Benedict Cumberbatch & Louise Brealey read letters from wartime lovers

Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealey read letters between Second World War lovers Chris Barker, a solider in Libya, and Bessie Moore, a Morse code interpreter in London.
In 1943, Chris Barker was serving as a signalman in North Africa when he decided to brighten the long days of war by writing to a former work colleague, Bessie Moore. The unexpected warmth of Bessie’s reply changed their lives forever. They married in 1945.
Originally read at the Union Chapel, London in March 2019.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

OK, you **know** it's a good love letter when it makes a reader blush 75 years later. Well done, Bessie, WELL done....

[@Cdodders27]

Imagine knowing in 70 years time someone will be reading your private correspondence out loud to an audience

[@ursusmega2803]

I am so glad she wrote back!

[@laurensdesmet70]

Oh god… Whatsapp Chats Live. The horror.

[@a.t.c.3862]

It won't happen, we don't write letters anymore.

[@kored8688]

@@a.t.c.3862 Of course we do? People have never communicated as much in text as we do now.

[@spozbucket]

And reflecting upon how beautiful life and love are

[@GreenRazzles]

Finally, Sherlock and Molly together at last

[@kevinlin5323]

the season 5 we want

[@emilyholloway5445]

erm wat? i didn't know sherolly shippers actually existed... well you do you I guess

[@UTAStudios]

My thoughts precisely. Your comment actually made my day. Can't even count the number of times I watched the opening sequence of The Empty Hearse, just to see that window scene...

[@christinabeyer9298]

This are Ben and Louise and not Sherlock and Molly. Please don't confuse the actors with they characters they played.

[@GreenRazzles]

@@christinabeyer9298 well, they're not Ben and Louise here either, they're Chris and Bessie. Don't worry, I know the difference between fiction and reality - the comment was merely a bit of fun.

[@MelissaThompson432]

That's it. It's my "vital, vibrant spot" from now on....

[@frasersgirl4383]

This is exactly how I felt about my lover at sixteen years old who would become my husband thirty years later. ❤️💫❤️. I feel the same today at 61.

[@zoccolilombardogremillionf9004]

That’s such a beautiful statement :- )

[@jonathanwalther]

That's so sweet! BUT, what happened the thirty(?!) years in between first crush and marriage? Thirty, really? My dear .... Must have been several Wars? Or numerous Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayan expeditions? Building a hidden Moon base? Sailing the World like Magellan? Wandering through endless jungles and discovering new species? Being a lone cave monk?

[@kristofferhellstrom]

That's beautiful!

[@aileen694]

@@jonathanwalther ?

[@jonathanwalther]

@@aileen694 I just speculated what might have happened in these 30 years. Why it took so long. (It was a joke)

[@searsfarmcat3328]

I'm 71 and I miss this. Thirty years ago, in an old wooden chest in an abandoned shed on family property, I found a few letters written in the 50's by a distant ancestor. They spoke of ordinary daily dealings of that time. I cherish these and regret that our age of technology has made letters obsolete. To be able to look back in history with actual written words is a gift to treasure.

[@VictoriaForSale]

I still write letters to my beloved and he happens to answer me from time to time though he said he never learned handwriting very well (what is true) but he even wrote me poems. we live in separate countries since 4 years and I wrote several letters to him though we talk and write every day (even sleeping together at night by using phone and a kind of Skype). I never want to stop even if he has a hard time reading my writing. It's one of the loveliest gifts to give to a beloved person in my opinion. It combines time, thoughts, emotions and tells stories. I wish all people would sometimes write letters to their loves ones.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Do you mean the 1850s? Surely not the decade you were born.... My grandparents were born during the 1870s. Roughly 10 years after Laura Ingalls, to put it in perspective. My grandfather was born in Minnesota the same year Baby Grace was born in Iowa.

[@GeorgiaDCA]

How wonderful they went on to get married and raise a family! Together for 50+ years!

[@murrumbidgeekid]

how do you know this?

[@JachAnen]

"Talk about untapped resources" brilliant

[@shirleynitka5030]

wow I can imagine how hard it was for Louise to read those early lines with Ben looking & smiling at her. It's really Molly with her lipstick on.

[@deemura]

She's playing a character. She actually doesn't have a crush on Benedict

[@shirleynitka5030]

@@deemura have you seen the way she looks at him during the award shows? She genuinely loves him. It doesn't mean she's in love with him but she does care deeply about him as her friend. He chooses what she reads.

