Rebecca

Los Angeles: Selznick International Pictures, 1938, 1939. Two early treatments for the 1940 film, consisting of (1) a Synopsis by Franclien Macconnell, dated October 10, 1938 and (2) a Chapter Breakdown by Mary Bowie, dated May 10, 1939. Both issued for the studio’s review of the novel’s content prior to it having been green-lit for adaptation to film.

Macconnel was “one of the best ‘readers’ from Val Lewton’s story department” at Selznick’s studios, according to Steve Wilson’s 2014 The Making of Gone with the Wind, as well as an assistant story editor for the studio.
A note on first page of synopsis states: “Throughout the book no hint is given as to the heroine’s name, ... For synopsis purposes I am giving her the name of the authoress: Daphne. This unnamed character in the novel would, for the film (as in du Maurier’s novel), be given only the name of her husband, Mrs. de Winter.

Bowie was also a writer working at Val Lewton’s story department at Selznick studios.

Alfred Hitchcock's first American project, the elegant, dreamlike adaptation of du Maurier's novel of the same name, about a young woman who marries a mysterious, aristocratic widower and must contend with the spectral influence of the former mistress of the house, the eponymous Rebecca. The film was the start of Hitchcock's work in Hollywood under contract with producer David O. Selznick, a collaboration which produced six films in total, including "Spellbound" (1945), "The Paradine Case" (1947), and "Under Capricorn" (1949). Although Selznick initially argued for "Rebecca" to remain fully faithful to the plot of the novel, the Production Code Administration forbade murder to go unpunished, and as a result the film's ending differed from du Maurier's—a change which purportedly angered Selznick so strongly that he considered releasing the film without code approval. Upon its release, the film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning two for Best Picture and Best Cinematography.

Set on the French Riviera and southwest England, shot partially on location in Big Sur, Palos Verdes, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California.

Together in a custom quarter leather clamshell box.

Synopsis:

Blue titled wrappers, noted as Synopsis on the front wrapper, dated October 10, 1938, with credits for novelist Daphne du Maurier and screenwriter Franclien Macconnell. Distribution page present, with receipt intact, dated October 10, 1938, and rubber stamped Script "A 2036.". 39 leaves, with last page of text numbered 38. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound with two gold brads.

Chapter Breakdown of the Novel:

Blue titled wrappers, noted as Chapter Breakdown of the Novel on the front wrapper, dated May 10, 1939, with credits for screenwriter Mary Bowie. Distribution page present, with receipt intact, dated May 10, 1939, and rubber stamped, script " A 2123." 49 leaves, with last page of text numbered 48. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus with 2" closed tear at the lower left edge and 1/2" chip and small closed tear at the lower right edge, bound with two gold brads.

Quarter leather clamshell box, Fine.

National Film Registry. Criterion Collection 135. Grant US. Penzler 101. Rosenbaum 1000. Selby US. Spicer US.

[Book #147517]