Matinee Theater - Rebecca

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio – Matinee Theater: Rebecca

Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A radio drama adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s haunting novel Rebecca, capturing the Gothic suspense and psychological intrigue of the classic story, performed by a notable mid-century cast. This episode transports listeners back to the era when families gathered around their radios for rich, atmospheric storytelling.

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Episode Overview

This episode features a full radio drama production of Rebecca as performed on Matinee Theater, immersing listeners in the story of the second Mrs. de Winter and her life at the mysterious estate of Manderley. The narrative is suffused with themes of identity, jealousy, the haunting presence of the past, and the quest for belonging. Signature performances evoke the chilling atmosphere that made Rebecca a beloved classic.

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Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Arcs

1. Arrival at Manderley & the Shadow of Rebecca

• [01:41 – 03:01] The second Mrs. de Winter narrates her whirlwind marriage to Maxim and her arrival at Manderley.
  • The new bride is intimidated by the constant reminders of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose presence lingers in every corner.
  • Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, pointedly reinforces Rebecca’s legacy, stoking the new Mrs. de Winter’s insecurities.

“Everywhere you look, there’s something to say. Rebecca.”
— Mrs. Danvers ([02:37])

2. Tension and Alienation

• [03:01 – 04:54] The protagonist struggles to find her place, feeling overwhelmed by comparisons to Rebecca, symbolized through objects, memories, and even clothing.
• Encounters with Maxim and Mrs. Danvers highlight her sense of being an outsider and the emotional distance in her marriage.

“Rebecca’s flowers, Rebecca’s decorating. Rebecca’s dog.”
— Narrator ([04:38])

3. Growing Marital Fractures

• [05:53 – 06:13] The new Mrs. de Winter’s self-doubt strains her relationship with Maxim, who is tormented by the memory of his first wife.
• Mrs. Danvers manipulates situations to deepen these insecurities.

4. The Mystery of Rebecca’s Death

• [07:01 – 07:41] Discussion of Rebecca’s demise reveals it was shrouded in mystery — her boat capsized, and her body was only found months later.
• The second Mrs. de Winter inquires anxiously about Rebecca’s beauty and character.

5. Psychological Torment

• [11:33 – 13:27] Mrs. Danvers unveils Rebecca’s untouched bedroom, attempting to break the new Mrs. de Winter’s spirit, culminating in a scene of psychological manipulation and near-despair.

“Sometimes I think I hear the sweep of her dress coming down to dinner.”
— Mrs. Danvers ([12:04])
“It’s you that the shadow and the ghost. ... Why don’t you jump now and have done with it? Then you won’t be unhappy anymore.”
— Mrs. Danvers ([13:13])

6. Turning Point: Discovery of Rebecca’s Boat

• [16:26 – 17:04] The sunken boat and the potential for the truth to surface force Maxim to confront his past fully.
• The second Mrs. de Winter’s resolve hardens—she won’t be broken by Rebecca’s specter.

7. Maxim’s Confession

• [17:04 – 20:25] In a dramatic revelation, Maxim confesses the truth: he did not love Rebecca—he hated her, and in a moment of rage, he killed her.
• Her malevolence, manipulation, and threat of bearing another man's child under his name drove him to act.

“Are you mad? I hated Rebecca. She was vicious and rotten to the core. We never had one day of happiness together.”
— Maxim de Winter ([17:31])
“When I shot her, she was laughing still.”
— Maxim de Winter ([19:24])

8. Inquest and Blackmail

• [20:40 – 23:37] As the inquest is underway, suspense mounts:
  • Jack Favell, Rebecca’s cousin, produces a note to challenge the suicide verdict, hinting at blackmail.
  • Favell tries—unsuccessfully—to coerce Maxim into paying him to stay silent.

9. The Final Truth and Mrs. Danvers’ Defeat

• [24:13 – 27:16] The investigation into Rebecca’s death points to her secret doctor’s appointment. The doctor reveals Rebecca was terminally ill, explaining her apparent suicide.
• Mrs. Danvers, defeated, decides to leave Manderley, conceding the new Mrs. de Winter’s rightful place.

