The Letter (1940)
"With all my heart, I still love the man I killed"
The Letter is a riveting 1940 film noir directed by William Wyler, starring the incomparable Bette Davis, alongside Herbert Marshall and James Stephenson. Inspired by a chilling 1911 murder trial in Kuala Lumpur, the film offers edge-of-your-seat suspense and unveils new layers of intrigue with each viewing. I remember watching it for the first time and being completely mesmerized by Davis's performance. It's an absolute must-see for any devoted Bette Davis fan. So, let's jump into this film!
Under the shadowy skies of Malaya, a shocking crime unfolds as Leslie Crosbie (Bette Davis), the wife of a prominent British rubber plantation manager, ruthlessly guns down her former lover, Geoffrey Hammond. The night crackles with tension as Leslie's frantic orders send the household into chaos. A loyal servant rushes to summon the district officer and Leslie's unsuspecting husband, Robert (Herbert Marshall). When Robert arrives, he is accompanied by their trusted solicitor and family confidant Howard Joyce (James Stephenson), setting the stage for a web of deception, betrayal, and chilling revelations.
Leslie finds herself in a dire situation: arrested and jailed in Singapore, she faces a grave charge of murder. Attorney Howard Joyce, sensing something amiss, grows suspicious. The plot thickens when his clerk, Ong Chi Seng (Sen Yung), reveals a crucial piece of evidence: Leslie had penned a letter to Hammond on the day of the shooting, inviting him over that night while her husband Robert was away. What secrets does this letter hold?
Ong Chi Seng reveals to Joyce that the original letter, a smoking gun in Leslie's case, is in the hands of Hammond's widow (Gale Sondergaard), a striking and enigmatic Eurasian woman residing in the Chinese quarter. Producing a copy, he lays bare the damning evidence of Leslie's guilt in her ex-lover's murder, along with the staggering price for which the original could be obtained. Confronted with the incriminating truth, Howard presses Leslie for an explanation. She confesses to the calculated killing, yet in a masterful display of manipulation, persuades the attorney to risk his reputation and purchase the letter, sealing the pact with her dangerous charm.
Howard tells Robert about the letter but hides its explosive content and the fact that it will drain his savings. Hammond's cunning widow has the letter and demands $10,000 from Leslie in person. Howard Joyce skillfully arranges Leslie's release to carry out the high-stakes deal. With the letter now out of play, Leslie walks free, leaving everyone stunned.
After the trial, Robert excitedly tells Leslie and Howard about his plan to buy a rubber plantation in Sumatra. He believes this new adventure will give him and Leslie a fresh start. Although the venture requires all his savings, he is over-the-moon about it. But then Howard Joyce reveals the true cost linked to the mysterious letter. Eager to know more, Robert insists on reading the letter, only to find out that Leslie had lied about the details of the killing and had been having an affair with Hammond for a long time. Devastated by the revelation, Robert faces the harsh reality of Leslie's betrayal.
Later that night at a party thrown to celebrate Leslie’s acquittal, Leslie finds a dagger on the porch from Mrs. Hammond's shop where she got the mysterious letter. She greets her guests with warmth and kindness, then withdraws to her room, where the quiet allows her to reflect deeply. Robert, lost in his Sumatran fantasies, sinks into intoxicated sorrow and offers forgiveness if Leslie declares her love for him. She does but admits her heart still belongs to Hammond.
Leslie discovers the dagger has disappeared and driven by curiosity, rushes to the gate of the property to uncover what secrets may lie beyond. Just as she steps outside the gate, Hammond's widow sneaks up from behind and plunges the missing dagger into her.
This film makes a strong impact with its engaging drama, unexpected twists, and Bette Davis's remarkable performance. The Letter delivers a classic film noir experience that endures. Enthusiasts of compelling stories and timeless cinema won't want to miss this gem!
Enjoy!
...Jill
Directed by: William Wyler
Cast:
Bette Davis as Leslie Crosbie
Herbert Marshall as Robert Crosbie
James Stephenson as Howard Joyce
Frieda Inescort as Dorothy Joyce
Gale Sondergaard as Mrs. Hammond
Bruce Lester as John Withers
Elizabeth Earl as Adele Ainsworth
Cecil Kellaway as Prescott
Sen Yung as Ong Chi Seng
Doris Lloyd as Mrs. Cooper
Willie Fung as Chung Hi
Tetsu Komai as Head Boy
Release Date: November 23, 1940
Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
Screenplay: Based on the play The Letter by W. Somerset Maugham (London, 24 Feb 1927). Read a great post by Rich Watson on W. Somerset Maugham.
1940 Oscar Award Nominations:
Best Actress: Bette Davis
Best Supporting Actor: James Stephenson
Best Director: William Wyler
Best Picture
Best Editing
Best Score
Notes of Interest:
Although actor Cecil Kellaway is credited, his character was mostly removed from the film, appearing only briefly in a longshot during a party scene.
Actor Cecil Kellaway
In 1947, Warner Bros. released another adaptation of The Letter (1940), called The Unfaithful, featuring Ann Sheridan and Lew Ayres, and directed by Vincent Sherman.
The Forks Part…
My grandmother's recipe book from the 1930s-1940s is like stepping into a culinary time capsule! Each loose, weathered page whispers tales of hearty meals shared around warm kitchen tables. Handwritten recipes, some smudged with flour or faded ink, hold secrets to dishes that defined an era. Isn't it fascinating to imagine the flavors and aromas that once filled her bustling kitchen?
Chop Suey
I’ll write it out exactly as it appears in the original recipe, ensuring you can effortlessly read every detail of my grandmother’s charming handwriting!
What You Need:
1 1/2 pounds of lean pork, cut into cubes
1 stalk of celery
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 large onions
2 T soy sauce
2 bullion cubes
1 T molasses
2 T cornstarch
salt & pepper
What To Do:
Have butcher cut in cubes. Celery and onions cut in pieces. Place pork in a pan or saucepan and cook 5 min. Add celery and cook 5 min. - then add onions and cook 5 min. Dissolve the bullion cubes in the warm water, add the soy sauce, molasses and the cornstarch which has been dissolved in cold water. Add to the first mixture and cook. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh fried or chow mein noodles.
Enjoy this tasty dish as you immerse yourself in the captivating drama of The Letter!
Here’s a coincidence—I have a post later this month about Maugham and THE LETTER. I’ll link your recipe to it.
Davis imitators. You’re lucky to have your grandmother’s recipe book.