A Letter to Three Wives Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three women get a sassy letter from a frenemy saying she ran off with one of their husbands, so they spend the whole movie wondering if they’re basic enough to be dumped.

🍿 A Letter to Three Wives: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Letter

Three wives, Deborah, Rita, and Lora Mae, are about to embark on a picnic with underprivileged children. Before they leave, a messenger delivers a letter addressed to all three of them. The letter is from their friend, Addie Ross, who announces she has left town and run off with one of their husbands, leaving the women in a state of shock and uncertainty.

Deborah’s Story

Deborah Bishop, a former Navy woman, reflects on her insecurities about fitting into her husband Brad’s upper-class social circle. She feels out of place among his sophisticated friends and fears she is not good enough for him, especially compared to the seemingly perfect Addie Ross, who Brad has known since childhood.

Rita’s Story

Rita Phipps, a successful radio scriptwriter, recalls the challenges in her marriage to George, a school teacher. She earns more than him, leading to tension and resentment. Rita constantly tries to impress her snobbish employer, sacrificing George’s values and desires in the process.

Lora Mae’s Story

Lora Mae Hollingsway, who grew up poor, remembers her calculated marriage to Porter, a wealthy department store owner. Their relationship is characterized by manipulation and a lack of genuine emotional connection. Lora Mae worries that Porter only sees her as a gold digger, while he fears she doesn’t truly love him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Deborah Bishop (Jeanne Crain): An insecure, former Navy woman who struggles to fit into her husband’s upper-class social circle.
• Lora Mae Hollingsway (Linda Darnell): An ambitious woman from humble beginnings who married for wealth and social status.
• Rita Phipps (Ann Sothern): A successful radio script writer whose career puts a strain on her marriage to a school teacher.
• George Phipps (Kirk Douglas): A dedicated school teacher who struggles with his wife’s successful but intellectually undemanding career.
• Porter Hollingsway (Paul Douglas): A wealthy department store owner who is uncertain about his wife’s motives for marrying him.
• Brad Bishop (Jeffrey Lynn): A well-to-do man whose close friendship with Addie Ross causes insecurity in his wife, Deborah.
• Addie Ross (Celeste Holm (voice)): An unseen but influential woman whose letter throws the marriages of her three friends into turmoil.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Addie Ross: “It’s odd the way those cocktail party friendships persist. You meet someone, discover a mutual dislike, and that’s enough to make you bosom pals.” – This quote, delivered in voice-over, establishes Addie’s cynical and observant perspective on the superficial relationships within their social circle.
• Lora Mae Hollingsway: “Well, I wasn’t brought up to believe that a woman’s career was more important than her husband’s ego.” – Lora Mae says this to Rita, subtly criticizing Rita’s success as a radio writer, which dwarfs her husband’s teaching career.
• Porter Hollingsway: “I don’t like smart women, they scare me.” – Porter reveals his insecurities about Lora Mae’s intelligence, hinting at his own vulnerabilities within their relationship.
• Rita Phipps: “She’s the kind of woman who manages to remember men’s birthdays without knowing how old they are.” – Rita describes Addie’s calculated charm and ability to flatter men, highlighting the insecurity the wives feel about Addie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,500,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $14,768

💥 A Letter to Three Wives Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! The way it explores the insecurities and vulnerabilities within these marriages is so relatable, even decades later. The flashback structure kept me guessing until the very end, and I found myself rooting for each of the wives to find their strength. Linda Darnell was a standout, her portrayal of Lora Mae was both hilarious and heartbreaking. I can’t wait to watch this gem again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary and relationship dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy witty and well-written scripts”
  • “People interested in post-war American culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to marital infidelity”
  • “Discussion of social class differences”
  • “Some outdated social attitudes reflecting the 1940s”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A Letter to Three Wives is a sharply written, masterfully directed film that dissects the complexities of marriage with wit and insight. Mankiewicz’s dialogue is sparkling, and the performances are uniformly excellent.
• The New York Times: “Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s direction is artful and economical in using flashbacks, and the cast of players is one of the year’s most auspicious. ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ is an exceptionally entertaining movie that should be enjoyed by all.

Audience Reactions

The witty dialogue and clever plot twists kept me entertained throughout the entire film.: Viewers praise the film’s sharp writing, strong performances, and insightful exploration of marriage and relationships.

Overall Consensus: A Letter to Three Wives is a highly regarded classic praised for its witty script, strong performances, and insightful commentary on marriage and social dynamics.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1950
2. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay)- 1950

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Addie Ross is never seen on screen, but her voice is provided by Celeste Holm, who was uncredited for her work. Holm later starred in another Joseph L. Mankiewicz film, ‘All About Eve’.”
• “Joseph L. Mankiewicz won the Academy Awards for both Best Director and Best Screenplay for this film. He would repeat this feat the following year with ‘All About Eve’, making him the only person to achieve this back-to-back win.”
• “The film is based on the novel ‘Letter to Five Wives’ by John Klempner. The number of wives was reduced to three for the film adaptation.”
• “Linda Darnell was involved with Mankiewicz during the filming of the movie. Her story is considered the most fun and interesting of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Letter to Three Wives?

A Letter to Three Wives is currently available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local streaming service for rental availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Letter to Three Wives, you might like these similar films:

• All About Eve (1950): Both films are directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, feature sharp wit, and explore complex female relationships and social dynamics.
• The Women (1939): An earlier ensemble film centered around the lives and relationships of women, dealing with themes of infidelity and social status, though with a more comedic tone.
• Peyton Place (1957): Explores the hidden lives and scandals within a seemingly idyllic small town, similar to how ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ peels back the facade of suburban marriages.
• Desperate Housewives (2004-2012): A modern television series that borrows the concept of exploring the hidden lives and secrets of suburban housewives.

🛒 A Letter to Three Wives Related Products

• A Letter to Three Wives (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A definitive edition of a timeless classic. This Criterion Collection release features a pristine transfer, insightful commentary, and bonus materials for the ultimate fan experience. Relive the wit and drama in stunning detail.
• A Letter to Three Wives: Screenplay Book: Delve into the witty and clever dialogue penned by Joseph L. Mankiewicz with the original screenplay of A Letter to Three Wives. See how the magic happens on paper and gain new appreciation for the film’s sharp wit.
• 1940s Style Women’s Dress: Channel the elegance of the 1940s with a vintage-inspired dress. Perfect for themed parties or adding a touch of classic glamour to your wardrobe, this dress captures the spirit of A Letter to Three Wives.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Letter to Three Wives features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wein, weib und Gesang Op. 333 (Wine, Women and Song)” – performed by Johann Strauss

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Oscar Winning Comedy A LETTER TO THREE WIVES from STEVE HAYES

Want to know why ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ snagged those Oscars? Steve Hayes breaks down the witty dialogue and stellar performances – honestly, after watching this, you’ll appreciate Thelma Ritter even more!

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