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Of Human Bondage (1934)
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Reviews Counted:9
Fresh:7
Rotten:2
Average Rating:6.9/10
Runtime: 84 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: John Cromwell (THE PRISONER OF ZENDA, THE GODDESS) brings W. Somerset Maugham's novel and Bette Davis's career to life with the spellbinding drama OF HUMAN BONDAGE. Having unsuccessfully tried his... John Cromwell (THE PRISONER OF ZENDA, THE GODDESS) brings W. Somerset Maugham's novel and Bette Davis's career to life with the spellbinding drama OF HUMAN BONDAGE. Having unsuccessfully tried his hand at painting in Paris, Philip Carey (Leslie Howard) returns home to London. Despite his clubfoot, Philip overcomes his awkwardness and pursues a medical career. Still in medical school, he becomes obsessed with a gruff Cockney waitress, Mildred Rogers (Davis), intent on taking him for all he is worth. When Carey discovers that she is dating other men, he attempts to forget her by striking up a relationship with another woman. The effort fails when Mildred returns to tell Carey she is pregnant. Mildred repeatedly leaves Carey in distress but returns to him when she needs money. Eventually, his devotion to her threatens his career ambitions and his chance for future happiness. Davis is spectacular as the repulsive Mildred, while Howard's quiet, suffering gentleman furthered his own reputation as an outstanding performer. [More]
Starring: Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Kay Johnson, Frances Dee
Starring: Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Kay Johnson, Frances Dee, Alan Hale, Reginald Owen, Reginald Denny, Reginald Sheffield
Director: John Cromwell
Director: John Cromwell
Story: W. Somerset Maugham
Composer: Max Steiner
Producer: Pandro S. Berman
Screenwriter: Lester Cohen
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Reviews for Of Human Bondage
Strictly so-so on its own terms, but invaluable as Bette Davis' star-launching platform.
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.
Davis either grates or invigorates; either way, the rest of the movie hangs dully around her.
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