A Letter for Evie

A Letter for Evie

Year: 1946

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Jules Dassin

ComedyRomanceDrama

Evie, a uniform shirt factory worker, slips a letter into a size‑16½ shirt for a soldier after a night of frustration with coworkers and a fiancé who won’t kiss. The note reaches “Wolf” Larson, who tosses it, but his shy friend John McPherson intercepts it and pretends to be Wolf. Evie hopes to meet him; Wolf is intrigued when he sees her.

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Timeline & Setting – A Letter for Evie (1946)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Letter for Evie (1946). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II, late 1944–1945

The events unfold during the final months of World War II, when troops are deployed and families endure separation. Wartime work, military service, and the home-front atmosphere shape daily life and romantic expectations. Letters become a lifeline between lovers, and the looming front adds urgency to every decision. The story culminates as truth and sacrifice redefine devotion.

Location

New York City, Brooklyn, Europe, France

Set primarily in Brooklyn, New York, Evie works at the Trojan Shirt Co., producing Army uniforms. John eventually visits Evie in New York, and the story moves through wartime city life as letters and meetings shape the romance. The narrative also shifts to wartime Europe, including a marriage in France, reflecting the broader theater of World War II.

🗽 New York City 🏙️ Urban setting 🛠️ War-era

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:25

Main Characters – A Letter for Evie (1946)

Meet the key characters of A Letter for Evie (1946), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Phineas McPherson (Hume Cronyn)

A clever, unassuming private who falls for Evie through letters. He disguises himself to imitate Wolf, driven by love but haunted by the risk of losing Evie if his deception is uncovered. His decision to reveal the truth requires courage and self-sacrifice.

🧭 Clever 🗺️ Reserved 🤫 Secretive

Edgar 'Wolf' Larson (John Carroll)

A tall, confident ladies' man with a reputation for charm. He becomes the sudden rival to John for Evie's affection, unaware of the depth of his own connection with her. His presence exposes the gap between written words and spoken truth.

🕺 Charismatic 💪 Strong 🎭 Deceptive

Evie O'Connor (Marsha Hunt)

A New York City secretary who longs for romance and security. She bonds with Wolf through letters and learns to value genuine affection over performance. Her trust is tested by the men who claim to have written to her.

💖 Romantic 📝 Hopeful 🎀 Trusting

Barney Lee (Pamela Britton)

Evie's roommate who is drawn to John and adds a layer of humorous tension to the love triangle. She embodies the social pressures and rivalries that complicate wartime romance.

🎭 Flirtatious 🧠 Witty 🤝 Loyal

Mrs. McPherson (Spring Byington)

John's mother, a protective and nurturing figure who supports her family through wartime upheaval. She provides guidance and concern for her son's choices.

👩‍👧 Motherly 🕊️ Compassionate 🗣️ Protective

Mr. McPherson (Percival Vivian)

John's father, a practical and traditional presence who anchors the family during wartime. His outlook influences John’s sense of duty and decisions.

👨‍👣 Fatherly 🧭 Practical 🎖️ Traditional

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:25

Major Themes – A Letter for Evie (1946)

Explore the central themes of A Letter for Evie (1946), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💌 Romance & Deception

A central tension arises from letters creating an idealized image of a partner. John writes to Evie under a false identity, and the deception fuels both desire and conflict. The plot explores how love can be built on spoken or written words and what happens when the truth finally intrudes.

🪞 Identity

Dual identities drive much of the drama: John pretends to be Wolf, and Evie forms feelings for the writer rather than the man who stands before her. The film examines authenticity versus performance in romance. Ultimately, the truth about who loves whom redefines trust.

🔥 Jealousy

Jealousy erupts as John and Wolf compete for Evie's affection. The rivalry prompts bold actions, deception, and protective schemes. The tension illustrates how intense emotions can disrupt relationships during wartime separation.

💔 Sacrifice

John chooses to protect both men's honor and Evie's happiness by pretending to be dead, a selfless act meant to spare pain. He sacrifices his own truth to preserve love. Evie ultimately recognizes the true lover through this ultimate gesture.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:25

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A Letter for Evie Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Letter for Evie, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Letter for Evie Summary

A Letter for Evie Timeline

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A Letter for Evie Timeline

More About A Letter for Evie

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A Letter for Evie (1946) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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A Letter for Evie (1946) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow