Set against the backdrop of the grand estate of Manderley, the story follows a young, unnamed woman (portrayed by Margaret Sullavan) who marries the enigmatic widower Maxim de Winter (played by Orson Welles). Upon arriving at Manderley, she finds herself overshadowed by the lingering presence of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers (voiced by Mildred Natwick), remains obsessively devoted to Rebecca's memory, undermining the new Mrs. de Winter's confidence and sense of belonging.