Cast
View All
John Forsythe
as Paul Anderson
Jane Powell
as Elaine Anderson
Lesley Ann Warren
as Laura Reynolds
Dina Merrill
as Penelope Parkington
Leslie Nielsen
as Derek Childs
Barbara Stanwyck
as Geraldine Parkington
Pamela Franklin
as Karen Forrester
Ida Lupino
as Mrs. Forrester
Ben Murphy
as Joe Randolph
Henry Jones
as Mailman
Trish Mahoney
as Stewardess
Gary Dubin
as Paul Jr.
Mia Bendixsen
as Lisa
Gilchrist Stuart
as Michael
Orville Sherman
as Minister
Crew
Director
- Gene Nelson
- Paul Krasny
Writer
- Ellis Marcus
- Hal Sitowitz
- James G. Hirsch
Producer
- Paul Junger Witt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Letters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gene Nelson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Letters took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Letters shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Eclipse, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Letters subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Cow Belles and Welcome Home explore similar territory, The Letters stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 3, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 14m
