Daphne du Maurier
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Daphne du Maurier
I'm sure there must be a Daphne DuMaurier thread - I can't find it.
I was interested to hear that a new film version of 'My Cousin Rachel is coming to cinemas on 9 June. Looks good from the trailer, but obviously trailers can be deceptive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l787QxuR51I
I was interested to hear that a new film version of 'My Cousin Rachel is coming to cinemas on 9 June. Looks good from the trailer, but obviously trailers can be deceptive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l787QxuR51I
Last edited by Rob Houghton on 28 May 2017, 10:40, edited 1 time in total.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- Carlotta King
- Posts: 2828
- Joined: 15 Mar 2013, 19:01
- Favourite book/series: Adventure, Barney, Secret Series, Famous Five
- Favourite character: Bill Smugs,Lucy-Ann,Snubby,Mr King,Diana,Kiki,Paul
- Location: England
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel
That trailer looks pretty good. Rachel Weisz is a good choice I think; very attractive but not very young looking or anything, and not too old either.
I love the old original with Olivia DeHavilland but I could never quite properly enjoy her as Rachel, she just seemed a bit too severe looking in the role, and I always imagined Rachel as a bit more 'softly' beautiful if that makes sense, more like how Rachel Weisz looks in this one.
I love the old original with Olivia DeHavilland but I could never quite properly enjoy her as Rachel, she just seemed a bit too severe looking in the role, and I always imagined Rachel as a bit more 'softly' beautiful if that makes sense, more like how Rachel Weisz looks in this one.
"Fussy Gussy! Polly, Polly, Polly-gize!"
Society Member
Society Member
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel
I think that's true. Rachel has to be soft and attractive, even vulnerable, but also with a hard and murderous side. If she'd made too hard and commanding, it makes it less likely that men would fall so easily under her spell. She is just about how I imagine Rachel to look.
Last edited by Rob Houghton on 28 May 2017, 13:10, edited 1 time in total.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- Carlotta King
- Posts: 2828
- Joined: 15 Mar 2013, 19:01
- Favourite book/series: Adventure, Barney, Secret Series, Famous Five
- Favourite character: Bill Smugs,Lucy-Ann,Snubby,Mr King,Diana,Kiki,Paul
- Location: England
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel
Yeah, I totally agree. She's (Rachel W) definitely beautiful but not in a fragile 'pretty pretty' sense, you could definitely imagine her having the hidden murderous side too.
Olivia looked too old, she was undeniably nice looking but just not Rachel, in my eyes. In some shots she looked old enough and severe enough to be his mother, and that just made it not ring true for me. I couldn't imagine him wanting to fall in love with her and being captivated by her. I think that's the crux here - Rachel is supposed to be captivating and Olivia just didn't have that something.
I remember saying that to my mum too (who is a Daphne nut!) and she agreed.
Olivia looked too old, she was undeniably nice looking but just not Rachel, in my eyes. In some shots she looked old enough and severe enough to be his mother, and that just made it not ring true for me. I couldn't imagine him wanting to fall in love with her and being captivated by her. I think that's the crux here - Rachel is supposed to be captivating and Olivia just didn't have that something.
I remember saying that to my mum too (who is a Daphne nut!) and she agreed.
"Fussy Gussy! Polly, Polly, Polly-gize!"
Society Member
Society Member
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel
I've got the 1983 BBC TV version with Geraldine Chaplin and Christopher Guard on DVD (copied from VHS). I must have recorded a later showing as it is all in one rather than four episodes, as originally shown. I didn't have a video recorder until 1993.
Dave
Dave
He called the greatest archers to a tavern on the green.
