The Letter
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Movie Reviews of The Letter
Movie Review: indictment of infidelity
Summary: 5 Stars
though not a big Bette Davis fan, there are several films that were absolute masterpieces. Davis seemes to deliver one of her greatest performances when assuming the role of the quintessential 'bitch'. among these are: "The Little Foxes", "Mr. Skeffington" and this one (The Letter).
"The Letter" is an absolute masterpiece in cinema. the film boasts a rare shocking opening scene. this is the first pairing of Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall, a great actor in his own merit. this film will not disappoint. from the opener to the conclusion, it keeps one fully engrossed. a true masterpiece in the indictment of infidelity and murder.
as for the DVD, the transfer is excellent along with the sound. one complaint, however: the alleged alternate conclusion in the Special Features isn't really an alternate conclusion, but an edited version of the original ending.
Movie Review: One of Davis' best
Summary: 4 Stars
Herbert Marshall is his usual stiff and stoic self, but it is Bette Davis's uncharacteristically unmannered and understated performance that makes this melo-mystery completely compelling for its entire 95 minutes. From the dynamic opening scene, we are drawn into this cunning story with above average direction from William Wyler and a superior supporting cast. There is also an excellent and unsual economy of plot and dialogue absent from many films of its day/genre. There is an Alternate Ending, theatrical and two great radio broadcasts among the Special Features. As a Somerset Maugham fan, I especially appreciate this great movie adaptation of his work.Movie Review: "If you love a person, you can forgive anything."
Summary: 5 Stars
Bette Davis stands out as the grande dame of the forties' in this stunning black and white drama set in Malaysia on a rubber plantation. In superb form, Leslie Crosbie (Davis), the wife of the plantation owner portrays an accused murderer on trial for her life after shooting an intruder who made unwanted advances while her husband (Herbert Marshall) was away on business. Covering up a secret long tem affair with her victim, Leslie claims self-defense, managing to fool her social circle, remaining distant throughout the trial, fans spinning away the oppressive heat of the courtroom. Her attorney (James Stephenson) has mounted a simple defense. All goes well until the appearance of an incriminating letter, held by the Eurasian woman Leslie's lover rejected her for, an exotic and unforgiving creature who has been induced to sell the letter to Leslie and her attorney for an exorbitant amount.
Skillfully feigning innocence until confronted with the proof of her extra-marital affair, Leslie attempts to manipulate the emotions of her attorney, but to no avail, her fainting spells and huge pleading eyes an insufficient deterrent in his justified outrage. Appealing to his loyalty and respect for her husband, Leslie encourages her lawyer to purchase the letter that will surely damn her in the jury's eyes, knowing that this is a felonious offense and he can be disbarred should his involvement be discovered. Ever the pragmatist, Leslie is willing to save her own life at the expense of her lawyer's integrity and her husband's honor. There is one caveat to the sale: Leslie must accompany the attorney to Chinatown to face the woman in order to affect the exchange, terms Leslie accepts. Released to the care of the lawyer, Leslie arrives in Chinatown under the cover of night, passing through the crowded streets unnoticed. At the time of the exchange, the woman is imperious, demanding that Leslie approach to receive the letter, which she drops at the perfidious woman's feet, hatred seething in her eyes.
Leslie is found not guilty but undone by her own refusal to deny the passion that caused the death of her lover. Unable to lie to her husband, who must be told of the money taken from his account, Leslie faces his hurt with equanimity, knowing he will forgive her any deed. Indeed, he is willing; it is Leslie who cannot deny her lover, who is still tormented by the rejection that brought about her crime of passion. Distraught, she wanders into the night garden of their estate, stepping just outside the gates, where she is confronted by the silent Eurasian woman and her companion. In the background, strains of music pierce the air, the celebration party in full swing. The Letter (1940) is a perfect vehicle for Davis, her dramatic flair never more evident than when in danger of exposure, manipulating those around her in the name of expedience. From the stark opening scene, Davis is the focus of attention and deservedly so. The film nominated for a number of Oscars, William Wyler showcases Davis' considerable talents in a drama of love and betrayal, as one woman's ungovernable passion taints not only her life but those around her, only to fall victim to her own demons, vintage Davis at her most magnificent, still powerful seventy years later. Luan Gaines/ 2006.
Movie Review: ACTING WITH BELLS ON!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Now Bette. Even today, decades after her death, Davis' contribution to cinema can never be over-looked. Hers (and Garbo's) are the names one mentions first when great acting is discussed. The 30's and early 40's are Bette Davis' golden era. Her method of acting is of the highest order that even today, with the exception of Meryl Streep, her performances are considered the best ever captured on screen. The intensity of her acting could burn her at the stake.
This film always makes it to the top films of the century. It is Davis' film all the way, from the moment she made her grand entrance shooting Newell ,down to her pulsating eyes revealing pent-up frustration and anger as a lover who was burned. Davis' performance is simply superb, a must-see for those who want to analyse the craft of professional acting. Davis is the consummate actress.
Even her English accent is flawless (something she has mastered/mustered on "On Human Bondage"). This film is almost 70 years old but doesn't date a bit. It is marvelously directed with a breathneck pace, but ultimately satisfying.
Key scenes for Davis fans and non-fans alike; Lesley fainting when the letter was read to her by her lawyer, dropping to her knees to the Eurasian widow ...and lastly, her immortal lines she uttered to her husband: "with all my heart I still love the man I killed!." Clearly,this film was flawlessly performed by an actress not contented with just two Oscars. Smoulderingly perfect.
Movie Review: Very Good Film, worst of the Davis Box set releases
Summary: 3 Stars
I won't comment on the film itself, since at this point you've probably read some of the reviews or you could go to imdb to read about the film itself.
As for the DVD itself, I must say it is rather disappointing, since it came in the Bette Davis box set with 4 others that didn't have the annoying things that are on this disc. I will second the complaint(s) about the trailer. Upon inserting the dvd, I got a widescreen (letterboxed) trailer in color for a recent release which was significantly louder than the soundtrack for the film. I was able to stop it and go to the menu, but it does seem that someone did not take as much care in putting together this release as they did for the others. There was also a big hair in the top portion of the screen for a good 3 minutes or so (which seems more oversight than film damage), though otherwise the print looked excellent. Another annoyance was that during the opening & closing credits the film is presented in letter boxed format, even though it's full frame. Then when the action begins the frame fills to the top of the screen. This is really distracting & quite annoyed me at first since I had thought they letterboxed a full frame film. The sound quality is also a mixed bag. Midway through the film, particularly in the scene where Bette & the lawyer visit the "pawn shop" the dialogue is inaudible. I had to turn my receiver to almost 10 to hear it. The inclusion of the alternate ending is nice, but there is no context in which to place it. Was there 2 theatrical releases? did someone change their mind? There's no commentary, liner notes or documentary bits on the making of the film or its release to give you any idea what the story is on the alternate ending.