

[Narrator/Host]

But she's certainly easy on the eyes.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Oh, and what a glamour girl she is. And All About Eve. She has charm and vivacity too. That luxe complexion of hers never looked lovelier than it does in the close up camera.

[Narrator/Host]

Close ups are so revealing. That's why, of course, so many famous stars depend on luxe soap beauty care.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Yes, John, screen stars can't take chances with million dollar complexions. Luxe soap gives delicate skin the protecting care it needs. No wonder stars like Anne Baxter wouldn't be without it.

[Narrator/Host]

There's something about that active lather. It leaves skin looking so fresh.

[Announcer/Commentator]

All you do is smooth on that rich active lather, work it well in, rinse and then pat with a soft towel to dry. That's Ann Baxter's daily care. And I think every woman who tries it will be delighted with the new beauty active lather facials give her skin.

[Narrator/Host]

That's a smart tip, Libby. Luxe soap is as gentle, as fine a soap as you can buy for complexion care. Why not get Hollywood's own beauty Soap tomorrow? Remember, 9 out of 10 screen stars use fragrant white luxe toilet soap. Now, our producer, Mr. William Keeley, Act

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

2 of Rebecca, starring Laurence Olivier as Maxim and Vivian Lee as Mrs. De Winter.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The weather was wet and cold for almost a week and we didn't go down to the beach again. But I couldn't forget the dark, lost look in Maxim's eyes when we came up the path through the woods. It was my fault. I had gone down to that cottage. I seem to have opened up a road into the past and now the cause of it. There was a barrier between us. I began to dread any mention of the sea. Until one morning in the library, I was alone with Frank Crawley.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, but you're not disturbing me. Mrs. De Winter, please. If there's something I can explain about the estate.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Well, I. I was down at the cottage on the beach the other day. Mr. Crawley. The place seems to be going to rack and ruin. Are Those all Rebecca's things down there?

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes. Yes, they are.

[Mrs. De Winter]

What did she use the cottage for?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

The.

[Maxim de Winter]

The boat used to be moored near there.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The boat? Oh, was that the boat that she was sailing in when she was drowned?

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes. It capsized and sank, and she was washed overboard.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Where did they find her?

[Maxim de Winter]

Near Edgecombe, about 40 miles up channel, about two months afterwards. Maxim went up to identify her. It was horrible for him.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, it must have been. Mr. Crawley, please don't think me morbidly curious, but would you answer just one more question?

[Maxim de Winter]

If it's something I'm able to answer,

[Mrs. De Winter]

tell me, what was Rebecca really like?

[Maxim de Winter]

I suppose. I suppose she was the most beautiful creature I ever saw.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim had to go up to London at the end of June. Some business of the estate. Frank Crawley had gone along with him, and I was alone at Manderley. I was surprised one evening to hear voices coming from the west wing. From the room that had been Rebecca's. I recognized one as Mrs. Danvers. The other was a man's voice, a stranger.

[Mrs. Danvers]

I really don't think it was wise

[Narrator/Host]

for you to come here, Mr. Oh, nonsense, nonsense. It's been just like coming back home. I must say, I feel a little like the poor relations, sneaking around through back doors. Well, toodaloo, Danny.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Goodbye, Mr. Jack, and please be careful.

[Narrator/Host]

I will.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Don't worry.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, hello.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Good evening, Danny.

[Narrator/Host]

All your precautions were in vain. The mistress of the house was hiding behind the door.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, I wasn't really. I heard voice.

[Narrator/Host]

What about presenting me to the bride?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Danny, this is Mr. Favell. Madam.

[Mrs. De Winter]

How do you do?

[Maxim de Winter]

How do you do?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Won't you have some tea or something?

[Narrator/Host]

Now, isn't that a charming invitation? I've been asked to stay to tea, Danny.

[Mrs. Danvers]

It's rather late.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, well, perhaps you're right, and we must lead the bride astray.

[Maxim de Winter]

Must we?

[Narrator/Host]

Goodbye. Oh, and I know what was wrong with our introduction. Danny didn't tell you, did she? I'm Rebecca's favorite cousin. Toot Loop.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The man went quickly down the stairs, and Mrs. Danvers went after him. I had a terrifying impulse to see what lay behind the door in front of me. The door of Rebecca's room. I pushed it open slowly. I could hear the sea plainly through the window. I had expected to see the furniture swathed in dust sheets, but nothing was covered up. There were flowers on the dressing table, a satin dressing gown on the chair, and beneath, a pair of bedroom slippers. And then suddenly the door closed behind me.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Do you wish anything, madam?

