<I>Photographs by DAMIAN MULINIX Observer photojournalist</i><BR>The sinister Mrs. Danvers, played by Judy Johnson, is always looking over the shoulder of the new Mrs. de Winter, played by Rita Smith, and is intent on making sure she does not take Rebecca's place.

ILWACO – Mystery, romance and intrigue fills the Manderley estate in the Peninsula Players latest production, “Rebecca,” which opens Wednesday June 6.

The play – directed by Laurie Carter and produced by Bill Nickila – unfolds as Maxim de Winter, played by Dwayne Smallwood, brings his new wife, played by Rita Smith, to his estate after the mysterious death of his first wife, Rebecca. The new Mrs. de Winter, knowing nothing of Rebecca, strives to penetrate the mystery of the impalpable presence of her husband’s first wife and assume her rightful position as mistress of Manderley.

However, standing in her way is the sinister Mrs. Danvers (Judy Johnson) Rebecca’s housekeeper, who refuses to allow her to take Rebecca’s place. Mrs. Danvers even goes so far as to persuade Mrs. de Winter to wear the same ball gown as Rebecca had the year before – the sight sends Maxim into a towering rage.

Intrigue sets in as the body of Rebecca is found in the sea, where she had been supposedly drowned. The drama rises to a climax, involving a police investigation and attempted blackmail. The new bride becomes a pillar of strength for her husband, who reveals the tragic story of his first marriage and admits the love he has for his bride, a love he never felt for Rebecca.

“Rebecca” was written in the 1930s by Daphne duMaurier, who also wrote the script for the play. “Rebecca” was Alfred Hitchcock’s first American film, made in the early 1940s and starred Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. The ending in the play differs from that of the book and movie.

“Rebecca,” will be performed at the River City School of Arts (American Legion Hall) in Ilwaco on Wednesday June 6, Friday June 8 and Friday June 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday June 10 and Saturday June 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets for performances are $8 and are available at Imperial Schooner in Ilwaco, Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach and Okie’s Sentry in Ocean Park.