Betty Davis in The Letter - old movie still exciting. Thank you for these audiobooks! I have been a Maugham fan for 60 years & didn't know he had written so many short stories. This is wonderful.
It's an AI reading, hence the occasional odd timing of words and emphasis the, overly correct pronunciation and the weird female voice. The slight breaks here and there give a somewhat robotic feel too. I could be wrong though!
@@sanjchirosadly I think you're right. There's something artificial about his voice, and an unsettling tempo in the speech. I'll find other authentic narrators online. It's a pity.
I was hoping there would be further intrigue with the realization that the Chinese woman was blackmailing Hammond with his secret affair. Leslie had murdered the man who loved her.
Such rich descriptions… taking the time to build characters, scenes and cultural differences…. And then the unspooling of the treachery! Love being able to listen to good literature as I go about my daily chores!
I agree with that, but as a retired English prof, married to another retired English prof, with centuries of literature between us, I must inform you that Maugham doesn't rank high in the canon of "English Literature" (which is a choosy sort of thing--very questionable of course). Why is Maugham regarded by many as a writer of lower quality than other known writers in English? It's his surfaces. He records so many facts along with his fiction, that it's easy for critics to view him as "dated" and "of his time," completely missing his polished storytelling genius and his brilliant insight into cultural clashes that he serves up whole, as if under glass! A magnifying glass. Maugham offers his stories to readers, hoping against hope that his readers can learn life from them. In this sense, he remains relevant, credible--and in the company of Dickens, George Eliot and Wilde.
@@tandyjen absolutely… we just finished Of Human Bondage… it was a difficult book to listen because such strong emotions coupled with Philip’s sensitivities until the last section… Maugham’s skill conveyed all of this masterfully.
There was a rather good TV version of this story in 1981 starring Lee Remick. It's different from the fine Bette Davis version, but good stories and well written characters deserve more than one interpretation.
I believe THE LETTER was my introduction to Somerset many many years ago. I have since read many of his novels and short stories, but alas, there are still some I have yet to read. Hopefully they will be amongst those you upload. Thank you!
There was an earlier 'The Letter' film, an early 'talkie' with the legendary Jeanne Eagels, who was posthumously nominated for an Oscar. Sadly, she died young at 39. Jeanne Eagles was made a huge star when she starred in 'Rain' in 1922 on Broadway, another story by Somerset Maugham Strangely, Herbert Marshall, who played Bettes husband in 1940 'The Letter' played the lover/victim role in the 1929 'The Letter'...! 'The Letter' was Marshall's 1st American film, he starred with Bette again in the marvelous film 'The Little Foxes', 1941. Bette is one of my favorite actresses ever, she always delivered. ❤️
@@poorthingHerbert Marshall was such a good actor and he breaks your heart in both The Letter and The Little Foxes. Perfect when he's working with Bette Davis.
I really did want to listen to this story, but having to get up to push the skip commercial button every few seconds I soon tired of the process and turned it off
I don't know what your financial situation is but if possible I really recommend UA-cam premium. I cancelled it one time as I forgot how annoying the ads were but started up about two days later. The best thing imo is turning on a story then turning of the screen at bed time. Really helped with the old insomnia.
@@pakde8002 Thank You for reaching out to me. I'm old and living on a fixed income and pretty much computer illiterate. Is this UA-cam premium expensive ? If I can afford it, how do I get signed up ? Thank You Dave B.
After having YT Premium for some time I can't imagine going back to being interrupted by ads. If you watch with any regularity it is really worth it, and you can try a free trial to evaluate for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the short story. Hollywood took hold and made sure Leslie paid for her sins. If you haven't seen the movie with Betty Davis and Herbert Marshall--I recommend it highly.
Really? I haven't seen the movie (yet) but if Hollywood made her pay for her sins a) I'm unsurprised and b) I think it's a travesty! Surely it was important to Maugham that his heroine got away with her crime--because that's the way of the world. Clearly, he was trying to make a point about the world not being the way it's supposed to be...
Thankyou for posting these short stories from the great Somerset Maugham..The Colonial World long gone..Can anyone tell me who drew the beautiful illustrations
This is a wonderful story, which I believe Maugham based on true events he heard about. Such a pity about the AI narration, but even that can't spoil it. And, like others, I thought Bette Davis was superb in the film.
Picky picky - in his office Joyce was not looking at his client. He was looking at his client,s husband. A lawyer’s client is not the one who may be paying the bill.
Torment there - Disloyal - destruction - violation of sanctity. Lies of 1 person out of control - no remorse. Well authored the truth of capabilities of one least suspected until they saw the mask off-ghastly ugly.
Sounds like AI with some odd intonation and pronunciations. The man who couldn't say R only L in the word friend would have said FLEND not Fly-end. If it was written Fliend in the original text then an AI would have pronounced it the latter way, but a human would understand it would have been pronounced Flend. Overall not bad for AI but things like this are distracting.