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, no, I Just.

[Mrs. Danvers]

You've always wanted to see this room, haven't you? Why did you never ask me to show it to you? It's a lovely room, isn't it? The most beautiful room you've ever seen. Everything is kept just as Mrs. De Winter liked it. Nothing has been altered since that last night. This is where I keep her clothes. You would like to see them, wouldn't you? Feel this wrap. It was a Christmas present from Mr. De Winter. He was always giving her expensive gifts the whole year round. You wouldn't think she'd been gone so long, would you? Sometimes when I walk along the corridor, I fancy I hear her just behind me. That quick, light step. I couldn't mistake it anywhere. It's not only in this room, it's in all the rooms in the house. I can almost hear it now. Do you believe the dead come back and watch the living?

[Announcer/Commentator]

No.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, I don't believe it.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Sometimes I wonder if she doesn't come back here to Manderley and watch you and Mr. De Winter together. You look tired. Why don't you stay here a while and rest? Listen to the sea. It's so soothing. No, listen to it. Listen to the sea.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I won't. Listen. I won't.

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

I won't.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim. Maxim, I'm so glad you're home again.

[Maxim de Winter]

Hey, you're joking me.

[Mrs. De Winter]

How am I?

[Maxim de Winter]

Well. Well, what have you been doing with yourself?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, darling, I've been thinking. Could we have a costume ball, just as you used to?

[Maxim de Winter]

Now, what put that idea into your mind?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Nothing. I just feel that we ought to do something to make people feel that man today is the same as it always was. Oh, please, darling, could we?

[Maxim de Winter]

All right, if you think you'll enjoy it. You better get Mrs. Danvers to help you, hadn't you?

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, no, I don't need Mrs. Danvers to help me. I can do it by myself. Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

All right, my sweet. I'm sure you can.

[Mrs. De Winter]

But Mrs. Danvers did help me. It was she who suggested that I design my costume after one of the family portraits in the gallery. A lovely young woman in a white dress with great puffed sleeves and a hat with gay ribbons. When the night of the party arrived, I could hardly contain myself for excitement, for I'd kept the costume as a surprise for Maxing. I ran quickly down the stairs, and then I waited with a clapping and the laughter that would greet me. Suddenly they were all quiet. Nobody clapped, nobody moved. And then Maxim was coming towards me, his face white, his eyes blazing.

[Maxim de Winter]

What the devil do you think you're doing.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim. Picture the one in the gallery.

[Maxim de Winter]

Go and take it off. Doesn't matter what you put on. Anything will do. What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear what I said? Watch Tess and take it off.

[Mrs. Danvers]

May I help you with another gown, madam?

[Mrs. De Winter]

No. No, thank you, Mrs. Danvers.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Mr. DeWitt was upset. I watched you just now, madam. I watched you go down the stairs, just as I watched her a year ago. Even in the same dress, you couldn't compare with her.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The same dress. You knew it. You knew that you wore it, and yet you deliberately suggested I wear it. Why do you hate me? What have I done to you that you should hate me so?

[Mrs. Danvers]

You tried to take her place. You let him marry you. I've seen his face, his eyes. They're the same as those first weeks after she died. I used to listen to him walking up and down, up and down, all night long, night after night, thinking of her suffering torture because he'd lost her.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I don't want to know. I don't want to know.

[Mrs. Danvers]

You thought you could be Mrs. De Winter, live in her house, walk in her steps, take the things that were hers. But she's too strong for you. You can't fight her. No one ever got the better of her. Never, never. She was beaten in the end, but it wasn't a man, it wasn't a woman. It was the sea.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, stop it. Stop.

[Mrs. Danvers]

You're overwrought, madam. I'll open the window for you. A little air will do you good. Come and stand here, madam. Don't be afraid. Now, now, look down there. Isn't the sea lovely? Why don't you go? Why don't you leave Manderley? He doesn't need you. He's got his memories. You've nothing to stay for. You've nothing to live for, really, have you? Look down there. It's easy, isn't it? Why don't you? Why don't you go on? Don't be afraid. Why don't you jump?

[Mrs. De Winter]

What is it? What's that noise? Maxim. Maxim. Maxim, where are you? Maxim,

[Maxim de Winter]

There's a ship of ground sending up rockets.

