Angela Du Maurier; Jeanne du Maurier; ‘Muriel Beaumont’, Lady Du Maurier; Daphne Du Maurier by Rita Martin, bromide postcard print, circa 1912
The picture above shows Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton in a publicity photo for the 1952 movie version of My Cousin Rachel, the novel by Daphne du Maurier. The novel was published in 1951, and made into a film which was nominated for four Oscars.
There have been several other adaptations over the years including a 4-part BBC series and a radio adaption, and now a new movie version is in production. It stars Sam Claflin, Rachel Weisz and Iain Glen and is scheduled for release in 2017. To learn more about the new film, click here.
The novel is very gothic and dark, and Daphne du Maurier refused ever to tell her readers if Rachel committed murder or not. I must re-read the novel before going to see the film. I recently enjoyed reading Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters by Jane Dunn. They were three rather muddled women, but all talented in their own ways.
You may enjoy viewing the 20th Century Fox publicity video for the 1952 movie version where you can “thrill to the discovery of a bright new star … Richard Burton”. Check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iL2qTmJB5WM
The 4-part BBC series is also on YouTube commencing with the first episode here: https://youtu.be/OUFhX7fYfkU
Do you remember seeing the 1952 movie or the BBC series? Did you know that Angela du Maurier, Daphne’s older sister, was also an author? Not a patch on Daphne, in my view, but you may like to try some of her books.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment area below.
Selected links for relevant websites, books, movies, videos, and more. Some of these links lead to protected content on this website, learn more about that here.
Susannah Fullerton: Daphne du Maurier and Rebecca
Susannah Fullerton: HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Daphne Du Maurier, 13 May
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier
The Glass-Blowers by Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier by Margaret Forster
Daphne du Maurier and Her Sisters by Jane Dunn
Marisa Cano
Thanks, Susannah, for your lovely newsletter, it just gets better and better each time! I’ve read it all and clicked on every link. I recommend it to all my literature-crazy friends and look forward to the next and the next and the next.
Susannah Fullerton
Marisa, you’ve made my day with your lovely comment. I am delighted you enjoy my newsletter so much! It’s also great that you share it with your friends – isn’t it wonderful to have “literature-crazy” friends. I have lots of fun writing my newsletter and it is so nice to get positive feedback like yours. Many thanks.