🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: William Wyler
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery, Romance
- Release year: 1940
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10 (15K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A woman really, REALLY wants to leave a strongly worded message, but chooses bullets instead of words, then has to deal with the fallout from her regrettable decision.
🍿 The Letter: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Shooting and Initial Investigation
The film opens with Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis) firing multiple shots into Geoffrey Hammond on her veranda in British Malaya. She claims self-defense, alleging Hammond attempted to assault her. Her husband, Robert (Herbert Marshall), and their lawyer, Howard Joyce (James Stephenson), rally to support her story.
The Incriminating Letter
The seemingly straightforward case takes a turn when a letter surfaces, written by Leslie to Hammond on the day of the murder, inviting him to her house. This letter is held by Hammond’s Eurasian widow, Mrs. Hammond (Gale Sondergaard), who demands a hefty sum for its return, casting doubt on Leslie’s self-defense claim. Joyce, bound by loyalty to the Crosbies, faces a moral dilemma.
The Trial and Its Aftermath
Despite the evidence, Leslie is acquitted, largely due to Joyce’s efforts to suppress the letter. However, the truth of Leslie’s affair and the premeditated nature of the murder come to light, devastating Robert. He struggles to reconcile his love for Leslie with her betrayal and the darkness of her actions.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis): The manipulative wife who shoots her lover and attempts to conceal the truth behind her actions.
- Robert Crosbie (Herbert Marshall): Leslie’s trusting husband, who is devastated by the revelation of his wife’s infidelity and crime.
- Howard Joyce (James Stephenson): The lawyer who faces a moral dilemma as he helps Leslie cover up her crime.
- Mrs. Hammond (Gale Sondergaard): The scorned widow seeking revenge for her husband’s murder, holding the key to Leslie’s undoing.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Leslie: “With all my heart, I still love the man I killed.” – Leslie confesses her true feelings to her husband after her acquittal, revealing her unwavering love for the deceased.
- Howard Joyce: “I’m afraid that if I didn’t get that letter, my client would be in a very difficult position.” – Howard explains the dire consequences of the letter’s exposure, as it will lead to a death sentence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $750,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $16,455
💥 The Letter Reviews
Personal Review
I was absolutely captivated by ‘The Letter’! Bette Davis is phenomenal, and the way the story unfolds keeps you guessing. The scene where she confronts the other woman sent chills down my spine. It’s a classic for a reason, and I highly recommend it.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic film noir”
- “Bette Davis enthusiasts”
- “Viewers interested in suspenseful melodramas”
- “Those who appreciate films with complex female characters”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence (shooting)”
- “Themes of adultery and betrayal”
- “Potentially offensive racial stereotypes (reflective of the era)”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Bette Davis delivers a knockout performance, expertly navigating the complex emotions of a woman caught in a web of deceit. Wyler’s direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of unease and tension throughout. A must-see for fans of classic thrillers.
- The New York Times: “A gripping melodrama elevated by Davis’s compelling portrayal of a woman struggling to maintain control. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and taut pacing keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, a real mood setter and perfect black and white.
Audience Reactions
Bette Davis’s performance is mesmerizing!: Viewers rave about the suspenseful plot and Davis’s complex character.
Overall Consensus: A classic film noir elevated by Bette Davis’s unforgettable performance and William Wyler’s masterful direction, but the ending feels contrived.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The opening scene where Leslie shoots Geoffrey Hammond took an entire day to film, even before any dialogue was spoken.”
- “Bette Davis considered this one of her finest performances, showcasing her range as an actress.”
- “The ending was altered from the original play due to the Hays Code, which required the protagonist to pay for her crime.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Letter?
As a classic film, ‘The Letter’ (1940) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Availability may vary depending on your region.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Letter, you might like these similar films:
- Leave Her to Heaven (1945): Features a femme fatale whose actions lead to tragic consequences.
- The Little Foxes (1941): Also starring Bette Davis in a ruthless character role, directed by William Wyler.
- Rebecca (1940): A gothic suspense film with a mysterious female character at its core.
- Basic Instinct (1992): A neo-noir thriller with a seductive and manipulative female lead suspected of murder.
- Double Indemnity (1944): A classic film noir involving murder, betrayal, and a femme fatale.
🛒 The Letter Related Products
- The Letter (1940) – Limited Edition Blu-ray: A meticulously restored Blu-ray edition of ‘The Letter,’ featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, commentary, and a collectible booklet. Perfect for cinephiles.
- Bette Davis: The Definitive Collection (DVD): A DVD box set containing some of Bette Davis’s most iconic films, including ‘The Letter,’ ‘Jezebel’, ‘Dark Victory’ and ‘All About Eve.’
- The Letter Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster for ‘The Letter.’ Printed on premium paper for vibrant colors and lasting appeal.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Letter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Leslie Crosbie was guilty of premeditated murder. The film reveals she was having an affair with Geoffrey Hammond and killed him out of jealousy when he tried to end their relationship. She fabricated the self-defense story to avoid punishment.
The letter is the central piece of evidence that unravels Leslie’s fabricated story. It proves she lured Geoffrey Hammond to her house on the night of the murder, undermining her claim of self-defense and revealing the affair.
Leslie walks into the garden knowing she is in danger from Mrs. Hammond, driven by a mix of guilt, despair, and perhaps a subconscious desire for punishment. She may have felt that facing the consequences of her actions was preferable to living with the lies and betrayals.
🔥 Bonus Content
Deewani Deewani – Manisha Koirala, Vivek Mushran, First Love Letter Song
Remember that catchy tune from ‘First Love Letter’? Relive the romance with ‘Deewani Deewani’! Honestly, this song is an absolute Bollywood classic and a must-watch if you enjoyed the movie.
Tota Tota – Manisha Koirala, Vivek Mushran, Lata, First Love Letter Song
Another great track from ‘First Love Letter’ is here. ‘Tota Tota’ is such a vibe and I think you will love it!
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