[Narrator/Host]

Robert. Robert, Notify the Coast Guard shipwreck.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Frank. Frank, have you seen Maxim on the beach?

[Maxim de Winter]

Not since half an hour ago.

[Mrs. De Winter]

He hasn't been in the house all night. I'm afraid something might have happened to him. Frank, what's the matter? You look terribly worried.

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, the diver who went down to inspect the bottom of the ship came across the hull of another boat. A little sailboat Frank, is it? Yes. Yes, it's Rebecca's boat.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Rebecca. Why did they have to find it? Why couldn't they have left it there in peace at the bottom of the sea? Poor Maxim. It will be so hard on him.

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes. It's going to bring it all back again, and worse than before.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I searched the beach frantically for Maxim, but there was no sign of him. And suddenly I came upon the boathouse, Rebecca's cottage. There was a light burning dimly in the window. I pushed open the. And there, in the glow of the dying fire, I saw the tortured face of Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

Hello. Come in.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Max, you haven't had any sleep. Have you forgiven me?

[Maxim de Winter]

Forgiven you?

[Mrs. De Winter]

For last night. For my stupidity about the costume.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, that. I'd forgotten.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, Maxim, can't we start all over again? I don't ask that you should love me. I won't ask impossible things. I'll be your friend and companion. I'll be happy with that.

[Maxim de Winter]

You love me very much, don't you? But it's too late, my darling. We've lost our little chance of happiness.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No.

[Maxim de Winter]

It's all over now. Rebecca has won. Her shadow has been between us all time, keeping us from one another. She knew this would happen.

[Mrs. De Winter]

What are you saying?

[Maxim de Winter]

They sent a diver down. He found another boat.

[Mrs. De Winter]

I know. Rebecca's boat.

[Maxim de Winter]

Yeah. The diver made another discovery. He broke one of the ports and looked into the cabin. There was a body in there.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Body? Then she wasn't alone. There was someone sailing with her.

[Maxim de Winter]

You don't understand. There was no one with her. It's Rebecca's body lying there on the cabin floor.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No.

[Mrs. Danvers]

No.

[Maxim de Winter]

The woman that was washed up at Edgecombe, the woman that is now buried in the family crypt, that was not Rebecca. That was the body of some unknown woman, unclaimed, belonging nowhere. I identified it, but I knew it wasn't Rebecca. I knew where Rebecca's body was. Lying on that cabin floor on the bottom of the sea.

[Announcer/Commentator]

He.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, how did you know?

[Maxim de Winter]

Because I put it there.

[Narrator/Host]

You.

[Maxim de Winter]

You. Will you look into my eyes and tell me that you love me now?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Max.

[Maxim de Winter]

See? I was right. It's too late.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, it's not too late. You're not to say that. We can't lose each other now. We must be together always. Always.

[Maxim de Winter]

We may only have a few hours, a few days.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, Maxim, why didn't you tell me before?

[Maxim de Winter]

Sometimes I nearly did, but you never seemed close enough.

[Mrs. De Winter]

How could we be close when I knew you were always thinking of Rebecca? How could I even ask you to love me when I knew that you loved Rebecca still.

[Maxim de Winter]

What are you talking about? You thought I loved Rebecca. I hated her.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Hated her.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, I was carried away by her, enchanted by her, as everyone was. But I never had a moment's happiness with her. He was incapable of love or tenderness or decency.

[Mrs. De Winter]

You didn't love her?

[Maxim de Winter]

Remember that cliff where you first saw me in Monte Carlo? Well, I went there with Rebecca on our honeymoon. That was where I found out about her. Four days after we were married. She stood there laughing, her black hair blowing in the wind, and told me all about herself. Things I never tell a living soul. I wanted. I wanted to kill her. I make a bargain with you. She. She said you'd look rather foolish trying to divorce me now after four days of marriage. So I'll play the part of a devoted wife, mistress of your precious Mandalay, and people will visit us and envious, and say we're the luckiest, happiest couple in the country. What a grand joke it'll be. What a triumph. I should never have accepted her dirty bargain, but I did, and I kept it. So did she, apparently. But after a while, she began to grow careless. She took a flat in London and she'd stay away for days at a time. Then she started to bring her friends down here. I warned her, but she only shrugged her shoulders. Then there was a cousin of hers, a man named Favel.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, I know him. He came the day you went to London.