Society Member
Society Member
- floragord
- Posts: 2322
- Joined: 31 Jul 2013, 14:41
- Favourite book/series: THE FARAWAY TREE SERIES
- Favourite character: Silky
- Location: Pembrokeshire "Little England Beyond Wales"
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel
I recently joined the local book discussion group and attended the first meeting earlier in June, the book of choice was Tracey Chevalier's AT THE EDGE OF THE ORCHARD which I'd never normally have read, so no doubt other people's preferences extend our reading horizons! The next title listed is Daphne du Maurier's CASTLE DOR, one I had never heard of, and whilst ordering it on Amazon noticed MY COUSIN RACHEL which I had likewise not read, so ordered both. I started MY COUSIN RACHEL immediately, noticed the cover features the recently released movie of the same title starring Rachel Weisz, so I was interested in the comments above. I find the book absolutely superb, what writing! Perhaps a shade of REBECCA in the build-up of tension as the story begins? I can see I am in for a ddm season.
"Its a magic wood!" said Fanny suddenly.
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel, etc.
Daphne du Maurier is by far my favourite author of all time (after Enid!!) Castle Dor is one I haven't read, I must admit, although I do have it, in a box set of her novels.
I love My Cousin Rachel and also The Loving Spirit - her first novel, which I love. Rebecca is of course her masterpiece - and I have it in a first American edition. I also have a first edition of 'Rule Britannia' still to read!
I love My Cousin Rachel and also The Loving Spirit - her first novel, which I love. Rebecca is of course her masterpiece - and I have it in a first American edition. I also have a first edition of 'Rule Britannia' still to read!
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- pete9012S
- Posts: 17649
- Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:32
- Favourite book/series: Five On A Treasure Island
- Favourite character: Frederick Algernon Trotteville
- Location: UK
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel, etc.
I've only read 'Jamaica Inn' but found it to be extremely well written.The descriptions and the build up of tension as the book progresses is superb!
" A kind heart always brings its own reward," said Mrs. Lee.
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane -
Society Member
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane -
Society Member
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel, etc.
Jamaica Inn is of course one of her most famous books, after Rebecca - but I don't necessarily think its one of her best. I enjoy all of those I've read, and of course, it all depends on your own personal tastes. Many feel that Rebecca is too reflective and slow, but in my view its masterfully written, as is My Cousin Rachel. Like Enid, DuMaurier's strength is her characterisation. She really takes us into the story and we can get lost in it because its driven by such memorably written characters.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- floragord
- Posts: 2322
- Joined: 31 Jul 2013, 14:41
- Favourite book/series: THE FARAWAY TREE SERIES
- Favourite character: Silky
- Location: Pembrokeshire "Little England Beyond Wales"
Re: Daphne du Maurier - My Cousin Rachel, etc.
I enjoyed the book group's discussion of CASTLE DOR - the consensus was that the book was a slow starter, I personally didn't feel it "got going" until page 137. It began life as the unfinished last novel of author Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, whose daughter asked DDM to complete the book, and I think it is her style that belatedly "lifts" the story. The intended recreation of the legend of Tristan and Iseult for me didn't happen, it felt too contrived and the ending was limp rather than tragic. I'll stick to REBECCA and MY COUSIN RACHEL!
"Its a magic wood!" said Fanny suddenly.
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Re: Daphne du Maurier
I agree. Castle Dor is spoiled for me because it's not 'Daphne DuMaurier' in the true sense of the word!
Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Jamaica Inn and The Loving Spirit are my faves.
Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Jamaica Inn and The Loving Spirit are my faves.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- Chrissie777
- Posts: 9448
- Joined: 17 Mar 2012, 16:54
- Favourite book/series: Famous Five, Adventure Series, Valley of Adventure
- Favourite character: George Kirrin, Jack Trent
- Location: Worcester, MA, USA
What other author are you reading at the moment?
Split from another topic.
This is my "Rebecca" year.
I started months ago in June by reading Daphne DuMaurier's "The Rebecca Notebook", then read "Rebecca" by DDM (wonderful) followed by the sequel "Mrs. de Winter" by Susan Hill (it's better than I expected, I'm so glad I ignored the bad reviews on amazon), now I'm on page 580 of "Rebecca's Tale" by Sally Beauman (so very compelling).
