9. Rebecca (1940) – Gay Subtext
If the PCA acted prudish towards heterosexual film plots, it acted even more prudish towards homosexual plots, which had to be layered deep within the story. Supposedly, the original screenplay for Rebecca strongly implied that the deceased Rebecca and her housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, had a homosexual relationship. The PCA was not pleased and asked for this plot to be taken out of the film. Hitchcock being Hitchcock took any sign of a homosexual relationship out of the screenplay but found his own way to insert it back into the movie while filming. Danvers can be seen caressing Rebecca’s lingerie and treating such things as her hairbrush or pillow with affection. Hitchcock succeeded in sneaking the homosexual relationship back into the film through visual cues.
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