[@SouthCountyGal]

Bessie Moore had a beautiful style of writing, and a delightful, open expression of self. Chris Barker, for all the trauma he experienced, seems to have been steadfast and loving. He's coming home after at least two years, and he's trying to figure out how to give everyone who loves him as much time and attention as possible. I hope they had a long, loving marriage.

[@Dave_Sisson]

Good news. Their son discovered their letters after they had lived a long and joyful life together and their granddaughter wrote the preface to the published letters. That's the best possible outcome.

[@campervannie5948]

That is truly wonderful ❤

[@hanna50000]

Louise Brealey is such a talent. She plays such diverse characters and nails every one of them.

[@zeerak4905]

"you have to be abroad. you have to be really truly hermetically sealed off from your intimates, from your home, to realize what a gift this going home is"

[@VelvetCrone]

Amen

[@cards0486]

Oh, this was so marvelous!! The difference in what a woman will open up and tell a man and what a man will tell a woman is so funny. “If I were there you wouldn’t need any blankets.” “Many people will be wanting time with me, I know you understand.” I loved having these two reading the letters. They’re darling together.

[@SouthCountyGal]

I think some of that difference might also have been due to his time as a POW, and the different circumstances at the time each letter was written. It sounds like Chris had written some pretty steamy letters himself, since Bessie says she likes knowing that he is focused on her body and not anybody else's. But it did strike me as funny that she was talking about being changed from ice into fire, and he's talking train timetables. lol!

[@murrumbidgeekid]

@@SouthCountyGal I thought that same thing. He was in a very different context.

[@sarahsteffanny8963]

Oh god! She looks like nervous reading to him😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 she represents us

[@eleanorigbymin4355]

Where are my SHERLOLLY fans out there?! This one is my most favorite interaction of Ben and Loo in Letters live ❤❤❤

[@Ornithorhynchus.]

Present

[@ANN-ug2hd]

Present

[@benedictcumberbatch3021]

Thank you for your comments and support, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep supporting❤️❤️ Send me a mail via gmail : [e-mail]

[@Serenity113]

Present!

[@skylerdrake5886]

🖐️

[@Atlantya]

Lordy. I didn’t think anything about Benedict Cumberbatch could get sexier, but the shots of him so intently watching the woman reading her letter, he’s positively smoldering.

[@AllTheArtsy]

The man sounds like an aloof jerk.... until you remember that he's a soldier at war taken in as a POW and is just concentrating on getting back home finally after some years. This was a wonderful reading!

[@qua9]

Who would prefer not to get married LOL

[@deborahlanphear8863]

Not only that, but he was so respectful to her, especially for that time. Telling her she didn't need to make a fuss over him, he clearly has respect for exactly who she is. Beautiful.

[@cczwhite]

​@@qua9yeah I started noticing that every few lines he hinted to keeping them a low key thing. Not getting married. Not getting dressed up. Not being outwardly excited or tell ANYONE about them. I think that he is married and wanted to keep his "mistress" and "our affair" secret ngl

[@noeldown1952]

@@cczwhite Except that they did get married upon his return and spent the rest of their lives together.

[@lyudmilakryuchkova2578]

@@cczwhite There is no need to invent something that does not exist and never happened. The history of these people is known. You can find it and read it, and their other letters as well. They had met, got married, had children. It was their sons who send on their parents' letters to Letters Live.

[@Zonker66]

I only found 'Letters Live' today... how have I never heard of this channel or production? These are fantastic.

[@junejunie2284]

I found "Letters Live" just a month ago. I share your sentiment 'These are fantastic'! I find myself doling them out one or two at a time to stretch out the enjoyment.

[@wendysimpson6395]

Me too! Have been binging.

[@feliciagaffney1998]

Same here. Feb, 2024.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

It's been said that the younger generation always think they've invented sex, yet Bessie sounds quite the hottie. Chris, don't you pass up a good thing!

[@annmitchell4663]

There's nothing the younger generation do that hasn't been done before...lol

[@vrhetinst]

@Real Horrorshow He did not. In the larger collection of clips in which I found this piece originally, the narrator said that Chris and Bessie were married, shortly after the war.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

@@vrhetinst Good for them.

