Many Hollywood classics in the golden era of films, 1930s – 1940s, were restricted in what they depicted due to the Motion Picture Production Code. Commonly called the Hays Code, it, with Presbyterian zeal, prevented the depiction of lascivious, immoral behaviour as well as crime going unpunished. The Code wasn’t completely done away with until the late 1960s. However, one of its tenets, “Wilful offence to any nation, race or creed.” seems once more to be popular with those who like to impose moral standards.

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 Hollywood debut, Rebecca, had to make a fundamental change to Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel for code compliance which weakens what is nonetheless a superb piece of filmmaking, rightly perceived as a classic. There are no such limitations to contend with in this British-produced remake.

Rebecca tells the story of an extremely wealthy British socialite, Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer) who woos and marries a young and naive slip of a girl (Lily James) after a whirlwind romance on the French Riviera. He takes her back to his gothic estate in south west England dominated by the cruelly manipulative housekeeper, Mrs Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas) and the memory of his first wife whose death is something of a mystery.

Direction from Ben Wheatley is competent, if uninspired, the story progressing in a monotone manner. Cinematography is impressive as are the production values – sometimes the film appears overproduced. The acting quality is mixed. Armie Hammer is suavely debonair without ever bringing any depth to the brooding Maxim; Lily James has little to offer but pouting to the role of the second Mrs de Winter. Kristin Scott Thomas is perfectly cast playing the role of an evil harridan; Sam Riley hammily overdoes the unctuousness in the supporting part of love rival Jack Favell. Jane Lapotaire excels in an all too brief cameo as Granny. The near continuous incidental music is intrusive, often incongruous and at all times completely unnecessary.

This 2020 Rebecca is a passable, lightweight period drama with marvellous scenery and locations always easy on the eye. You’ll likely forget about it soon after watching.