By Tiffany Unscripted
The phrase “who needs enemies with friends like you” must have come in the minds of Deborah, Lora, and Rita, the main characters of 1949 American romantic drama film A Letter to Three Wives.
The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starred Jeanne Crain as Deborah Bishop, Linda Darnell as Lora Mae Hollingsway, and Ann Sothern as Rita Phipps. The film was a huge success and Joseph L. Mankiewicz was highly praised for his direction. He bagged the Oscar for Best director and also got the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay. Directors Guild of America also recognized the genius that is Joseph L. Mankiewicz by awarding him the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures award.
Fun Fact: Anne Baxter's character was named Martha, but Baxter’s segment was cut from the film.
The story begins with a messenger on a bicycle handing three friends – Lora May Hollingsway, Deborah Bishop, and Rita Phipps – a letter from their friend, Addie Ross, informing them that she has run off with one of their husbands. Addie, however, leaves them and us in suspense as to which one.
Fun Fact: The actress who played Addie was kept a secret until the film’s release. The studio held several “Who is Addie?” contests. Contestants were asked to identify the actress. Celeste Holm did the voice-over for Addie Ross.
After this event, all three marriages are shown in a flashback to be extremely strained. Growing up on a farm, Deborah was disconnected from the outside world until she joined the Navy Waves during World War II. She met her future husband, Brad (Jeffrey Lynn), during her tour. Returning to civilian life wasn’t an easy transition for Deborah, who always felt like an outsider in Brad’s high society social circles. Raised on a farm and completely insecure, her insecurities intensify when she learns that everyone expected Brad to have married Addie.
However, Rita, who is one of Brad’s high society friends, comforts Deborah by telling the story of her husband George, who is a school teacher and feels emasculated because Rita earns a lot more money than him.
Meanwhile, there’s Lora May Hollingsway, the 1940s definition of a golddigger. She’s obsessed with creating a better life for herself. Lora married her boss, Porter (Paul Douglas), an older man and the wealthy owner of a statewide chain of departmental stores.
Fun Fact: John Klempner’s 1946 novel, “A Letter to Five Wives,” was the inspiration for the film.
After watching this film, I was just in awe. Joseph L. Mankiewicz brilliantly handled the execution of developing three highly strung characters who all want happiness. As a viewer, you develop a deep understanding of the three wives and their relationship with their husbands. It’s brilliantly structured to keep you in suspense until the very end. I really enjoyed the movie and would recommend this to everyone who is looking for some good storytelling.
Tiffany Unscripted is the Managing Editor of Your Film Review at Occhi Magazine. She manages a small team of writers that cover all genres of movies, including writing featured articles on trending topics. In addition to writing, they cover live events, such as film premieres and screenings all across the country.
She especially enjoys the opportunity to meet emerging talent who enjoy sharing their passion, journey, challenges, and success with our readers. You can learn more about Your Film Review at OcchiMagazine.com.