Performance & Direction: The Letter Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Letter (1940) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Letter features a noteworthy lineup led by Bette Davis . Supported by the likes of Herbert Marshall and James Stephenson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Letter (1940) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: The Letter
Quick Plot Summary: The Letter is a Crime, Drama film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Letter
Ending Breakdown: The Letter resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Letter reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Letter Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Letter incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Letter adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Letter?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: The Letter
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Letter Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Letter Parents Guide & Age Rating
1940 AdvisoryWondering about The Letter age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Letter is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Letter stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Letter worth watching?
The Letter is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Letter parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Letter identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Letter?
The total duration of The Letter is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Letter
How The Letter Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Letter
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
