My Cousin Rachel

Two great actors, a wonderful dark and Gothic setting and a strong storyline that mingles mystery, mistrust and avarice - that's what Henry Koster and Nunnally Johnson have created for us here - and it's just that little bit better than the norm. It centres on a search for revenge from Oscar nominated Richard Burton's "Philip" - a rather fickle young man who is convinced that his wealthy cousin "Ambrose" (John Sutton) was killed by his recently arrived and ostensibly scheming younger wife "Rachel" (Olivia de Havilland). Before long though, he too is captivated by the young woman and becomes her next husband - but is she all that she seems? Daphne du Maurier always could conjure up a great story, and here is no different - there is a psychology to the plot - nothing is as it seems. Just when you think Burton may be right you realise that he isn't, yet then shortly afterwards you are still unsure as to whom is pulling the strings - if, indeed, anyone is. This is a well structured, photographed and lit tale with a classy Franz Waxman score to help keep things taut and suspenseful. Well worth watching.