[Maxim de Winter]

Why didn't you tell me?

[Mrs. De Winter]

I didn't like to. I thought it would remind you of Rebecca.

[Maxim de Winter]

Remind me? As if I needed reminding. Favel used to visit her here in this cottage. I found out about it and I warned her that if he came here again, I'd shoot them both. One night, when I found that she'd come back quietly from London, I thought that Favell was with her. I decided to come down here and have it out with both of them. But she was alone. She was lying on the divan. She looked ill, queer. Suddenly she got up, started to walk toward me and. I have a child. She said, neither you nor anyone else can ever prove it wasn't yours. You'd like to have an heir, wouldn't you, Max, for your precious mandolin? And she started to laugh. How funny. She said I'd be the perfect mother, just as I've been the perfect wife. No one will ever know. He was face to face with me. She was smiling. Well, Max, what are you going to do about it? Aren't you going to kill me? I Suppose I went mad For a moment. I must have struck her. She stood staring at me. She looked almost triumphant. Then she started toward me again, smiling. Suddenly she stumbled and fell, and I looked down. Ages afterwards, it seemed she was lying on the floor. It struck her head on a heavy piece of ship's tackle. I remember wondering why she was still smiling. Then I realized she was dead.

[Mrs. De Winter]

But you didn't kill her. It was an accident.

[Maxim de Winter]

Who would believe me? I lost my head. I knew I had to do something, anything. I carried her out to the boat. I put her in the cabin. When the boat seemed a safe distance from the shore, I took a spike and drove it again and again through the planking of the hull. I opened up the seacocks and the water began to come in fast. Then I climbed over into the dinghy and pulled away. Then I saw the boat keel over and sink. It started to rain.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, does anyone else know of this?

[Maxim de Winter]

No, no one.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Then you must explain it. It's got to be the body of someone you've never seen before.

[Maxim de Winter]

No. No, they're bound to know her. Her rings and bracelets, she. She always wore them. They'll identify her body, then they'll remember that other woman. The other woman buried in the crypt. I've done a very selfish thing in marrying you. I've loved you, my darling. I shall always love you. But I've known all along that Rebecca would win in the end.

[Announcer/Commentator]

No.

[Mrs. De Winter]

No, she hasn't won. No matter what happens now, she hasn't won.

[Maxim de Winter]

Hello, colonel. Frank.

[Narrator/Host]

Who?

[Maxim de Winter]

Colonel julian. Yes, yes, we'll tell him. I'm meeting there soon as I possibly can.

[Mrs. De Winter]

What happened?

[Maxim de Winter]

Colonel Julian called. He's the chief constable of the country. He wants to know if I could possibly have made a mistake about that other body.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

In a few moments, we'll return with the third act of Rebecca. Acting in a school play often leads to more than local fame. The guest I've invited tonight, Ms. Barbara Rush, really began her professional career with her part in a class play at Santa Barbara State College. That's So, Barbara.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Yes, Mr. Keeley, because it got me a scholarship at the Pasadena Playhouse, where

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

so many studios have discovered fresh new talent.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Well, that's how it turned out for me. One night when I was appearing in Anthony and Cleopatra, a Paramount talent scout saw me and signed me up.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

I'm sure you made a lovely Cleopatra. Have you any particular ambition in pictures, Barbara?

[Announcer/Commentator]

Well, to be a good enough actress to play different kinds of roles. Mr. Keeley, I'm thinking of Betty Hutton's new Paramount Technicolor musical, let's dance.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

And believe it or not, Betty has never danced on the screen before.

[Announcer/Commentator]

And imagine all those intricate dance routines she does with Fred Astaire.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Yes, Betty is certainly a remarkably versatile star. You know, you have to be good to be Fred Astaire's partner.

[Announcer/Commentator]

They make a terrific team. And let's dance as they sing. Dance and romance.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

And Betty lives up to her reputation as a comedienne too.

[Announcer/Commentator]

That's a hilarious scene when she makes up her mind to sleep in the bathtub.

[Narrator/Host]

Sounds very uncomfortable.

[Announcer/Commentator]

It was only for a few minutes, Mr. Kennedy. Afterwards, she could take plenty of time to relax in her own bathtub. In her lux so beauty bath than

[Narrator/Host]

which there's nothing more refreshing.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Yes, that big new bath sized cake is so luxurious. And I love the Luxo perfume. It leaves such a delicate fragrance on the skin.

