Of Human Bondage
Of Human Bondage

Movie spotlight

Of Human Bondage

1934
Movie
83 min
English

A young man finds himself attracted to a cold and unfeeling waitress who may ultimately destroy them both.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Director: John CromwellGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Philip Carey, a sensitive young man with a club foot, struggles to find his place in the world. He pursues art in Paris and later studies medicine in London, but his life is constantly disrupted by his obsessive and destructive infatuations, particularly with the calculating waitress Mildred Rogers. His relationships are fraught with emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and a desperate search for love and belonging.

Critical Reception

The 1934 adaptation of 'Of Human Bondage' was widely acclaimed for its powerful performances, particularly Bette Davis's breakthrough role as Mildred. Critics praised the film's mature handling of W. Somerset Maugham's novel and its unflinching portrayal of a complex, often painful, human drama. It resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and realistic depiction of flawed characters.

What Reviewers Say

  • Bette Davis delivers a star-making performance as the manipulative and cruel Mildred.

  • The film is a sensitive and mature adaptation of a challenging literary work.

  • Leslie Howard effectively portrays the tormented protagonist, Philip.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this classic film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Bette Davis received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Mildred Rogers.

Fun Fact

Bette Davis was initially overlooked for the role of Mildred Rogers, with other actresses being considered. However, Davis lobbied intensely for the part and eventually won it, leading to her first major critical success and proving her talent to the studio.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
tmdb28039023

tmdb28039023

Early on in Of Human Bondage Philip Carey (Leslie Howard) is told “You will never be anything but mediocre.” Soon after, Mildred Rogers is described as “anemic … ill-natured and contemptible.” Neither will ever do anything to disprove these...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I can tell when I am engaged with a film if I want to get off the chair and strangle one of the cast... Well Leslie Howard engenders exactly that feeling as he plays the hapless, lovestruck "Philip" who has fallen in love with the nasty, sc...