“She seems completely gone. You are the mistress here now, Mrs. De Winter.”
— Mrs. Danvers ([27:02])

10. Resolution and Hope

• [27:16 – 28:05] The emotional tension dissipates; Maxim and the second Mrs. de Winter look optimistically towards the future, free from Rebecca’s influence.

“Of course, I’m not a child any longer. This is my home, and you are my husband. It’s time I grew up and took care of you both. It’s time there were children at Manderley. And laughter and contentment, and peace.”
— Second Mrs. de Winter ([27:35])
“I love you, Mrs. De Winter.”
— Maxim de Winter ([28:02])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Opening Revelation
  “When Maxim asked me to marry him, I could not believe that anything so incredibly beautiful was happening to me.”
  — Second Mrs. de Winter ([01:41])

• Mrs. Danvers’ Malice
  “She’s the real Mrs. De Winter, not you. She’s still mistress here. ... It’s you that ought to be dead, not Rebecca.”
  — Mrs. Danvers ([12:26])

• Maxim’s Agony
  “You see, that’s why it’s too late for you and me.”
  — Maxim de Winter ([20:10])

• Vindication and Acceptance
  “You are the mistress here now, Mrs. De Winter.”
  — Mrs. Danvers ([27:02])

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Important Timestamps

• Arrival and new life at Manderley: [01:41 – 03:01]
• Rebecca’s influence and haunting memories: [02:37, 04:38]
• Mrs. Danvers’ manipulation reaches its peak: [12:03 – 13:20]
• Discovery of Rebecca’s boat: [16:26]
• Maxim’s confession: [17:31 – 19:24]
• Favell’s confrontation: [22:11 – 23:37]
• Dr. Baker’s revealing testimony: [25:13 – 26:40]
• Mrs. Danvers leaves, new order at Manderley: [27:02 – 27:16]

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Language & Tone

The episode maintains a tense, atmospheric tone—true to the Gothic spirit of Rebecca. The script weaves introspection, suspense, and drama, while the dialogue is both emotionally raw and quietly sinister, particularly in scenes with Mrs. Danvers.

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Summary

This broadcast adapts Rebecca into a tight, suspenseful radio drama, capturing the story’s haunting uncertainty, the psychological pressure of living with the past, and the eventual triumph of truth and resilience. Not only does it bring to life a pivotal story from the Golden Age of Radio, but it also remains a gripping listen, rich with unforgettable characters and mood.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

VIX presents the Matinee Theater production of Rebecca.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Vicks.

[Narrator]

The makers of Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Veitrinol, Vicks Cough Drops and Vicks Inhaler brings you the Matinee theater today, while Victor Jory is vacationing for one week, we bring you the great play that so many of you have been asking for. Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Featuring Gertrude Warner as the second Mrs. De Winter, Blanche Jurka as Mrs. Danvers, and Martin Gable as Maxim. Now, here's a good thing to remember when you catch a cold. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds is Vic's VapoRub. And now, rebecca.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

When Maxim asked me to marry him, I could not believe that anything so incredibly beautiful was happening to me. He had been staying at a hotel on the Riviera, where I'd been acting as companion to an American woman. We'd spent a lot of time together, but actually I knew very little about Maxim, beyond the fact that he'd been married to one of the most fabulous beauties of England, Rebecca de Winter, who had died about a year before. He never said, I love you. He only said, will you marry me? But I married him gladly and happily, and he brought me home to his great estate, Manderley. A shy, awkward girl in a stockinette dress. I was considered an intruder at Manderley. Mrs. Denvers, the housekeeper, made that very apparent from the moment I arrived. Mrs. Danvers, I hope we can be friends.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Friends? Madam, I came here when the first Mrs. De Winter was a bride. I'm afraid I find it a little hard to visualize someone else here in her place. I'm afraid everyone who comes to Manderley will find that little hard. You see, she planned everything in this house and outside it. The gardens, lawns, furnishings. Everywhere you look, there's something to say. Rebecca.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I started my married life with those words ringing in my ears. Nervous, frightened. Wanting desperately to become a part of Manderley and Maxim's life, but never knowing quite how. The weeks that fought had a shadow cast across them. The shadow of Rebecca. Looking back on them now, they seem a Hideous nightmare that I lived in the daytime and dreamt about at night. Oh, Maxim, darling, look at those azaleas. They're beautiful. I'd never believe they'd grow this close to the beach.