[Narrator/Host]

Yes, screen stars say this beauty bath makes them sure of all over lux loveliness. Thank you, Ms. Barbara Rush, for coming tonight. And now, a Hollywood beauty hint to women everywhere. Try this generous satin smooth bath size luxe toilet soap. You'll enjoy the creamy abundant blather, the flower like perfume. 9 out of 10 screen stars use luxe toilet soap. We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

The curtain rises on Act 3 of Rebecca, starring Lawrence Olivier as Maxine de Winter and vivian Leigh as Mrs. De Winter.

[Mrs. De Winter]

The body they had found in the boat was identified as Rebecca de Winter. There had to be an inquest, of course. Maxim was calm, almost too calm. I think that frightened me even more.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Sorry to drag you back for further questioning, Mr. De Winter, but you've heard the statement of the boat builder, Mr. Taff. I wonder if you can help us in any way.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm afraid not.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

The holes in the planking were evidently made from the inside. Can you think of any reason for that?

[Maxim de Winter]

Of course I can't think of any reason.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Then since Mrs. De Winter went sailing alone, are we to believe that she drove those holes herself?

[Maxim de Winter]

You may believe whatever you like.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Can you enlighten us as to why Mrs. De Winter should have wanted to end her own life?

[Maxim de Winter]

I know of no reason whatever.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Mr. De Winter, however painful it may be, I have to ask you a very personal question. Well, relations between you and the late Mrs. De Winter. Perfectly happy once again were relations between you and.

[Maxim de Winter]

I won't stand this any longer. And you might as well know, Mrs. De Winter.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

We'll adjourn until after luncheon.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling. You all right? Frank, Help me. I'll Take her outside. Careful, darling. There's no rush. I'll take you to the car.

[Mrs. De Winter]

It was very foolish of me, painting like that. Hello, Maxim. It's that. It's Fabelle.

[Narrator/Host]

And how does the bride find herself today?

[Maxim de Winter]

What do you want?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Furbelle?

[Narrator/Host]

How are you, Max? I was rather worried about you when I heard about the inquest. That's why I came down.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm touched by your solicitude, but you don't mind.

[Narrator/Host]

Guess is they'll turn in a verdict of suicide. And that is, of course, unless something unforeseen occurs.

[Maxim de Winter]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Host]

Well, I have a strong feeling that before the day is out, somebody's going to make use of that rather expressive, though old fashioned term, foul play.

[Maxim de Winter]

Go on.

[Narrator/Host]

You see, Max, I find myself in a rather awkward position. You've only got to read this note to understand. It's from Rebecca. She wrote it to me the day she died. Oh, I'm not going to bother you with the contents now, but I can assure you that it's not the note of a woman who intends to drown herself the same night. You know, Max, I've often wondered what

[Maxim de Winter]

it would be like to retire to

[Narrator/Host]

the country, have a nice little place with a few acres of shooting. I've never figured out what it would cost a year, but I'd like to talk about it with you.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling, Mr. Favell and I have a little business transaction on hand. I. I think we better conduct it over at the inn. They may have a private room there.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

You all right now, dear? Yes, but I. Frank will be here in a moment. Ask. Ask him to find Colonel Julian. Then bring them both over to the inn immediately. Come on, Favel, let's go. Colonel Julian, this is Mr. Favel.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, I know, Colonel. Colonel Julian. We're old friends, aren't we?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Good morning.

[Maxim de Winter]

Since you're old friends, I assume you also know that he's head of the police here. I think it might be interested to hear your proposition.

[Narrator/Host]

I don't know what you mean. I only want to see justice done. Colonel. The evidence suggested certain possible theories concerning Rebecca's death. One of them, of course, is suicide. Now, I have a little note here which puts that possibility quite out of court. Will you read it, Colonel?

[Maxim de Winter]

Jack, darling, I've just seen the doctor

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

and I am going to Manderley right away.

[Maxim de Winter]

I shall be at the cottage all this evening and shall leave the door open for you. I have something terribly important to tell you. Rebecca.

[Narrator/Host]

Now, does that look like the note of a woman who had made up her mind to kill herself. Now, come, Colonel, as an officer of the law, don't you feel that there's some slight grounds for suspicion of murder or what else?

