Benedict Cumberbatch and Jude Law read letters about some VERY potent whiskey

In 1887, American lawyer and famed orator Robert G. Ingersoll sent a bottle of whiskey to his future son-in-law. He also sent him a letter explaining the whiskey’s many fine attributes - a letter so loved and shared by all who read it that it was soon printed in American newspaper The Nation. But when it was read by Rev. Dr. J. M. Buckley, editor of The Christian Advocate, he responded with a letter of his own.

Jude Law and Benedict Cumberbatch joined us at a Letters Live show at the Freemasons' Hall in London to read these amusingly contrasting letters.

[viktorhammerstein]

How both of these exemplary Englishmen affect so effortlessly the American accent, from well over a century ago no less, is unimpeachable testimony to mastery of their craft. Hats off, fellas...brilliant!

[jorilindley]

All those harsh words, yet note that the reverend's response begins not with "I return to you the whiskey" but with "I return to you ~some~ of the whiskey..."

[rowenaburke]

Two very fine men and actors! Breathless.

[iamshotty]

I am not a whisky drinker, but now I think I must "DRINK IT" 😂xx Teresa ❤🇦🇺

[ConversationBomb]

After watching this, I had to look up R.J. Ingersoll and I was not disappointed. :)

[nekokaitou]

Could you invite Christopher Eccleston?
Also, I love Beneticts little smiles

[LordSkella]

Both letters sold me on buying this whiskey!

[CatsandJP]

Sounds like Whiskey and regret to me 🤣🤣🤣

[m.h]

Benedict's delivery is always the best. he puts so much energy on his readings!

[joxerthemighty]

seems like the recipient needs to figure out their limits >.< I'm enjoying these "letters" videos, A new joy

[ahlishaholloway]

Clearly Robert Ingersoll had a brand deal with the whiskey distillery.

[EastEndBen]

both those letters were damned near Shakespearean!

[unseelie]

They have done themselves proud! Great accents-Brits are usually better with accents-Benedict always wonderful but I find I liked Jude even better.Perhaps because Benedict's natural voice and accent is so compelling, especially in the deeper registers.I wish people still wrote so beautifully, so expressively, so...yes, over the top by today's standards, perhaps, but a pleasure for the ears just the same.I love this whole idea!

[kathrynwebster]

Wow! Their American accents are incredible!

[jtmartin]

Back in the old days, men would get drunk and send some of the most eloquent, poetic and sensational expressions back and forth. Nowadays we urinate on fire hydrants, call upon maidens who have little to do with our affection, and try to start a fist fight with stop signs (and lose)

[Ghostbusterslife]

I can imagine a Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd century reboot featuring Benedict and Jude.

[daveretash]

This is exactly what to the experience is like it seems so safe and ends in total danger.

[paolagrando]

I would like very much a father-in-law so nice.

[jayabee]

Sounds like there were some shrooms in that whiskey.

[ATLGaGirl]

I NEED this whiskey!!!! ALSO, why are their American accents better than mine?? 😂😭