I've watched the Hitchcock classic two days ago, then started watching the 1990's TV version of "Rebecca". I'll definitely get the 1970's TV version, because that one was filmed in Cornwall (Caerhays Castle).
Most likely I'll order Tatiana de Rosnay's biographical novel "Manderley Forever", too.
And last night I started reading "Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic" by Jennifer Wells. So far nothing new. I heard all this before in the new Criterion Collection of "Rebecca" from 2017.
This is my "Rebecca" year.
I started months ago in June by reading Daphne DuMaurier's "The Rebecca Notebook", then read "Rebecca" by DDM (wonderful) followed by the sequel "Mrs. de Winter" by Susan Hill (it's better than I expected, I'm so glad I ignored the bad reviews on amazon), now I'm on page 580 of "Rebecca's Tale" by Sally Beauman (so very compelling).
I've watched the Hitchcock classic two days ago, then started watching the 1990's TV version of "Rebecca". I'll definitely get the 1970's TV version, because that one was filmed in Cornwall (Caerhays Castle).
Most likely I'll order Tatiana de Rosnay's biographical novel "Manderley Forever", too.
And last night I started reading "Rebecca: The Making of a Hollywood Classic" by Jennifer Wells. So far nothing new. I heard all this before in the new Criterion Collection of "Rebecca" from 2017.
Chrissie
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock
- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
- Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
- Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
- Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
- Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham
Re: What other author are you reading at the moment?
Of course, I've read Rebecca many times, as its one of my favourite books. I had it from the library to begin with, aged 17. That was the first time I read it. Then I bought it in paperback and reread it aged about 20, then reread it aged about 26 and have reread it a couple of times since. A few years ago I bought a cheap hardback copy (no DW) from a charity shop, so I could at least have an early hardback of it - only to discover, when I got it home, that it was the American first edition!Chrissie777 wrote:This is my "Rebecca" year.
I started months ago in June by reading Daphne DuMaurier's "The Rebecca Notebook", then read "Rebecca" by DDM (wonderful) followed by the sequel "Mrs. de Winter" by Susan Hill (it's better than I expected, I'm so glad I ignored the bad reviews on amazon), now I'm on page 580 of "Rebecca's Tale" by Sally Beauman (so very compelling).
I've also read 'Rebecca's Tale' by Sally Beauman - which I thoroughly enjoyed, although I don't seem to have it any more. I also had a first edition (ex library book) of 'Mrs DeWinter' but I never read it. I think I was probably put off by some of the reviews I had read!
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
Society Member
- Chrissie777
- Posts: 9448
- Joined: 17 Mar 2012, 16:54
- Favourite book/series: Famous Five, Adventure Series, Valley of Adventure
- Favourite character: George Kirrin, Jack Trent
- Location: Worcester, MA, USA
Re: Daphne du Maurier
That's too bad, because it's wonderful. Very much in tune with the original by DDM.Rob Houghton wrote:I also had a first edition (ex library book) of 'Mrs DeWinter' but I never read it. I think I was probably put off by some of the reviews I had read!
Chrissie
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock
- Chrissie777
- Posts: 9448
- Joined: 17 Mar 2012, 16:54
- Favourite book/series: Famous Five, Adventure Series, Valley of Adventure
- Favourite character: George Kirrin, Jack Trent
- Location: Worcester, MA, USA
Re: Daphne du Maurier
I tried to read "Castle Dor" (I've been to it's location in the 1980's once) decades ago when I became very interested in DDM and read all her novels and a few of her short stories, but couldn't get into it.Rob Houghton wrote:I agree. Castle Dor is spoiled for me because it's not 'Daphne DuMaurier' in the true sense of the word!
Had the same trouble with most of her DuMaurier biographies (The Glass Blowers, Mary Anne, The DuMauriers, Gerald), but thoroughly enjoyed "Myself when young" aka "Growing Pains".
Right now I'm reading "The King's General" which is a lovely read.
Chrissie
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock
Society Member
"For me, the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake."
Alfred Hitchcock