Of Human Bondage (1934 film)

Of Human Bondage Poster

Of Human Bondage is a 1934 American pre-Code drama film directed by John Cromwell and produced by Pandro S. Berman. The film is based on the 1915 novel Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham. It stars Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, and Frances Dee.

Plot

The film follows the story of Philip Carey (played by Leslie Howard), a club-footed, sensitive artist who abandons his studies in Paris to pursue a medical career in London. He falls in love with a vulgar and manipulative waitress, Mildred Rogers (played by Bette Davis), who treats him with disdain and uses him for her own gain. Despite her cruelty, Philip is unable to break free from his obsessive love for her.

Cast

• Leslie Howard as Philip Carey
• Bette Davis as Mildred Rogers
• Frances Dee as Sally Athelny
• Kay Johnson as Norah Nesbit
• Reginald Denny as Harry Griffiths
• Alan Hale Sr. as Emil Miller
• Reginald Owen as Thorpe Athelny
• Desmond Roberts as Dr. Jacobs
• Tempe Pigott as Mrs. Foreman

Production

The film was produced by RKO Pictures and was notable for its strong performances, particularly that of Bette Davis, whose portrayal of Mildred Rogers was critically acclaimed and is often cited as her breakthrough role. The screenplay was adapted by Lester Cohen and the cinematography was handled by Henry W. Gerrard.

Reception

Of Human Bondage received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Bette Davis's performance was particularly praised, and she was considered a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Actress despite not being officially nominated. The film is regarded as a classic and has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Legacy

The film has been remade twice: once in 1946 starring Paul Henreid and Eleanor Parker, and again in 1964 starring Laurence Harvey and Kim Novak. The 1934 version remains the most acclaimed adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's novel.

See also

• Of Human Bondage (novel)
• John Cromwell (director)
• Bette Davis filmography
• Leslie Howard (actor)

External links

Of Human Bondage at IMDb

Of Human Bondage at AllMovie