The 13th Letter
The 13th Letter

Movie spotlight

The 13th Letter

1951
Movie
85 min
English

A new doctor in a quiet Quebec town sparks rumors and accusations when anonymous letters allege an affair with a married woman.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Otto PremingerGenres: Film Noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious epidemic strikes the small town of Port Augustine, leading to the death of Dr. Johnathan Clark. His associate, Dr. Christopher Gaultier, takes over the practice and finds himself drawn into a web of deceit involving a beautiful woman and a shadowy secret society. As Gaultier investigates the circumstances surrounding Clark's death, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the entire town.

Critical Reception

While not one of Otto Preminger's most celebrated films, 'The 13th Letter' is often seen as an intriguing, atmospheric entry into the film noir genre. Critics at the time noted its suspenseful plot and moody visuals, though some found the narrative somewhat convoluted. Modern reviews generally acknowledge its place in Preminger's filmography as a stylish, if somewhat lesser-known, thriller.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its noir atmosphere and suspense.

  • Some criticism for a complex or confusing plot.

  • Appreciated for Linda Darnell's performance and the directorial style.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the picturesque town of Quebec City, Canada, which provided a unique and atmospheric setting for the mystery.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This film is probably more notable for it's distinctive voices than for it's action or story. You can instantly recognise the dulcet tones of Charles Boyer and Michael Rennie long before we get into the nitty gritty of what is quite a compl...