[Maxim de Winter]

No one believed they would. Rebecca had them planted.

[Mrs. Danvers]

You're going for a walk, madam? Here, throw this coat around your shoulders.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

It's too long for me.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Yes, it was Rebecca's. She was very tall, you know. Tall and stately. She walked like a queen. Mr. De Winter never used to be able to take his eyes off her.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, I passed a cottage way on the beach today. The door was unlocked, so I went in.

[Maxim de Winter]

You went in? You went in?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

It wasn't locked.

[Maxim de Winter]

I don't want you ever to go near that cottage again. That was Rebecca's cottage. You've no business there.

[Mrs. Danvers]

It's beautiful here in the morning room, isn't it? Mrs. De Winter picked out every ornament for it herself. I remember she brought back that cupid on the mantel from Paris as a present for Mr. De Winter. I remember the card. It just said, to Maxim, for now and forever, from Rebecca. She planned every room.

[Narrator]

Rebecca's flowers, Rebecca's decorating. Rebecca's dog.

[Maxim de Winter]

Rebecca's husband.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Rebecca's husband.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Rebecca's husband.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling, what's wrong? You were tossing terribly in your sleep. You kept crying. No, no. Were you having a bad dream?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, I was having a terrible dream. Well, Maxim, put your arms around me. Hold me close.

[Maxim de Winter]

All right, darling.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, Maxim, you know what I wish?

[Narrator]

What?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I Wish I were 35 years old, and that I had a black satin dress with ropes of pearls to wear with it that went clear down to my waist.

[Maxim de Winter]

Why on earth should you wish that?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Because then I should be very wise and very sophisticated, and I would know all the right things to say and do.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling, do you know why I married you?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Why, Maxie?

[Maxim de Winter]

Because you're not 35, dressed in pearls and black satin. Because you're not sophisticated or too wise. Because you're young and sweet with a funny lost look to you. And because you're completely honest.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxi, you do love me, don't you? You. You aren't sorry you married me.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling, what's got into you, anyhow? Have I said anything or done anything to make you think I was sorry?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Well, no, it's. It's just that I know what a wonderful mistress of Manderley, the first Mrs. De Winter was, and I know that I could never measure up to her.

[Maxim de Winter]

In the name of heaven, why do you keep eternally harping on Rebecca. Don't you understand? I can't bear to think about her or talk about her.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, Maxim, of course I understand. I'm very sorry. Long after Maxim had gone back to sleep, I lay there thinking, the sick dread growing inside me, that Maxim still loved Rebecca and that I would never be able to take her place. About a week later, I was in the morning room talking to Maxim's overseer and old friend, Frank Crawley. I had picked up the small cupid Rebecca had given Maxim and was fingering it nervously. Frank, what actually happened to the first Mrs. De Winter?

[Maxim de Winter]

Rebecca.

[Mrs. Danvers]

She went sailing one night when the bay was a little rough. Her boat capsized and sank. She was washed overboard.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Couldn't anyone get to her?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Nobody knew that she'd gone. She often went out alone like that.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

How long afterwards did they find her?

[Mrs. Danvers]

About two months, near Edgecombe, 40 miles up channel. Maxim went up to identify her.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Frank, would you tell me just one thing? Very honestly?

[Maxim de Winter]

I'll try.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Was Rebecca very beautiful?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Yes, she was the most beautiful woman

[Maxim de Winter]

I've ever seen in my when maintaining

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[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Frank, I've broken the Cupid. Here, help me pick up the pieces.

[Shopify Announcer]

Quick.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Quick, before Mrs. Danvers comes in.

