The Letter (1929)

Academy Awards, USA 1930

Nominated Oscar

Best Actress in a Leading Role Jeanne Eagels No official nominees had been announced this year.

Paramount Pictures
Directed by Jean de Limur
My rating: 2 stars out of 4
IMDb
(Turner Classic Movies)

Jeanne Eagels is a bored housewife living on a remote Asian rubber plantation. One night she murders her lover in a rage of jealousy. During the ensuing trial she claims self defense and is acquitted. However, a letter she wrote to her lover asking him over on the fatal night is in the hands of his lover, who wants both cash and revenge. They meet in an atmospheric den in the sex district of Singapore where Eagels is shamed in front of the girls. She gives the letter to her lawyer who eventually turns it over to her husband. The final speech of Eagels to her husband is hilarious, crying "Rubber! Rubber! Rubber!" and confessing to all her transgressions. The remake starring Bette Davis in 1940 is vastly superior.