Six years after exploding to stardom in Of Human Bondage, Bette Davis equaled that excitement with another W. Somerset Maugham role as an adulteress using her sexual wiles to escape a murder conviction in The Letter. The film throbs with sultry tension thanks to Davis, an impeccable supporting cast, atmospheric cinematography and the artistry of three-time Academy Award winner* William Wyler, Davis' director on Jezebel and The Little Foxes. Nominated for seven Oscars , including Best Picture, Actress, Director and Supporting Actor, The Letter remains one of Hollywood's most special deliveries, a peerless example of melodrama as movie art. - Woman in Malaya kills man, lies to husband and lawyer.