...was still a time when a non-racist writer could nevertheless teach us about racism. That's what Maugham is doing! Throw not the baby out with the bathwater.
Betty Davis in The Letter - old movie still exciting. Thank you for these audiobooks! I have been a Maugham fan for 60 years & didn't know he had written so many short stories. This is wonderful.
Excellent reading of this great author. Thank you x
Isn't this done with AI?
It must be or the mock Chinese 'fliend' wouldn't turn into a 'fly-ant', every single time but one. Good story but horrid narration
It's an AI reading, hence the occasional odd timing of words and emphasis the, overly correct pronunciation and the weird female voice. The slight breaks here and there give a somewhat robotic feel too. I could be wrong though!
@@sanjchirosadly I think you're right. There's something artificial about his voice, and an unsettling tempo in the speech. I'll find other authentic narrators online. It's a pity.
@@MM-uv6kb good luck 😊
Excellent reading! My favorite Maugham story….thank you for the download!
I was hoping there would be further intrigue with the realization that the Chinese woman was blackmailing Hammond with his secret affair. Leslie had murdered the man who loved her.
Such rich descriptions… taking the time to build characters, scenes and cultural differences…. And then the unspooling of the treachery! Love being able to listen to good literature as I go about my daily chores!
More people should raise their reading level to Literature.
I agree with that, but as a retired English prof, married to another retired English prof, with centuries of literature between us, I must inform you that Maugham doesn't rank high in the canon of "English Literature" (which is a choosy sort of thing--very questionable of course). Why is Maugham regarded by many as a writer of lower quality than other known writers in English? It's his surfaces. He records so many facts along with his fiction, that it's easy for critics to view him as "dated" and "of his time," completely missing his polished storytelling genius and his brilliant insight into cultural clashes that he serves up whole, as if under glass! A magnifying glass. Maugham offers his stories to readers, hoping against hope that his readers can learn life from them. In this sense, he remains relevant, credible--and in the company of Dickens, George Eliot and Wilde.
@@tandyjen absolutely… we just finished Of Human Bondage… it was a difficult book to listen because such strong emotions coupled with Philip’s sensitivities until the last section… Maugham’s skill conveyed all of this masterfully.
Isn't Maugham just amazing the way he creates these captivating stories?
Such an excellent story. Thank you.
So many years since I read this short story. What a great writer and narration is excellent.
This was a great movie and just loved Bette Davies playing the lead.
One of my very favorite!
There was a rather good TV version of this story in 1981 starring Lee Remick. It's different from the fine Bette Davis version, but good stories and well written characters deserve more than one interpretation.
Better Davis real life sucked.
And that's how it really feels.
I believe THE LETTER was my introduction to Somerset many many years ago. I have since read many of his novels and short stories, but alas, there are still some I have yet to read. Hopefully they will be amongst those you upload. Thank you!
Very atmospheric film.with Bette Davis in it , love SM 's story telling ❤
I always loved Somerset and these readings have been perfect. Thank you
I’ve been enjoying this series a lot, thanks for posting it🙂
Spidery woman, weaves a needlepoint web to catch her fly, but finds herself instead caught in the unforgiving gossamer she wove.
Thank you very much for sharing 💙💙💙
Well read. Marvelous descriptions, thanks!
Comme francophone, j’ai adoré la lecture de ce texte. Très bien prononcé ce qui en facilite la compréhension. Merci !
C'est IA ma chère.
How powerful to hear the original story at last!
Truly enjoyed this story. Narrator excellent!!
I love this story. Bette Davis was perfect in the movie.
There was an earlier 'The Letter' film, an early 'talkie' with the legendary Jeanne Eagels,
who was posthumously nominated for an Oscar. Sadly, she died young at 39.
Jeanne Eagles was made a huge star when she starred in 'Rain' in 1922 on Broadway, another story by Somerset Maugham
Strangely, Herbert Marshall, who played Bettes husband in 1940 'The Letter' played the lover/victim role in the 1929 'The Letter'...!
'The Letter' was Marshall's 1st American film, he starred with Bette again in the marvelous
film 'The Little Foxes', 1941.
Bette is one of my favorite actresses ever, she always delivered. ❤️
@@poorthingHerbert Marshall was such a good actor and he breaks your heart in both The Letter and The Little Foxes. Perfect when he's working with Bette Davis.
@@alidabaxter5849 agree! He was wonderful in both. His career was so long & he never disappoints
Wicked story well told.
Love❤❤❤❤ these
Stories🌹🌹🌹🇺🇲🇺🇲
Thank You& wonderful reading narration😁🌺👍❤️❤️
Powerful story, excellent!
