A penniless young woman, living a miserable existence as the paid companion of a vulgar American widow, meets an enigmatic stranger who appears in mourning for his deceased wife.

The new Mrs de Winter quickly finds an enemy in the housekeeper, Mrs Danvers. And who is the insolent Jack Favell?

The second Mrs de Winter's joy in being Maxim's wife is subtly undermined by the haunting presence of Rebecca — guarded, cherished by the loyal Mrs Danvers, who is determined to make Maxim happy. Plans are soon underway to revive the Manderley Ball.

The nightmare of the Manderley Ball is climaxed by shipwreck, and the discovery of Rebecca's body in Manderley Bay forces Maxim to confess.