[Mrs. Danvers]

What a shame. Watch out you don't cut yourself.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Here, we'll put them in an envelope. Maybe no one will miss the Cupid.

[Mrs. Danvers]

I don't think it matters very much.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

It does, it does. It was Rebecca's. Here, have we got all the pieces? I'll put the envelope in back of these books. I hope no one misses it.

[Mrs. Danvers]

This is de Winter. This is your house. It doesn't matter if you break something.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, no, Frank. This is Rebecca's house. It matters very much. You'll see. It matters very much.

[Maxim de Winter]

Why do you do such strange things? Why the devil did you hide the pieces of that ornament in an envelope for Mrs. Danvers to find? Like an in between maid?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Because I'm like an in between maid. I guess I'm all wrong here somehow.

[Maxim de Winter]

Perhaps you are. Perhaps I did a very selfish thing in marrying you. I'm not much of a companion to you, am I?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, please don't say those things. I'm very happy.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, you're not. You're thinner, You've lost your color. I haven't had much chance to amuse you. You should have someone closer to your own age. Our marriage isn't much of a success, is it to.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

You want me to go away?

[Maxim de Winter]

Maxim, I don't know what I want.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, I'm sorry about the Cupid. I know. Rebecca gave it to me.

[Maxim de Winter]

I thought you would be able to adjust yourself to Manderley. Well, it just hasn't happened, has it?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I walked from the room, fighting back the tears. I was sure then there was no hope, that it had always been Rebecca for Maxim. And that it always would be. That afternoon I went up to the west wing to her room. It was quite dark because a low fog had rolled in from the sea. I stood close to the door, glancing all about that shadowy room, my heart pounding. It looked as though she had left it but an instant before. There were flowers on the dressing table and by the bed. A dressing gown lay on a chair and a pair of bedroom slippers beneath it. I began to feel a little faint.

[Mrs. Danvers]

And then I saw you come up. I've been ready to show this room to you every day. You had only to ask.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

It's a lovely room, isn't it?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, lovely.

[Mrs. Danvers]

I keep the golden coverlet on the bed. Always was her favorite. I did everything for her, you know. No one can take care of me but you, Danny. She used to say you'd never think that she had been gone now for so long, would you? You can feel her in every room in the house, can't you?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Sometimes when I walk along the corridor, I fancy I hear her just behind me. That quick, light footstep. Sometimes I think I hear this sweep of her dress coming down to dinner.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Why do you hate me so? What have I ever done that you should hate me so?

[Mrs. Danvers]

You tried to take her place.

[Jack Favell]

You.

[Mrs. Danvers]

You thought you could make him happy.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

He is happy. Oh, he is happy.

[Mrs. Danvers]

No, he isn't. I want you to look at his eyes. He's looked like that ever since she died. She's the real Mrs. De Winter, not you. She's still mistress here. It's you that the shadow and the ghost. It's you that's forgotten and not wanted and pushed aside. Why don't you leave Manderly to her? Why don't you go? He doesn't want you. He wants to be alone in the house with her. It's you that ought to be dead, not Rebecca. Let me show you how easy it would be. Come over to the window. Look. Look down there. Why don't you jump? It wouldn't hurt. It's a quick, kind way. You're not happy. Mr. De Winter doesn't love you. There's not much for you to live for, is there? Why don't you jump now and have done with it? Then you won't be unhappy anymore.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

It is true. He doesn't want me. It's always been Rebecca. Rebecca.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Rebecca.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Go on. Don't be afraid.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I wouldn't be unhappy anymore. I could forget Rebecca. I wouldn't have to think about Rebecca anymore. Rebecca. Rebecca. Rebecca. Rebecca. What is it? What was that explosion? What happened, Mrs. Denver?

[Mrs. Danvers]

They're shooting up rockets. There must be a ship gone ashore in the bay.

Sure. They'll be leading you downstairs.

