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The Letter

Play trailer Poster for The Letter 1940 1h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In Singapore, Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis) shoots and kills a man, claiming that he tried to take advantage of her. She is arrested and her husband, Robert (Herbert Marshall), hires attorney Howard Joyce (James Stephenson) to defend her. During the trial Howard uncovers an incriminating letter that casts doubt on Leslie's story. The two become embroiled in a blackmail scheme involving a Malayan clerk (Victor Sen Yung) and the dead man's widow (Gale Sondergaard).
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The Letter

Critics Reviews

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Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting 02/12/2021
3.5/5
Like Jezebel, the relationship of the characters to the setting and the people who serve them... is complicated - in problematic ways but in challenging, subversive ways too. Go to Full Review Jeremiah Kipp Slant Magazine 06/13/2005
2.5/4
even a bad Davis movie where she's hamming and mugging and even humiliating herself is more fun than practically no Bette at all. Go to Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm 02/09/2021
3.5/4
This might be one of Bette Davis' least sympathetic parts, which is saying something. Go to Full Review John Kinloch California Eagle 10/31/2019
Expert direction, splendid performances and an amazing score combine to make this somber picture one of the most satisfying film experiences of the year. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 10/05/2019
3.5/4
The greatest actress that the cinema has ever had the honor to service is typically terrific. Go to Full Review Aurelio Pego Cine-Mundial 09/16/2019
The Letter is a movie that provides that personal satisfaction that works of art produce in our soul. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alain E @AlainE Oct 29 I came to this after watching The Unfaithful and reading that it was a remake of this movie. The later movie is vastly superior. They got rid of the Far East location and the evil Chinese and the story became more relatable. Ms Davis is deceased, so I will not cause any injury when I say that mostly I do not like her haughty expression. Here she is very attractive in her visit to Chinatown with her head covered. In this movie the heroine is getting killed while in the later version she is allowed to find redemption. To add insult to injury I had to pay Mr Bezos $3.99 for the privilege. See more Curtis M Sep 1 At first glance, the title “The Letter” didn’t seem all that enticing, but knowing it starred Bette Davis, I gave it a chance—and I’m so glad I did. “The Letter” pulled me from the beginning, and is full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout. Bette Davis delivered an outstanding performance as the layered and complex Leslie, and since this was my first time watching her on screen, I’m looking forward to exploring more of her performances. The direction was sharp, the lighting striking, and the staging truly beautiful.  All in all, the film turned out to be a wonderful surprise that exceeded my expectations. See more Rare T Jan 4 “Because I still love the man I killed.” Nothing can better convey the cognitive dissonance felt and portrayed throughout The Letter. See more Efrem M 01/06/2024 This was a great movie. Very well made. Excellent script. Great performances, specially by Bette Davis. It's a must watch for old Hollywood fans. See more harwee h 12/19/2023 A role only Bette Davis does best. Complex character that is in line with what she's known to daringly play especially for its time. It challenges your sympathy, since the beginning of what transpired/what she did in the beginning wasn't really shown, and the explanations unfolded later on throughout the movie. See more CL 02/06/2023 Excellent noir drama. See more Read all reviews
The Letter

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Cast & Crew

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William Wyler

Director

Bette Davis

Leslie Crosbie

Herbert Marshall

Robert Crosbie

James Stephenson

Howard Joyce

Frieda Inescort

Dorothy Joyce

Gale Sondergaard

Mrs. Hammond

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The Letter

The Letter (1940) The Letter (1940) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In Singapore, Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis) shoots and kills a man, claiming that he tried to take advantage of her. She is arrested and her husband, Robert (Herbert Marshall), hires attorney Howard Joyce (James Stephenson) to defend her. During the trial Howard uncovers an incriminating letter that casts doubt on Leslie's story. The two become embroiled in a blackmail scheme involving a Malayan clerk (Victor Sen Yung) and the dead man's widow (Gale Sondergaard).
Director
William Wyler
Producer
Hal B. Wallis, Robert Lord
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Bros.
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 22, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 12, 2017
Runtime
1h 35m
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