[Maxim de Winter]

It's blackmail, pure and simple. Blackmail's not so pure nor so simple, Mr. Crawley. Mr. Favell, perhaps you can provide us also with a motive.

[Narrator/Host]

I knew you were going to bring that up, Colonel. Yes, I'll supply that, too.

[Mrs. De Winter]

What's he going to do?

[Narrator/Host]

You come in, Mrs. Danvers. Thank you, General. Julian. Mrs. Danvers. I believe you know everyone else. Danny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Mrs. Danvers, there are a few questions.

[Narrator/Host]

No offense, Colonel, but I think if I put this to Danny, she'll understand it more easily. Danny, who was Rebecca's doctor?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Mrs. De Winter always had Dr. McLean from the dinner.

[Narrator/Host]

No, no, no. You heard. I said Rebecca's doctor in London. We know that Rebecca went to a doctor in London on the last day of her life. Who was it?

[Mrs. Danvers]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Host]

I understand, Danny, you're trying to defend her, but that's what I'm doing.

[Maxim de Winter]

Mrs. Danvers, it has been suggested that Mrs. De Winter was deliberately murdered.

[Narrator/Host]

There you have it in a nutshell, Danny. But there's one more thing you'll want to know. The name of the murderer. George Fortescue Maximilian de Winter.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Well, Danny, there was a doctor. Mr. De Winter sometimes went to him privately.

[Narrator/Host]

What was his name?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Dr. Baker. 165 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.

[Narrator/Host]

There you are, Colonel. There's where you'll find your motive. He will tell you why Rebecca went to him. To confirm the fact that she was going to have a child. A sweet, curly headed little child. She told Max about it. And so, like the gentleman of the old school that he is, he killed her.

[Maxim de Winter]

Maxim, I'm afraid we shall have to question this Dr. Baker. I'm ready to leave now.

[Mrs. De Winter]

If you wish, Maxim. Let me go with you.

[Maxim de Winter]

Please, darling, wait for me at Manderley. I'll be back first thing in the morning. You're still sure you'll never had a patient by the name of Rebecca de Winter, Doctor? Never, Colonel.

[Narrator/Host]

Julian. Oh, here.

[Maxim de Winter]

Here are all the appointments for that day. Ross, Campbell, Stedel, Perino, Danvers, Matthews.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Danny.

[Narrator/Host]

What the devil.

[Maxim de Winter]

You read that name again. Did you say Danvers? Yes, Mr. Dewinter. I had a Mrs. Danvers for 3 o'. Clock. What did she look like? Can you remember? Yes, yes, I remember her quite well. She was a very beautiful woman. Tall, dark, exquisitely dressed. Rebecca. The lady must have used an assumed name. Dr. Baker is that so? This is a surprise. I'd known her for some time.

[Narrator/Host]

What was the matter with her?

[Maxim de Winter]

My dear sir, there are certain cases. Could you possibly supply a reason, Dr. Baker, for Mrs. De Winter's suicide?

[Narrator/Host]

For her murder, you mean? She was going to have a child, wasn't she? Come on, out with it.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, she was not, Mr. Favreau. She was very seriously ill. She was not going to have a child. That was what she thought, but my diagnosis was quite different. She wanted the truth, and I told her she had only a few months to live. A few months perhaps, even less. There was nothing that could be done, nothing that she could do except wait. Did she. Did she say anything when you told her? She smiled in a queer sort of way, and. Oh, yes, I. I remember she said something that struck me as being very peculiar at the time. When I told her it was a matter of months, she said, oh, no, Doctor, not that long. Thank you. You've been very kind. You've told us all we wanted to know. I should like to have a talk with you and Mr. Favell.

[Narrator/Host]

I. I didn't know that.

[Maxim de Winter]

Will we be needed any further at the inquest, Colonel Julian?

[Mrs. Van Hopper]

No.

[Maxim de Winter]

I can see to it that Maxim's

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

not troubled any further than.

[Maxim de Winter]

Frank? Yes? There's something you don't know. Oh, no, there isn't. Yes, there is. I didn't kill her, Frank. But I know now that when she told me about the child, she wanted me to kill her. She lied on purpose. She foresaw the whole thing. That's why she stood there laughing. Don't think about it anymore. Mwaxim. But why did you stop? What time is it? Oh, it must be three or four. Why, look at the sky over that way. Can't be the dawn breaking over there.

[Narrator/Host]

Hardly.

