Noir is a genre populated with shady dames and murky morals. Even in the back alley's of film noir, however, rarely has a femme been quite so fatale as Leslie Crosby in 1940's The Letter. In her hypnotic performance Bette Davis' Lesley personifies the all too real evil that lives among us. Bridging the gap between melodrama and noir this film acts as a gritty legal thriller and compelling character study in human cruelty. For one of Davis' most memorable performances open The Letter.
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| A clear cut case of self-defense |
The story begins on a rubber plantation in Malaysia as British expatriate Leslie Crosby shoots a man on the steps of her home. It is soon revealed that the victim was a friend of Leslie husband, Robert, fellow expat Geoff Hammond. While Leslie maintains that she shot Hammond in self-defense during an attempted rape, she is arrested and her case is brought to trial. Although her fellow expats hail her as a heroine her attorney, family friend Howard Joyce, is skeptical of her story. Howard's suspicions are confirmed when his clerk informs him that Hammond's wife, an unnamed local woman, possesses a salacious letter Leslie wrote to Hammond. In an effort to protect his client Howard acts against his own conscience and sets out to buy the letter from Hammond's widow and ensure that neither Robert nor the jury learn of his client's sordid past. What ensues is a noirish legal thriller that takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the heart of a killer.
Through its dark subject matter, morally compromised characters, and expressionist cinematography The Letter stands as one of the earliest examples of film noir. Even in its place at the forefront of the genre, however, the film manages to defy genre conventions by challenging viewer expectations as well as the norms of its era. While noir typically exposes the dark side of the modern metropolis The Letter is set on the exotic shores of Malaysia. Similarly, the film follows society's elites rather than its dregs. As a result, the film's depiction of human nature at its most brutal is all the more shocking. In this way, the film highlights the fact that all too often the greatest evil is that which is within our own midst. The film also defies the norms of its era through the ways in which it subverts both gender and racial stereotypes. While many post-Hays Code films depicted female characters in an idealized light The Letter harkens back to Hollywood's pre-censorship era in its portrayal of Leslie. While she outwardly seems to personify society's ideals, the film slowly reveals Leslie to be one of the most self-serving, callous, and calculating individuals ever put to celluloid. Similarly, the film begins with what appears to be a stereotypical portrayal of the Malaysian workers employed on Robert's plantation. Over time, however, the film inverts these stereotypes by portraying its Malaysian characters, particularly Hammond's wife, with a dignity and humanity that escapes their British counterparts. In this way, the film exposes the hypocrisies of both its characters and the colonial society in which they live. Even as it seems to bend the noir genre at every turn the film captures the dark heart of the genre. For a look at noir at its most unique take the stand with Leslie in The Letter.
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| Not at all ominous... |
The film transports viewers into the jungles of Malaysia and the soul of a sinner thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Sen Yung infuses Howard's clerk, Ong Chi Seng with cool cunning. Herbert Marshall aptly portrays Robert with humility, charm, and warmth. James Stephenson imbues Howard with intelligence, and portrays his moral conflict with nuance. Gale Sondergaard steals each scene in which he appears in a virtually silent performance as Hammond's vengeful wife that is nothing short of haunting. Even in the midst of stellar supporting performances the film belongs to Bette Davis. In Davis' hands what could have been a melodramatic turn is instead a chilling portrait of humanity at its most ruthless. One viewing will remind viewers why Bette Davis is still considered one of Hollywood's all time greats.
At once a tense courtroom drama, a gritty noir, and a character study, The Letter is a classic that defies genre limits. Through its intelligent and nuanced script the film brings Maugham's stage drama to visceral life. The all star performances infuse each of its characters with depth, complexity, and realism. Kick back with a cool classic and tear open The Letter.
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| With all my heart I still love the man I killed! |
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