Leslie, along with her husband Robert (Herbert Marshall), lives on a rubber plantation in Singapore. As Leslie tells her husband and the police, the dead man, family friend Jeff Hammond, had arrived at the plantation in a state of drunkenness and began making advances toward her. Although she asked him to leave, he continued forcing his unwanted attentions upon her, and with self-protection in mind, she shot him.
Robert Crosbie is caring and supportive and never once doubts his wife's story; Leslie's lawyer, however, begins to be suspicious, especially when his associate indicates that there is a letter from Leslie to Mr. Hammond, written on the day of his death. That letter, which makes clear that Leslie's relationship with Jeff Hammond was not quite what she had revealed, is in the possession of Hammond's widow, who is willing to sell said letter for a price.
Is the letter legitimate? What was Leslie's relationship with Jeff Hammond? Did she really shoot him in self-defense? Or is there more to it than that? These are the questions which will play out in this fabulously-acted film. Bette, who was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for this role, is totally stellar. Herbert Marshall is very good as her faithful, loving husband. And Gale Sondergaard, who portrays Hammond's widow, was spectacular...and she barely uttered ten words. She spoke more with her eyes and facial expressions than the average person speaks with a hundred words. To my way of thinking, she ought to have garnered a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Anyhow, The Letter is a definite must-see Bette Davis film. It's out on DVD and should be quite easy to track down. Happy viewing!!!
I have not seen "The Letter" in many, many years and OH, how I love it when Bette chews up the scenery when she's really bad. I have it on my DVR, ready to watch and enjoy again when I have time this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you especially for putting no spoilers on your post 'cause I can't remember how the film ends !
Bette Davis is one of my favorites too. The first two movies I saw her in was when I was a child. They were: "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte" and "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane". Instead of scaring me and my middle sister, we loved them. Now that I've "grown up", I much prefer her earlier movies!!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
you know Bette's #1 with me too :D
ReplyDeletei haven't seen this one
but you have my interest peaked!!!
thanx for reviewing this one :D
BEAR HUGS xxxx
~victoria~
I watched this on TCM the other day, I'd seen it before but Bette's movies never get old!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I actually LOVE "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane." I think Bette is amazing in that film. She was totally perfect as Baby Jane Hudson.
ReplyDeleteI've only seen "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" once, and I gave it 3 stars on Net Flix. I don't really remember it, so I'm thinking it's time for a re-watch.
I DO love Bette's early work too...Now, Voyager and Dark Victory are my all-time faves of her films, but I love dozens of others as well. I just love her!
The Letter, is also, one of my favorite movies and it is beautifully filmed.
ReplyDelete