A director's love for dogs shaped his films, with Sealyham terriers and a cocker spaniel playing pivotal roles, including in Rebecca reaired this Sunday on Arte.
Director's canine companions
The director, known for his unique approach to filmmaking, had a deep affection for dogs, often incorporating them into his films. His love for dogs was not just a passing interest but a significant part of his creative process.Rebecca's cocker spaniel
One notable example is Jasper, the cocker spaniel in Rebecca, which is being reaired this Sunday evening on Arte. Jasper's presence in the film adds to the atmosphere of mystery and tension that defines the story.Sealyham terriers
The director owned several Sealyham terriers, a breed known for their small size, white color, long silky hair, and distinctive nose. These dogs were not only companions but also played roles in his films.Famous Sealyham terrier
The most famous of these dogs is Milou, though they were also favored by the director, who owned four Sealyham terriers throughout his life: Mr. Jenkins, Geoffrey, Stanley, and Sarah. These names suggest that the director regarded his canine companions with great seriousness.Dogs as film characters
In some of his films, these dogs took on significant roles, becoming full-fledged characters. One such example is the cocker spaniel in Rebecca (1940), where the new Mrs. de Winter (Joan Fontaine) is introduced to the opulent room of Rebecca, the previous mistress of Manderley.
