This compelling (atmospheric) mystery romance drama is a Cyrano de Bergerac-type story from Chris Massie with a screenplay by Ayn Rand; it was directed by William Dieterle.Jennifer Jones plays Victoria, who falls in love with the author of the titled "love letters"; she thinks Roger Morland (Robert Sully) wrote them, but actually it was his friend and fellow officer Alan Quinton (Joseph Cotten) who penned the letters on his behalf. She marries Roger but when Victoria learns the truth, she is disillusioned and is soon convicted of her husband's murder. Since she was simultaneously stricken with amnesia, and now thinks her name is Singleton, she is soon released into the care of a friend named Dilly Carson (Ann Richards).Some time later, Alan returns from the war via a sanitarium. He learns of his friend's death and visits the small town where the letters had been sent. At a party, he meets Dilly and later, somewhat inebriated, recounts the story of his friend and the letters. Of course, Dilly knows the story; she's grown to like Alan but she's also weary of the possibilities and danger of exposing the truth to Singleton.Alan returns to live at his Aunt's house which is still being kept by Mack (Cecil Kellaway). Not really recovered from the pain of the war, Alan breaks his engagement with his fiancée Helen (Anita Louise). But he's intrigued by the mystery of his friend Roger's death, so he researches it and finds that his wife had been the murderer. He's also always wanted to meet the woman to whom he'd written the letters because he'd always been curious about her.Of course, Alan meets Singleton and the two fall in love. Dilly warns Alan not to tell Singleton that she is actually Victoria, the person Singleton believes is Alan's lost love. When Alan and Singleton marry, her curiosity prompts a self discovery of her own, which is enabled when her aged "parent" Beatrice Remington (Gladys Cooper) returns the area. Beatrice had adopted orphan Victoria and had actually been the one who'd murdered Roger, to protect her former charge, before she'd suffered from a stroke and had been unable to testify at the trial. All this comes rushing back to Singleton when she happens upon the old house where she finds Beatrice; Alan arrives just in time to complete the connection, for himself and her.Reginald Denny and Ian Wolfe (uncredited) also plays roles in this film which earned Jones a Best Actress Academy Award nomination; its B&W Art Direction-Set Decoration, title Song, and Score were also Oscar nominated.

This is an early "end of world war II" movie. The war is over and now the returning soldiers are trying to put their lives in order again.Mostly set in a very rural part of England (Devon perhaps?). Cotton plays an emotionally scared veteran who tries to make amends for the wrong he has done, though it is really just a coincidence that he runs into the woman he somewhat inadvertently deceived (by writing letters on behalf of another man).Jennifer Jones is quite good in this role that demands a youthful innocence. It sure doesn't hurt that she is a very beautiful young woman.Good scenery and a good early effort at showing the true emotional cost of war on the vets who survive it.

This is one of the 4 (successful) pairings of Joseph Cotten and Jennifer Jones. The latter receiving 3 Oscar nominations for her (their?) efforts (including this one). The debonair Cotten and the delightful Jones are perfectly cast. The title of the film provides the "connecting thread" for our seemingly doomed lovers. This mystery/love story is a "grabber" beginning to end. The film is a cornucopia of actions and emotions. The English countryside is very effective for this tale. The inevitability of their fates is obvious, but it's a very long and twisted road to get there....... and a very enjoyable road too...Joseph Cotten at his best, Jennifer Jones at her best, and a fine supporting cast... A MUST SEE...

This is one of my favorite movies of all times. Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten once again create magic and enchantment together on the screen. It also features magnificent performances by Ann Richards, Gladys Cooper, and Cecil Kellaway. "Love Letters" has everything a true Hollywood classic needs: romance, suspense, a surprise ending and of course, wonderful actors. I give "Love Letters" a 10!~