[Maxim de Winter]

Perhaps it's northern lights. But it's in the winter that you see them, isn't it? They aren't the northern lights. That's Mandalay. It's burning. Robert, if you see Mrs. De Winter. Where is she?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, thank heaven you've come back.

[Narrator/Host]

Are you all right?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, I'm all right. Mrs. Danvers. She's gone mad. She set the fire. She said she'd rather destroy a man to live and see is happy here.

[Maxim de Winter]

There she is, at the window. The west wing.

[Mrs. De Winter]

Madon, she'll be killed. Last night I dreamt I went to Mandalay again. As I stood there for sure and still I could swear that the house was not an empty shell, but lived and breathed as it had long ago. But manderley is no more. And we are happy now, Maxim and I. For all our fears and suffering lie buried in its ruin.

[Announcer/Commentator]

It.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

The curtain falls on Rebecca and all our thanks for a truly memorable evening. To Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Lee. Lawrence. The last time we met, the circumstances were quite different. It was in England during the war.

[Maxim de Winter]

Yes, I remember it well. You came down to Denham Studios while we were filming Henry V. You were

[Mrs. De Winter]

making a picture for the American Air Forces, weren't you, Bill?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Yes, and as I spent most of my time on the bomber stations, I didn't have the opportunity of seeing you, Vivian.

[Maxim de Winter]

Well, we hope you'll make us another visit again, Bill. Perhaps we'll be able to repay some of Hollywood's wonderful hospitality.

[Mrs. De Winter]

We just can't believe that any two people could be so generously treated. And the same was true in New Orleans as well.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

I believe you were there on location making scenes for your picture, Streetcar Named Desire. Well, Scarlett o' Hara should have felt right at home in New Orleans.

[Maxim de Winter]

That's right, Bill. Looks like all of Vivian's American picture career will be spent in the Deep South.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

By the way, Vivian, didn't you play Streetcar Named Desire on the London stage for some time?

[Mrs. De Winter]

As a matter of fact, I did. And then when Larry decided to come over for Paramount to make the picture of Carrie for William Wyler, I decided to take advantage of Warner Brothers offer to do A Streetcar.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

And what are your immediate plans?

[Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, plenty of rest. You see, we're taking the long way home. We're sailing next week on a tramp.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Sounds wonderful. And what about when you get back to England? More Shakespearean roles, Lawrence?

[Maxim de Winter]

No, I, I, I, I rather think we'll do something a little lighter for a change.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Fine. You know, we'd love to see you both in the comedy.

[Mrs. De Winter]

All of which promised me to ask, Bill, what's your play next week?

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Well, next week we'll present one of our special musical treats. That's a boisterous comedy as well. 20th Century Fox's recent screen hit, Wabash Avenue. And our stars will appear in their original roles. Betty Grable and Victor Mature. A wonderful cast in the musical of the wonderful gay 90s.

[Maxim de Winter]

I'm sure everyone will look forward to that, Bill, just as much as we do. Good night.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Good night.

[Narrator/Host]

Who is this Hollywood star?

[Announcer/Commentator]

She was born in Paris but speaks English without a trace of an accent. An Academy Award winner. She's also one of Hollywood's best dressed stars and always wears bangs.

[Narrator/Host]

A fashion leader with bangs, huh? I nominate Claudette Colbert.

[Announcer/Commentator]

Claudette it is, John. She's a perfectionist in her clothes as well as in her work. She insists on luxe flake's care for all her lovely washables, from exquisite suit blouses to flannels, ski shirts and soft wool sweaters. Actual washing tests prove this gentle care keeps colors at their loveliest up to three times as long. No wonder Hollywood stars won't risk ordinary washing methods for their glamorous wardrobe. Take Claudette Colbert's tip. Give all your nice washables that lovely luxe look. Get a big box of luxe flakes tomorrow.

[William Keeley (Producer/Interviewer)]

Lelever Brothers Company, the makers of luxe toilet soap. Join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents Betty Grable and Victor Mature in Wabash Avenue. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Narrator/Host]

Third in our cast tonight were Betty Blythe as Mrs. Danvers. John Dodsworth as LaBelle and Eleanor Audley as Mrs. Van Hoffer. Our music was directed by Rudy Schrager. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear Wabash Avenue starring Betty Grable and Victor Mature. Stay tuned for My friend Irma, which follows over these same stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Mrs. Danvers]

It.