The Snake Pit (1948)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Mary Jane Ward, THE SNAKE PIT is a frank portrait of mental illness. Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland) wakes up only to discover that she's in the state insane asylum. Unable to remember the events that led to her being institutionalized, Virginia slowly puts the... Based on the novel by Mary Jane Ward, THE SNAKE PIT is a frank portrait of mental illness. Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland) wakes up only to discover that she's in the state insane asylum. Unable to remember the events that led to her being institutionalized, Virginia slowly puts the pieces together through a series of flashbacks. As her doctor, Mark Kirk (Leo Genn), continues to struggle with Virginia's condition, he finds that she only appears to be headed further into a downward spiral. Director Anatole Litvak and de Havilland were nominated for Oscars for their superior efforts. [More]