Would you like to stay here for a time, madam?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

No, Mrs. Danvers. I'm going downstairs. I've seen all I intend to see of Rebecca's room.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we will bring you the second act of Rebecca. Of all the winter day worries that a mother bears, one of the peskiest is the problem of children's colds. But fortunately, most mothers agree on one thing. The modern way they use to relieve distress of children's colds is to rub Vic's VapoRub on the throat, chest and back. Now, for such an overwhelming preference, there must be a well proved reason. And there is. You see, the moment you rub on vaporub, its relief Giving action goes right to work to help relieve congestion and irritation, the upper breathing passages, the coughing spasms, sore throat and that muscular soreness or tightness. And results are so wonderful because VapoRub penetrates. Penetrates into the cold, congested upper bronchial tubes with its special soothing medicinal vapors. And at the same time, it stimulates stimulates chest and back surfaces like a comforting, warming poultice. This penetrating, stimulating action of VapoRub keeps on working for hours to bring such grand relief. Now, Mother, benefit by the personal experience of so many millions of modern mothers, and see for yourself how VapoRub works. Remember, only VapoRub gives you this special, penetrating, stimulating action. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds, Vic's VapoRub. And now, the second act of Rebecca. When the divers went down to help get the distressed ship off the rocks, they found a small boat at the bottom of the COVID and they saw what appeared to be a body through one of the portholes. They started work immediately to bring the boat to surface. Our story of Rebecca continues.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I stood by the window waiting for Maxen to come up from the beach. And somehow I had changed in the last hours. I wasn't a child any longer, and I wasn't afraid of Rebecca. It was as though she and I had at last met face to face in that bedroom. She had done her best to destroy me and failed. At long last, Maxim came wearily into the library.

[Maxim de Winter]

Hello, darling. Did you hear? They think they found Rebecca's boat.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I know, but, darling, don't feel that you have to go through this alone. Let me share it with you.

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, my dear, I must send you away from Manderley. There was only a slim chance for happiness for us in the beginning, but I took the chance and gambled on it. Well, we lost the gamble, my sweet.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

I'd try harder. I think I could be a better wife now. I think I could run Mandalay.

[Maxim de Winter]

Don't you understand? They found Rebecca's boat.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, she's dead. You can't go on loving her so desperately.

[Maxim de Winter]

Loving her?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

What did you say? Oh, my dear, I know you still love her and want her.

[Maxim de Winter]

Are you mad? I hated Rebecca. She was vicious and rotten to the core. We never had one day of happiness together.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim.

[Maxim de Winter]

So that's what's been between us. I thought you'd regretted marrying me because I was so much older than you. Oh, I wish we'd been able to talk to one another before.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

What does it matter? Let us be grateful that we do know now.

[Maxim de Winter]

Don't you Understand? It's too late. Don't you realize what I'm saying to you? I killed Rebecca.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

You killed her?

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Yes.

[Maxim de Winter]

You know, when I married her, people told me I was the luckiest man in the world. Lucky. I found out all about her five days after we were married. She told me about herself. She stood there laughing and told me things I would never repeat to a living soul. She knew I'd never divorce her. A week after our marriage, she knew

[Narrator]

I was too proud for that.

[Maxim de Winter]

Of course, I'm not going to tell you about those years. The lies, the deceit. Some weekends she spent in London, some in the little beach cottage. She had a cousin named Jack Favell. A rudder, if there ever was one. He began to come here. One night I suddenly couldn't stand it any longer. I took my revolver and I went down to the cottage. I thought Favell would be with her there, but she was alone. She looked strange. I told her the bargain was finished, we had to get a divorce. She said that was impossible. She said, I'm going to have a baby, Max. And neither you nor anyone else in the world will ever be able to prove he isn't yours. He'll grow up here at Manderley bearing your name, and I'll be the perfect mother as I've been the perfect wife. And she started to laugh. When I shot her. She was laughing still.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxie. Maxie.

[Maxim de Winter]

I carried her out to the boat. It was very dark. There was no moon. I laid her body in the cabin. I got the boat underway. Then I took a spike and drove three holes into the planks in the bottom boards. I climbed into the dinghy and pulled away some. The boat keeled over and went down. That was all. I've never been able to forget her smile. Or the way she looked at me before she died. She knew she would win in the end. Sometimes I even think she wanted me to kill her.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Oh, my darling. What a terrible thing for you. What a heartbreaking thing.

