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Poster for A Letter to Three Wives

A Letter to Three Wives

Seen it?

1949 | 103 min | Romance, Drama, Mystery

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 2 Oscars. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and romantics. If you loved Brief Encounter or Little Children, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A letter is addressed to three wives from their 'best friend', announcing that she's running away with one of their husbands – but she doesn't specify which one.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 2 Oscars: Best Director, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $5 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 74K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

  • Ann SothernRita Phipps
  • Linda DarnellLora Mae Hollingsway
  • Jeanne CrainDeborah Bishop
  • Kirk DouglasGeorge Phipps
  • Paul DouglasPorter Hollingsway
  • Jeffrey LynnBradford 'Brad' Bishop
  • Barbara LawrenceGeorgiana 'Babe' Finney
  • Connie GilchristMrs. Ruby Finney
  • Florence BatesMrs. Manleigh
  • Hobart CavanaughMr. Manleigh