A Letter To Three Wives
Romance
20th Century Fox  (1949) 103 mins NR

7.7 (2,209 votes)
Studio Classics

As three women head off on a boating trip with a group of children, they receive a letter written by a woman claiming to have stolen one of their husbands. Which one? The letter doesn't say. Faced with the prospect of a shattered life, each woman soul searches throughout the day: Deborah Bishop (Jeanne Crain) feels inadequate amidst her husband's (Jeffrey Lynn) country club set. Everyone sees Lora Mae Hollingsway (Linda Darnell) as a gold digger, including her husband (Paul Douglas). And Rita Phipps (Ann Sothern) has a career that makes her husband (Kirk Douglas) feel neglected to the point of infidelity. All three endure the anguish of uncertainty until the boat trip ends - and the truth is revealed....

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Cast and Crew
Jeanne Crain  ......  Deborah Bishop
Linda Darnell  ......  Lora Mae Hollingsway
Ann Sothern  ......  Rita Phipps
Kirk Douglas  ......  George Phipps
Hobart Cavanaugh  ......  Mr. Manleigh
Florence Bates  ......  Mrs. Manleigh
Director  .....  Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Producer  .....  Sol C. Siegel
Writer  .....  Joseph L. Mankiewicz; Vera Caspary; John Klempner
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: About 20 minutes into the film, Brad Bishop and his wife Deborah Bishop are drinking martinis in their bedroom, which are dark colored in the B&W film. Moments later, when Rita Phipps pours two drinks out of the same pitcher, the martinis are light colored. However, when Phipps hands Deborah her drink, she consumes a dark colored drink from her glass. (more)

Trivia:
This film was based on John Klempner's novel, "A Letter to Five Wives." Two wives were lost in the transition to the screen. (more)

Filming Locations:
20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA (more)

Quotes:
Porter Hollingsway: It's a man's world. Yeah! See something you want, go after it and get it! That's nature. It's why we're made strong and women weak. Strong conquer and provide for the weak. That's what a man's for! Teach our kids that, there'd be more men! (more)

Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination (more)