| The Letter | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jean de Limur |
| Produced by | Monta Bell |
| Written by | Monta Bell Mort Blumenstock Jean de Limur Garrett Fort W. Somerset Maugham (play) |
| Starring | Jeanne Eagels O. P. Heggie Reginald Owen Herbert Marshall Irene Browne |
| Cinematography | George J. Folsey |
| Editing by | Monta Bell Jean de Limur |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
| Release date(s) | April 13, 1929 |
| Running time | 65 min. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
The Letter (1929) is a talkie film which was made in both silent and talking versions by Paramount Pictures, and was considered a "lost film" until recently when it was found and restored. Adapted by Monta Bell, Mort Blumenstock, Jean de Limur and Garrett Fort from the 1927 play The Letter by W. Somerset Maugham, the film tells the story of a married woman who kills a male friend, and at her trial tries to convince the court of her innocence. The film stars Jeanne Eagels, O.P. Heggie, Reginald Owen and Herbert Marshall, and is directed by Jean de Limur. Eagels was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the married woman and Bette Davis was later to receive an Oscar nomination for playing the same role in William Wyler's 1940 remake in which Herbert Marshall again appeared.
