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Of Human Bondage (1934)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 9
Fresh: 7 | Rotten: 2

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Release Date: Jul 20, 1934 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 2,497

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Movie Info

The first of three film versions of Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage stars Leslie Howard as sensitive, clubfooted artist-cum-med student Philip Carey. Despite his yearnings for the finer things in life, Carey cannot extricate himself from a mutually destructive relationship with sluttish waitress Mildred Rogers (Bette Davis). After an incredible series of emotional disasters, Carey finally finds happiness in the arms of Sally Altheny (Frances Dee). The industry buzz in 1934 indicated that

Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: John Cromwell

Written By: Lester Cohen

In Theaters: Jul 20, 1934 Wide

On DVD: May 8, 2001

Cast

Leslie Howard
Philip Carey
Bette Davis
Mildred Rogers
Frances Dee
Sally Athelny
Kay Johnson
Norah
Reginald Denny
Harry Griffiths
Alan Hale
Emil Miller
Reginald Owen
Thorpe Athelny
Reginald Sheffield
Dunsford
Des Roberts
Dr.Jacobs
Tempe Piggott
Landlady
Desmond Roberts
Frank Baker

Critic Reviews for Of Human Bondage

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (2)

Strictly so-so on its own terms, but invaluable as Bette Davis' star-launching platform.

June 20, 2008 Full Review Source: Film Threat

| Comment

Phil Hall

Film Threat

The first and best of three Hollywood versions of Maugham's novel boasts a grand dramatic performance from Bette Davis, who scandalously was snubbed by the Academy; she was a write-in candidate for the Oscar.

July 23, 2007 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Dated but compelling drama

August 10, 2004 Comment

Daniel Eagan

Film Journal International

Davis either grates or invigorates; either way, the rest of the movie hangs dully around her.

August 14, 2003 Comment

Nick Davis

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Audience Reviews for Of Human Bondage

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I must have watched the worst copy of this going - one of those $2 store jobs with scratchy sound and picture, lines, blotches, you name it, and I still found this compelling. I can only imagine what it must be like to watch it properly. I think I will have to track down a decent copy online and I must check the book

October 18, 2008

Nicki Marie

Super Reviewer

Of Human Bondage kind of epitomizes everything I dislike about movies from the mid-30s. The pacing is slow, its overdramatic and feels just kind of... hollow overall. I know the point of this movie is to watch Leslie Howard's simp of a character step in the same pile of dog shit over and over but despite a pretty quick

June 18, 2007