Bette Davis stars as a woman accused of murder in “The Letter.” Director William Wyler (“Wuthering Heights” 1939) does an excellent job at the helm of this melodrama, keeping the film consistently engrossing for the 95 minute running time. The screenplay was written by Howard E. Koch, adapted from the 1927 play of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham.
Davis delivers an exceptional performance in this movie, showing why she remained a superstar for decades. Supporting cast members include Herbert Marshall as her husband and Gale Sondergaard in a chilling performance as a very diabolical figure. Other co-stars include James Stephenson, Frieda Inescort, Bruce Lester, Elizabeth Earl, Sen Yung, Doris Lloyd, Willie Fung, Tetsu Komai, and veteran character actor Cecil Kellaway as Prescott.
“The Letter” was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Stephenson for Best Supporting Actor and Tony Gaudio for Best Cinematography/Black and White, winning nothing! This very excellent and watchable melodrama from producer Hal B. Wallis and Warner Bros. Pictures was popular at the box office, great escapist programming for Depression Era audiences.
The Letter (1940)
cinema
My Review
Bette Davis stars as a woman accused of murder in “The Letter.” Director William Wyler (“Wuthering Heights” 1939) does an excellent job at the helm of this melodrama, keeping the film consistently engrossing for the 95 minute running time. The screenplay was written by Howard E. Koch, adapted from the 1927 play of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham.
Davis delivers an exceptional performance in this movie, showing why she remained a superstar for decades. Supporting cast members include Herbert Marshall as her husband and Gale Sondergaard in a chilling performance as a very diabolical figure. Other co-stars include James Stephenson, Frieda Inescort, Bruce Lester, Elizabeth Earl, Sen Yung, Doris Lloyd, Willie Fung, Tetsu Komai, and veteran character actor Cecil Kellaway as Prescott.
“The Letter” was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Stephenson for Best Supporting Actor and Tony Gaudio for Best Cinematography/Black and White, winning nothing! This very excellent and watchable melodrama from producer Hal B. Wallis and Warner Bros. Pictures was popular at the box office, great escapist programming for Depression Era audiences.