Bette Davis,
Herbert Marshall,
James Stephenson,
Frieda Inescort,
Gale Sondergaard
... see more 
William Wyler's dark and poisonous melodrama, based on the W. Somerset Maugham novel, features Bette Davis in one of her nastiest roles. The story begins in the shimmering moonlight on a tropical Mala... read more
DVD Release Date: January 11, 2005
Stats: 204 reviews
A slightly predictable story of blackmail and murder involving Bette Davis. Pretty good movie, but it could be more exciting.
What a powerful performance by Miss Davis in a very unflattering role. All the elements are present for a great motion picture (casting, direction & screenplay) and The Letter delivers in spades... read more
maybe the best of ms. davis' many fine performances. and one of the best opening scenes ever.
One of the best opening scenes ever! If the rest of the film was as good as the opening, this would get five stars. I don't want to spoil it, but you haven't lived until you see Bette Davis chase her lover out of the house, gun in hand, shooting at him the whole time, and finally... read more
Very atmospheric film where the cast is led by Bette Davis, who gives a vivid performance in the kind of role that she seemed born to play.
A good noir film.
Great Davis performance! The plot is predictable, but Davis' character takes the film to a different place, perhaps a place of guilt and despair. Excellent lighting.
Wow, what an incredible movie and one of Bette Davis' finest performances. Superb screenplay and cinematography. The score is excellent. The supporting cast is amazing, especially James Stevenson. A true classic in every sense of the word.
wow what a great film. she should of appreciated her husband and not fallen in love with what was not hers. The truth always comes out and she got what she deserved in the end. Was not sure who would stick her in the dark.
The second and best version of Maugham's noirish tale of adultery and murder is emarked by Wyler's nunaced mis-en-scene, Gaudio's lensing, and superlative acting of Bette Davis (surprisingly restraine... Full Review
even a bad Davis movie where she's hamming and mugging and even humiliating herself is more fun than practically no Bette at all. Full Review
If there is any doubt that Bette Davis is the star of this film, high above all others, it is vanquished by William Wyler's careful framing of her in every shot. Full Review
The Letter (1940) is a classic melodramatic film noir of murder and deceit, directed by William Wyler. The screenplay by Howard Koch Full Review
No review available.
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