The Letter (1982 film)


This 1982 television movie, starring Lee Remick, Ronald Pickup, Jack Thompson, Ian McShane and Christopher Cazenove and directed by John Erman. It is the third film version of the 1927 play of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham.
It screened as part of ABC Theatre.

Production

Remick's casting was announced in April 1981. The story had been filmed twice before but Remick said "our version is different because we actually show what happened rather than relying on the woman's explanation."

Reception

The Chicago Tribune called it "wickedly wonderful."
The Los Angeles Times called it "quite remarkable...literate, sumptuously produced, beautifully acted."

Awards

Remick was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film.
The film won the Primetime Emmy Award for Cinematography for a Limited Series or a Special, Costume Design for a Special, and Art Direction for a Limited Series or a Special. Laurence Rosenthal was nominated for Music Composition for a Limited Series or a Special.