Letter of Introduction (1938)

An aging actor, trying to make a comeback on Broadway, is surprised when his estranged daughter shows up. It seems that she is an actress and is also trying to make it on Broadway. He tries... See full summary »

Director:

John M. Stahl

Writers:

Bernice Boone (story), Sheridan Gibney,

Stars:

Adolphe Menjou, Andrea Leeds, George Murphy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adolphe Menjou	...	John Mannering
Andrea Leeds	...	Katherine 'Kay' Martin
George Murphy	...	Barry Paige
Edgar Bergen	...	Himself
Charlie McCarthy	...	Charlie McCarthy - dummy
Mortimer Snerd	...	Mortimer Snerd - dummy
Rita Johnson	...	Honey
Ann Sheridan	...	Lydia Hoyt
Ernest Cossart	...	Andrews, the Butler
Frank Jenks	...	Joe, theatre prompter
Eve Arden	...	Cora Phelps
Jonathan Hale	...	Lou Woodstock
Constance Moore	...	Autograph Seeker
Frances Robinson	...	Hatcheck Girl
Eleanor Hansen	...	Stagestruck Girl

Storyline

An aging actor, trying to make a comeback on Broadway, is surprised when his estranged daughter shows up. It seems that she is an actress and is also trying to make it on Broadway. He tries to re-establish his relationship with her while also trying to hide the fact that she is his daughter from the press.

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Plot Keywords:

actor | puppet

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Taglines:

Truly Great Entertainment - Great in theme...great in cast...and the great scalawag Charlie McCarthy

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 August 1938 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ajánlólevél

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Edgar Bergen: I don't think that's very funny.
Charlie McCarthy: You don't?
Edgar Bergen: No.
Charlie McCarthy: Well then, why did you make me say it?
Edgar Bergen: Oh, I see.
Charlie McCarthy: [Aside] That kills him, yes.
[to Bergen]
Charlie McCarthy: Uh, you're not so clever either, Mr. Bergen.
Edgar Bergen: Oh, I'm not?
Charlie McCarthy: No, I can see your lips move.
[...]

User Reviews

Fine Cast, Interesting Story

The fine cast and the interesting story in "Letter of Introduction" go together well, making it an enjoyable and sometimes thoughtful movie. The characters are interestingly quirky while remaining believable, and the story gets quite a bit out of a relatively simple setup.

Adolphe Menjou and Andrea Leeds are both well cast in the leading roles, as a father and daughter who try to keep their relationship hidden as they work together on the stage. Menjou is always enjoyable to watch in this kind of role, as something of a scamp who nevertheless has a caring heart. Leeds makes good use of her innocence and earnestness. As the central relationship in the story, their two characters also make a nice change of pace from the more conventional setups in comedies of this kind.

The supporting cast likewise features plenty of talent. In particular, Edgar Bergen and Charlie get some of the best lines, Eve Arden is well-suited to her role, and Ernest Cossart seems right at home as Menjou's butler.

Everything fits together well, and in addition to providing some entertaining moments, it includes the kind of drama that makes you think along with the characters and ask yourself what you might do in the same situation.