I really did want to listen to this story, but having to get up to push the skip commercial button every few seconds I soon tired of the process and turned it off
I don't know what your financial situation is but if possible I really recommend UA-cam premium. I cancelled it one time as I forgot how annoying the ads were but started up about two days later. The best thing imo is turning on a story then turning of the screen at bed time. Really helped with the old insomnia.
@@pakde8002 Thank You for reaching out to me. I'm old and living on a fixed income and pretty much computer illiterate. Is this UA-cam premium expensive ? If I can afford it, how do I get signed up ?
Thank You
Dave B.
Yes! Pay monthly to avoid the ads!
@@Margi183 Well thank you for agreeing with @pakde8002, but that doesn't help me find UA-cam premium or tell me how much it's going to cost me.
After having YT Premium for some time I can't imagine going back to being interrupted by ads. If you watch with any regularity it is really worth it, and you can try a free trial to evaluate for yourself.
No other author could sketch a Sociopath with such relentless skill-revealing all the subtle shadings of horror - as could Maugham ….
Shine: I believe Thomas Hardy surpasses even Maugham ...
Yup
The last scene is just shocking.
Splendid. Many Thanks 🌹🇦🇺
I was completely surprised by the ending!! Maughm does it best.
Excellent!! Yes, indeed, Betty Davis was perfect for the part!!
Well read but what is with the occasional buzzes? Does the reader have a verbal tic? Why are these left in?
Fabulous movie with Bette Davis. When I read the title of this story, I was hoping it was the idea behind the movie.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the short story.
Hollywood took hold and made sure Leslie paid for her sins. If you haven't seen the movie with Betty Davis and Herbert Marshall--I recommend it highly.
Really? I haven't seen the movie (yet) but if Hollywood made her pay for her sins a) I'm unsurprised and b) I think it's a travesty! Surely it was important to Maugham that his heroine got away with her crime--because that's the way of the world. Clearly, he was trying to make a point about the world not being the way it's supposed to be...
Thankyou for posting these short stories from the great Somerset Maugham..The Colonial World long gone..Can anyone tell me who drew the beautiful illustrations
I'm pretty sure they were done with AI. If you have Microsoft, you can make them yourself with the CoPilot feature. I've tried it, it's fun.
So not only does she corrupt her own lawyer, she wants him also to cover up the letter to her husband and still get the money off him!
The letter is to her lover, not to her husband. And now the Chinese have her husband's money, not Mrs. Mrs.
Why did you tell the end of story? Mean
@@DorothyWiggins Why do you read the comments before listening to the story? Sheesh!
Wow that was a real treat.
Thank you.
Beautiful reading. Thank you.
Been looking forward to this one! I hope P & O is on your list? And also The Door of Opportunity. Thankyou for all your work.
Maugham is surely one the greatest.
Really good in all senses.
This is a wonderful story, which I believe Maugham based on true events he heard about. Such a pity about the AI narration, but even that can't spoil it. And, like others, I thought Bette Davis was superb in the film.
Stories well told , who’s counting the length?
....passion......I never heard stories like this..the story ...for sale..socked out of man finger..that afraid of woman...
This Ai voice is very popular and is used in so many stories.
Willie is such a great writer
Not so short - made into a film - excellent story...
Too many adverts.
No adverts! 🤷🏼♀️
I don't get any, just on UA-cam on my phone, no payment. Don't know why!
Picky picky - in his office Joyce was not looking at his client. He was looking at his client,s husband. A lawyer’s client is not the one who may be paying the bill.
Torment there - Disloyal - destruction - violation of sanctity. Lies of 1 person out of control - no remorse. Well authored the truth of capabilities of one least suspected until they saw the mask off-ghastly ugly.
AI reader I would say. Many errors of emphasis or pauses.
I was hoping it wasn’t AI 😬
@@greendahlia4807It is….
Because of AI.
Listening 28 June 2024
Short story doesn't mean that it's short, it means that it's not a long novel. Google for yourself what a short story means!
It seems this story had a hell of a lot more commercials than the other ones I did not enjoy that part of it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for this 😊.
So....just another tart of a mem sahib eh, putting on airs, acting all superior- typical
Sounds like AI with some odd intonation and pronunciations. The man who couldn't say R only L in the word friend would have said FLEND not Fly-end. If it was written Fliend in the original text then an AI would have pronounced it the latter way, but a human would understand it would have been pronounced Flend. Overall not bad for AI but things like this are distracting.
Not that short. But enjoyed
A short story still. Not a novel.
Check
A time when it was notmal to be a racist,
...was still a time when a non-racist writer could nevertheless teach us about racism. That's what Maugham is doing! Throw not the baby out with the bathwater.
Dear neutralsurfer. Please a short story is 30mins or less. I want more really short stories. Thank you
just put a short one up....
Do you know what a short story is
A short story is a literary form
It's free
These are short stories
Si
Why is such a well written story so badly read? The AI is terrible. Don't do it
📚 🫠 🩷