The Letter

The Letter

Year: 1940

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: William Wyler

DramaCrimeThrillers and murder mysteriesNoir and dark crime dramasPassion and romance

Fascinating, Tantalizing and DANGEROUS! After a woman shoots a man to death, a damning letter she wrote raises suspicions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Letter yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Letter (1940)

Trace every key event in The Letter (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Leslie Crosbie shoots Geoffrey Hammond

In a Malayan rubber plantation settlement, Leslie Crosbie fatally shoots Geoffrey Hammond, a prominent expatriate. She later claims she acted to defend her honor, insisting she did not intend to kill him. The moment marks the beginning of a complex web of cover stories and social pressure within the White community.

day of the shooting British rubber plantation, Malaya
2

Leslie is arrested and jailed in Singapore

Leslie is placed under arrest for murder and jailed in Singapore pending trial. The expatriate community largely supports her, viewing her act as heroic rather than murderous. The legal process starts as her friends and allies begin to circle around her case.

Singapore
3

Howard Joyce suspects her guilt due to a letter

Howard Joyce, the attorney, harbors doubts about Leslie's innocence. His suspicions are fueled by the possibility of a letter she wrote to Hammond that could reveal her guilt. He resolves to uncover any hidden evidence that could challenge the seemingly airtight defense.

during pre-trial Joyce's office
4

Ong Chi Seng reveals the letter and its location

Ong Chi Seng informs Joyce that a letter exists in which Leslie pleaded for Hammond to come that night. He shows Joyce a copy and explains the original is with Hammond's widow in the Chinese quarter and is for sale at a high price. This revelation introduces a tangible link to Leslie's possible guilt.

pre-trial Joyce's office, Singapore
5

Leslie confesses to writing the letter

Joyce confronts Leslie with the knowledge of the letter. She initially denies it, but eventually breaks down and confesses that she did write it. The admission deepens the conflict between social reputation and personal truth.

shortly after confrontation Joyce's office
6

Joyce arranges to buy back the letter

Joyce manipulates the situation, agreeing to buy back the original letter despite the risk to his own career. The plan aims to neutralize the threat Leslie poses to his clients and to expose potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

following confession Joyce's office
7

Joyce informs Robert about the letter's existence

Joyce informs Robert about the letter's existence, though he withholds its content and the price. This disclosure plants doubt in Robert's mind about Leslie's true nature and the costs of the legal battle ahead. The revelation tightens the trio's fragile alliance.

after agreement Robert's residence
8

Widow demands Leslie's personal appearance for payoff

Ong relays that Hammond's widow requires Leslie to come personally to finalize the payoff. This demand adds a dangerous, morally compromising element to the scheme, forcing Leslie into a dangerous face-to-face confrontation with the widow. The pressure intensifies the race against time and truth.

before release Hammond's widow's residence, Chinese quarter
9

Leslie is released to Joyce to regain her health

The court arranges Leslie's release into Joyce's custody under the pretext of regaining her health. This maneuver allows Joyce to control the narrative and orchestrate the next steps in the strategy surrounding the letter. The legal system's flexibility becomes part of the plot's tension.

before payoff Singapore court
10

Leslie retrieves the letter from the widow

Leslie travels to the Chinese quarter to obtain the letter from Hammond's widow. The exchange is laden with secrecy and risk, as the truth behind the murder edges closer to daylight. This act completes the chain of evidence that could condemn her at trial.

before acquittal Chinese quarter
11

Leslie is acquitted

With the White community’s belief in her honor and the lack of decisive proof, Leslie is acquitted at trial. Howard Joyce remains suspicious, but the jury and public sentiment swing in her favor. The acquittal shatters any remaining confidence in an easy moral resolution.

trial end Singapore court
12

Robert plans a fresh start in Sumatra

In the aftermath, Robert announces his plan to buy a rubber plantation in Sumatra to give him and Leslie a new start. He envisions a hopeful future, unaware of the full cost that lies ahead. The dream of renewal clashes with the looming consequences of past revelations.

aftermath of acquittal Crosbie residence, during a social gathering
13

Joyce reveals the true cost of the letter to Robert

Joyce informs Robert of the price required to obtain the letter, and Robert eventually reads its contents. The discovery devastates him, realizing that Leslie lied about the killing and betrayed him for years. This revelation reframes the entire relationship and its consequences.

after the announcement Robert's home
14

Leslie professes love, then confesses loyalty to Hammond

At a social gathering, Leslie swears her love to Robert, attempting to affirm loyalty. She then abruptly admits that she still loves Hammond, revealing the depth of her entanglement and the impossibility of reconciliation. The confession seals a tragic rift with Robert.

post-trial gathering Crosbie home, during the party
15

Final dagger encounter and arrest

Leslie senses the dagger on her porch and feels the impending fate it represents. She goes to the garden, where Hammond's widow appears and stabs her with the dagger while a manservant restrains Leslie. The would-be escape is thwarted by a police flashlight, and the two murderers are led away in silence.

night, after the party Garden path outside the Crosbie residence

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:34

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Letter

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Letter in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Letter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Letter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Letter, 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.

The Letter Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Letter

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Letter. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Letter

More About The Letter

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Letter: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Letter

Similar Movies to The Letter

Discover movies like The Letter that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.