[@Priyanka-vr2yi]

They married, had children and lived up to 90 years

[@jamssy3409]

we don't think we invented sex lmao

[@HunterElvis11]

“You have to be truly, hermetically sealed off from your intimates, from your home, to realize what a GIFT THIS GOING HOME IS.” 🛸☯️🛸

[@benedictcumberbatch3021]

Thank you for your comments and support, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep supporting❤️❤️ Send me a mail via gmail : [e-mail]

[@user-sh8jz7nf4x]

Oh that voice, he could convince you of anything, she’s so sweet reading those deepest feelings💖

[@Bruno-tm3xo]

These letters are the very reason why since a very early age I was fascinated by the English language, in my view one of the most beautiful languages along with German. There is this stuck up stiffed upper lip side, but yet, so much feeling……a lot more daring than what the french would allow themselves to write. A top of it, this incredible sense of humour that start with self mockery…….the best way to keep drama at bay. These 2 fantastic actors are the best incentive for non English speaking to learn English.

[@shrutitiwari8886]

Try listening to Tom Hiddleston Sir. He has a brilliant pronounciation too.

[@Bruno-tm3xo]

@@shrutitiwari8886 true…..great actor too

[@OneMate4Life]

The only problem is, these letters are from decades ago, and far more eloquent than anything anyone writes or speaks today. So, sadly, I feel like these letters would be a great incentive, but the reality would be quite a disappointment/letdown.

[@gonnabeok.]

This is the best reading. They are so funny and good together. Think I'll watch Sherlock again. Xxx

[@clovermark39]

Watched it recently. It’s still brilliant.

[@cylimcp508]

Gah they are always so adorable doing chris and bessie. they need to do a live action miniseries based on these!

[@GABISNAIL]

They had to stand 45 feet apart or the power of the letters would prove too much 😂

[@cralphs7505]

I never tire if hearing these letters between the two .

[@mikecallahan8234]

I absolutely love that generation. They had to grow up so fast because of the war. Yet maintained what innocence they could. I have listened to their memories of what was, always a hunger within me to hear more. I shall never forget that generation.

[@monikahanus9183]

The beauty of these letters brought me to tears. So honest and heartfelt.

[@darmastutidarmastuti]

Amazing and brilliant...their were just reading it for us...but i feel like watching love story... Both of them it's truly great actor and actress..i loved the way their looking at each other while reading the letter.. I watch this over and over again, never bored..

[@paulamusik2509]

These were the most hilarious war letters I have ever heard of.

[@someone-ye8pp]

02:15 she's so adorable

[@lynngillogley1279]

Beautifully read and the pauses were magical. I felt I was looking over the writers' shoulders. New subscriber.

[@scott2836]

Louise Brealey and Benedict Cumberbatch are such excellent actors and interpreters. They must be so tired of being shipped by us, and yet we cheerfully go on with it, because they are just so wonderful together.

[@davidlloyd3116]

I wish we all wrote more in the days of texting and social media.

[@anitawebster9450]

That was glorious! And parts reminded me of my feelings when I was texting with my now husband while we were still on separate continents...😏

[@k0d3skin0s]

7:18 "............ How good for us to see each other before I am COMPLETELY bald! 😀"

[@sarmisthabanerjee4234]

I am a Sherlolly lover. And I want both Ben and Lou together in more and more projects.

[@Abby-xe3sc]

Ohhh Mrs Hudson left England..... Rip *sobbing *

[@JadeTheorist3942]

5:51 7:27 Louise is Me whenever I hear Benedict's voice and see his face. He is so gorgeous and a talented actor! 😍

[@anna-brittaandersson4251]

Here we have loveletters between to loving people.❤️❤️ I just love it.❤️❤️😷

[@VooDooley]

Do I cry or laugh? Such beauty

[@maeganmurphy2096]

This is the funniest thing I have seen in ages.

[@happyhedgehogfoods9483]

If anyone has audible down load the radio programme of letters of wartime lovers

[@noeraldinkabam]

God, I hope he came home to her.

Thank you for this, this is my most helpful healing portion of today

[@CMDRunematti]

well, these letters are blatant privacy violation! great stuff to listen to :D

[@user-ws4gy8hy2c]

Какое наслаждение просто слушать голос Бенедикта.

[@mitchweiner]

I’ve been binging Letters Live ever since it popped up in my feed!

[@divakarable]

Beautiful presentation 😁

[@BeingHuman100]

Beautiful. The letters are beautiful….

[@mareikedregger1513]

Cannot but help of thinking of the SNL Skids „letters from war“ which are hilarious… devastating always for the soldier, but hilarious 😆

[@iwasalllikeomg]

This should be a podcast!