[Maxim de Winter]

You see, that's why it's too late for you and me.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

No, it's not too late. Rebecca is dead. She can't speak. She can't harm you anymore. Her body disintegrates in water. They won't find the bullet. They won't know she was shot. Nobody knows but you and I. What happened that night.

[Maxim de Winter]

Rebecca will win. You'll see. Even now, Rebecca will win.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

The inquest was held a few days later. I thought I'd stay in the car and wait for Maxim, but after an hour or so waiting I had to go in. I sat down just by the door in the back of the room. James Tab, the boat builder from the village, was standing up now, and the coroner was questioning him.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Fishing boat, originally.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Had the boat ever been known to capsize before?

[Mrs. Danvers]

No. She was a stout, seaworthy boat and could stand a lot of wind. And she didn't capsize this time.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Why do you say that?

[Mrs. Danvers]

When that boat was pulled up, I examined every corner of her. She had sunken. Sandy bottom. There wasn't the mark of a rock on her, but there were three holes in her planking. Well, that boat never capsized at all. She was cuddled.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

The heat came up from the floor in slow, flickering ways. I felt deathly ill. And then Frank Crawley helped me outside. He brought me home and went back to the inquest. I fell into an uneasy sleep in the morning room. When I woke, I heard voices from the library. Maxims and estrangers. I went slowly in.

[Maxim de Winter]

No, you're not welcome in this house, Favel.

[Jack Favell]

I came to congratulate you on the result of the inquest.

[Narrator]

Will you leave this, or shall I throw you out?

[Maxim de Winter]

Oh, hello, dear.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Maxim, the inquest. What happened?

[Jack Favell]

Well, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting the second Mrs. De Winter.

[Maxim de Winter]

This is Mr. Faveldia, Rebecca's cousin.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

How do you do?

[Maxim de Winter]

The verdict was suicide.

[Jack Favell]

Suicide? Rebecca no more committed suicide than I did. Let me read you both a note I received from Rebecca the day she died. Dear Jack, I tried to ring you at the London flat, but could get no answer. I'm going to Manderley right away. I've something to tell you, and I want to see you as soon as possible. I'll wait for you at the cottage on the beach. Rebecca, does that sound to you like the note of someone who was contemplating suicide that night?

[Maxim de Winter]

Why didn't you give that note to the jury this afternoon? Why?

[Jack Favell]

Max, I bear no malice towards you. In fact, I have a proposition for you. If I had a settlement of, say, well, two or three thousand pounds a year for life, I could jog along quite comfortably. And I'd never trouble you again. I swear I wouldn't.

[Maxim de Winter]

Darling, please phone Colonel Julian. Ask him to come here at once.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

All right.

[Jack Favell]

Max, you wouldn't dare call in the police. I've got enough evidence in this note to hang.

[Maxim de Winter]

Call Colonel Julian, darling, and ask him to come at once.

[Jack Favell]

I tell you, Colonel Julian, Rebecca never killed herself. Rebecca was murdered. And there's the murderer, standing there with that rotten superior smile on his face. Mr. Maxim de Winter, Manderly and Mr. Favell.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

There's not the slightest use shouting at me. If you expect to make any sort of point at all, you'll have to control yourself. Now, you say you were going to marry your cousin Rebecca, had she lived, and that you often had secret meetings with her at the cottage on the beach. Can you prove that?

[Jack Favell]

Yes, I can prove it. Max, will you ask Mrs. Danvers to come here?

[Maxim de Winter]

Of. Misses Danvers, Colonel Julian would like to ask you some questions.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Yes, sir.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Mrs. Danvers, were you aware of the relationship between Mr. Favell and the late Mrs. De Winter?

[Mrs. Danvers]

I. I don't think I understand.

[Jack Favell]

Oh, you can speak freely, Danny. Rebecca was in love with me, wasn't she?

[Mrs. Danvers]

She was not.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

What?

