Letter of Introduction (1938)
“A father, a daughter, and a secret kept too long.”
Streamed free from the Internet Archive · no signup, no cost — this film is in the public domain.
Synopsis
John M. Stahl's warm comedy-drama stars Adolphe Menjou as an aging actor whose estranged daughter, played by Andrea Leeds, arrives in his life. The film famously features ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, fresh off radio stardom. It mixes backstage sentiment with show-business comedy.
Cast
About the Director
John M. Stahl — John M. Stahl, a specialist in glossy emotional drama, balanced the father-daughter sentiment with crowd-pleasing variety comedy, giving generous screen time to Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy at the peak of their fame.
Why It’s Free: The Public-Domain Story
The film entered the US public domain in 1966 because the copyright claimants failed to renew the registration in the 28th year after its 1938 publication. The non-renewal applies to the Universal film.
Behind the Scenes
Universal built the picture partly around radio sensation Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy, then enormously popular, blending a sentimental backstage drama with the comedy acts of the day.
Did You Know?
- Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy appear as themselves, capitalizing on their radio fame.
- Andrea Leeds had just earned an Oscar nomination for Stage Door (1937).
- Director John M. Stahl later made the noir-tinged classic Leave Her to Heaven (1945).
Reception & Legacy
Audiences responded to the Bergen-McCarthy novelty and the Menjou-Leeds sentiment, making it a solid draw. Critics considered it pleasant if slight, and it survives largely thanks to its public-domain availability.
Wives Under Suspicion
Behind Office Doors
Sinners in Paradise
Kept Husbands