[@user-ws4gy8hy2c]

Луиза до сих пор волнуется при виде Бенедикта, видно что до сих пор она к нему не равнодушна. Такой человек, как Бенедикт никого не может оставить равнодушным, просто красавец!

[@annetracey5838]

Totally amazing. Love it.

[@mariamartamarcolinocava1551]

Congratulations!!! Very good!!!

[@1chelp]

Incredibly touching....

[@jom3268]

I never tire of hearing these.

[@matt_cummins28]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for uploading.

[@AngelicusImmortus]

It took less than 30 seconds to recognise the voices speaking… And knowing her blushes came from reading it and looking at Mr.C.

[@shadowjack8]

Just beautiful, I loved every syllable.

[@user-tn4js9sg9j]

I have been waiting for this reading! They are so adorable! 😊 Thank you!

[@benedictcumberbatch3021]

Thank you for your comments and support, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep supporting❤️❤️ Send me a mail via gmail : [e-mail]

[@user-mp8ti3pc8y]

Oh my favourite duet! Perfect 💖

[@ebosaifuobhokhan1587]

Awwww I love this.

[@user-cj6yw5fu4l]

Oh I do enjoy these readings,talented people breathes life into the letters, glimpses of the past so thankyou 🌹

[@adrianamalvasio5140]

Congratulations! I love both, finally together!😍😍😍

[@karolineboje]

AMAZING

[@lg1374]

I was asking myself why I havnt wach this before until I saw It was published 1 week ago

[@murrumbidgeekid]

wow! How incredible that just reading can bring such vitality. They are so skilled. I wonder what happened to them.

[@archismandas7760]

Remember....one day your chats will be leaked by facebook or whatsapp too 😂 and maybe after fifty years they will also be read 😂

[@Apache-lj7tx]

Write a letter.. ..to a loved one.. .. bless!

[@annienmouse9767]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder ❤️

[@rackpunch4026]

Absinthe.....

[@anorawalker441]

I'm screaming!!! This is the closure we needed from Sherlock lol Oh, my heart.

[@nguyenlan4223]

I sent this to my first love months ago. We were in a long distance relationship, kinda related to these letters. And we just broke up yesterday… It breaks my heart and I don’t know what to do.

[@ud2278]

Are you okay?

[@islaamore3027]

Even here, Sherlock has refused to marry Molly!😂🤣😂🤣😭😭 oh my days!

[@prachi5899]

2020 - 2021.. coronovirus pandemic.. when we r locked up in our homes.. can relate to the horrible period of war, Spanish flu, etc

[@bloodisfrightening1203]

We all someday want to feel like an iceberg for someone.

[@maryblack1356]

Wouldn't it be fantastic to hear Benedict Cumberbatch read "Hapworth 16, 1924" by Salinger?

[@jobelles87]

I see sherlock and molly, i sub

[@rosemorris7912]

Bessie! Dayam, girl!

[@nothing.lasts.forever]

Sherlock Molly 💞

[@alisonwonderland8680]

whatever happened to Bessie and Chris? Did they get married?

[@Ohhellodenisse]

yes, they got married.

[@JadeTheorist3942]

2:09 They are adorable!!!😍

[@troublessavage]

"I must be with you" *ad* 😰

[@dc5592]

Does anyone know if they get to read these before? Or do they just get it and start talking

[@igoryankilevich9941]

Please do sherlock season 5. Pretty please

[@user-zj7cs2bc2i]

👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mat9813004]

Well golly.

[@iflipandtumble]

MY EYES ARE JUST SWEATING I SW-

[@cozybudgetsnz]

When was this filmed ? Recent ?

[@JenG-dz3yg]

❤

[@posie7617]

I was just thinking about bendict 😂

[@Dumballa]

I'd call that a home run.

[@CMDRunematti]

did she just go *bump* ooh....shit.? XD

[@fernandosnow7921]

Any resources of these letters pls......

[@7ebr830]

There were bits there when I felt I was intruding on something that is none of my business. I couldn't finish it.

[@NomadSubstituteTeacher]

😮 oh wow. He was a pow in WWII

[@Shubham_18_11]

😂😂😂😂😂🔥🔥👍👍👍

[@leylaozen1655]

HAHA MOLLY

[@yoeshelkarma1494]

Oh god

[@chrislj2005]

Can a someone fall in love with x by the way x reads a letter?