The Letter

In British Malaya, wife Leslie Crosbie sends her husband's business partner, Geoff Hammond, away with a letter and then shoots him dead. When the letter is discovered to be a love confession, Leslie's husband, Robert, must decide whether to protect his wife from the legal consequences or expose her deception, all while dealing with the ramifications of the letter's contents and the arrival of its recipient's vengeful widow.

The Letter was met with critical acclaim, particularly for Bette Davis's performance. While some critics noted the melodrama, the film's suspenseful plot and strong acting were widely praised.

• Bette Davis delivers a powerhouse performance, anchoring the film with her intense portrayal of a manipulative and desperate woman.

• The film masterfully builds suspense and explores themes of deception, love, and the consequences of actions.

• William Wyler's direction is sharp, creating a palpable atmosphere of tension and moral ambiguity.

Google audience: Viewers praised the film's gripping narrative and Bette Davis's unforgettable performance. Many found the story compelling and its exploration of morality captivating, though some noted its age.

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Bette Davis. It won none.

Bette Davis was reputedly unhappy with the original ending where her character gets away with murder, and fought to have it changed to a more tragic conclusion, though the studio ultimately prevailed and kept the original ending.