The Letter 1940
"Fascinating, Tantalizing and DANGEROUS!"
William Wyler's 1940 crime drama *The Letter* unfolds like a shadowy dance between guilt and deception set against the sultry backdrop of colonial-era Malaya.
Director: William Wyler
Cast
Bette Davis
Leslie Crosbie
Herbert Marshall
Robert Crosbie
James Stephenson
Howard Joyce
Frieda Inescort
Dorothy Joyce
Gale Sondergaard
Mrs. Hammond
Bruce Lester
John Withers
Elizabeth Inglis
Adele Ainsworth
Cecil Kellaway
Prescott
Victor Sen Yung
Ong Chi Seng
Doris Lloyd
Mrs. Cooper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Letter (1940) about?
The film follows a woman who, in a moment of desperation, takes a life only to find her world unraveling when a compromising letter surfaces. As her lies grow, so does the danger of discovery, leading to a tense confrontation between truth and deception.
Who directed The Letter?
William Wyler, the acclaimed director known for his sharp storytelling and visual flair, brought this gripping crime drama to life with masterful precision.
Who stars in The Letter?
Bette Davis headlines the cast alongside Herbert Marshall, James Stephenson, Frieda Inescort, and Gale Sondergaard.
Is The Letter (1940) worth watching?
While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, *The Letter* is a standout in the crime drama genre, thanks to its intense performances and moody atmosphere. Fans of classic noir and Davis's dramatic range will find it a compelling watch.
How long is The Letter?
The Letter is a 95-minute cinematic experience that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
🎥 Trailer
About The Letter (1940) — A Gritty Crime Drama with Bette Davis in a Role of a Lifetime
William Wyler's 1940 crime drama *The Letter* unfolds like a shadowy dance between guilt and deception set against the sultry backdrop of colonial-era Malaya. When a woman's impulsive act turns fatal, a single damning letter becomes the unraveling thread of her carefully constructed facade. Bette Davis delivers a performance drenched in simmering tension, portraying a woman whose lies risk unraveling under the weight of her own secrets. With a noir atmosphere thick with moral ambiguity, the film explores themes of passion, betrayal, and the precarious balance between desire and survival. Every frame crackles with Wyler's masterful direction, turning this into a gripping tale of crime and consequence.
James Stephenson's steely determination as the determined lawyer unraveling the truth adds another layer of suspense to this 1940 classic. The film's visual style, marked by moody lighting and evocative settings, elevates the story into something far more gripping than a simple murder mystery. Davis's portrayal of a woman caught in her own web of deceit remains one of her most unforgettable roles, cementing *The Letter* as a must-watch for fans of vintage cinematic drama.
