A filmmaker aims to adapt the true WWII love story of British soldiers Gilbert Bradley and Gordon Bowsher, revealed through their clandestine letters.
Their romance, begun in 1938, continued through wartime correspondence, with Gordon urging Gilbert to burn the letters for fear of discovery. Gilbert kept them, revealing their hidden affair after his 2008 death.
The letters, acquired by museum curator Mark Hignett, drew the attention of filmmakers Andy and Danny Vallentine. They created the short film, The Letter Men, and now seek to produce a full-length feature.
Andy Vallentine, who needs $10 million for the project, cites the letters’ historical significance and Gordon’s poetic writing as key motivators. The letters offer a unique window into a forbidden love during wartime.
The film would bring to life Gordon’s wish: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all our letters could be published in the future in a more enlightened time.” Despite surviving the war, their romance ended when Gilbert fell in love with others. Gordon’s poignant response, “I understood why they fell in love with you. After all, so did I,” underscores the enduring power of their connection.
