His first project was supposed to be a film about the Titanic, but Selznick finally scrapped the film, famously announcing that he 'couldn't find a boat to sink!'
Therefore, in 1940, Hitchcock directed his first American film, Rebecca. The film, a box-office and critical success, was a struggle for Alfred, especially as his uncompromising cinematic standards were sorely tested by his producer's domineering style.

In the final scene of the gothic romance Alfred turned into a tale of mystery and dread, Selznick wanted to show smoke coming out of the burning house's chimney forming the letter 'R'.

Hitchcock abhorred this plan, deciding that it lacked any subtlety. Instead, the director finally showed flames licking at a pillow, embroidered with an 'R'.