[Mrs. Danvers]

She wasn't in love with you or any other man. I've known her to come back here and rock with laughter at the lot of you.

[Maxim de Winter]

Mrs. Danvers, we're trying to find the motive for Mrs. De Winter's suicide. Can you think of any reason why she should have taken her life?

[Mrs. Danvers]

No, sir, I cannot.

Of course you can't.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Rebecca was murdered, Mrs. Danvers. Have you any idea how she spent that last day in London?

[Mrs. Danvers]

Yes, sir. I have her appointment book here. Here it is, sir. June 4th.

[Maxim de Winter]

Good.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

June 4th. Hare. 10:30, 12:00'. Clock. Lunch at the club, 12:45. Dr. Baker. Who is Dr. Baker?

[Mrs. Danvers]

A woman specialist in London, sir.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

We'll phone him at once. Mrs. De Winter, would you mind?

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

No, of course not. I'll put through the call at once. I went slowly across the library, my heart pounding, my hands like ice. Everything seemed to be coming to an end. Dr. Baker would tell them Rebecca was going to have a baby, and there would be no question of suicide.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Yes.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Rebecca would win after all. Here's your call, Colonel Tullian.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Thank you.

[Jack Favell]

Hello?

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Hello, Dr. Baker. Please forgive this very unorthodox call at such an hour. I'm Colonel Julian, Chief Constable for the council.

[Maxim de Winter]

Thank you, Dr. Baker.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

Goodbye, sir. All right, here is what Dr. Baker had to say. Mrs. De Winter consulted him first in May. He took some X ray photographs. When she went again on June 4, he told her that she was suffering from a malignant disease which was quite incurable. That's what she was going to tell you that night at the cottage.

[Jack Favell]

Favel.

[Shopify Announcer 2]

There's the motive for her suicide.

[Mrs. Danvers]

Mr. De Winter. Madam, I wish to give notice. I would like to leave Manderley tonight.

[Maxim de Winter]

Just as you wish, Mrs. Danvers.

[Mrs. Danvers]

There's nothing to keep me here any longer. There's nothing left of Rebecca. I used to think she still moved about these rooms, but now she seems completely gone. You are the mistress here now, Mrs. De Winter.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, Mrs. Danvers. I am the mistress here now.

[Maxim de Winter]

That funny little lost look I loved so much is gone.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Of course, I'm not a child any longer. This is my home, and you are my husband. It's time I grew up and took care of you both. It's time there were children at Manderley. And laughter and contentment. And peace.

[Maxim de Winter]

These things will happen now.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Yes, these things will happen. We're home now, with the rest of our lives before us.

[Maxim de Winter]

I love you, Mrs. De Winter.

[Second Mrs. De Winter]

Mr. De Winter. I love you forever.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, an important message from Mr. Gable. You know, my friends, the war has caused many shortages. In many cases, it has made the use of substitutes necessary. But this is not true of that famous family standby, Vicks VapoRub. There are no wartime substitutes in the VapoRub you buy. Although some of the countries that supplied us with aromatics and medications were taken by the enemy, we found new sources. As a result, there are no wartime substitutes in vapor up. It is the same fine, effective vapor up, the same high quality you enjoyed before the war. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds. Time tested, home proved. Vicks vaporup.

[Maxim de Winter]

Next week, after a well earned vacation, Victor Jory will be back in one of the finest plays that Gene Halloway's ever written. A love story of the south and of music that has become part of the heartbeat of America. Beautiful Dreamer, the Romance of Stephen Collins Foster.

[Narrator]

Our production today was based on the famous Daphne du Maurier story of Rebecca and was adapted by Gene Holloway and directed by Richard Sandville. Daphne du Maurier's play, Rebecca, presented by Victor Payne Jennings, is one of the newest hits on Broadway, featuring Brammell Fletcher, Lawrence Reed and Diana Barrymore. Music for this series is under the direction of Mark Warno. Be sure to be with us next week when Vic Stand, the makers of Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Vetronol, Vicks Cough Drops and Vicks Inhaler, brings you the matinee theater production of Beautiful Dreamer, starring Victor Jory. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.