Of Human Bondage

1934 - RKO
Directed By John Cromwell


SYNOPSIS
Phillip Carey (Leslie Howard) gives up an unsuccessful art career in Paris, moves back to London and goes to medical school. He soon falls madly in love with a cockney waitress named Mildred (Bette Davis.) She rejects him and goes off with another man (Alan Hale.) She later returns to Phillip pregnant and alone. Soon they're engaged but she soon runs off with Phillip's friend. (Reginald Denny.) Mildred returns, ruining Phillip's new relationship, destroying his apartment and his stock certificates, forcing him to leave medical school. He finds work as a salesman and falls for another girl (Frances Dee) but Mildred comes back into his life again.

MY THOUGHTS


W. Somerset Maugham's book comes across as a bit soap operatic on the big screen... but the lead performances make it memorable.


Bette Davis gives a complex and strong characterization. Her character is essentially the villain of the piece, but you feel more pity than hate for the detestable character. She's a bit over-the-top at times, but it works very well for the role. This is the role that made her a star.

Leslie Howard gave a thoughtful, sensitive performance (much like all of his other roles) and matches Davis' strong portrayal.

The two have an unusual chemistry and would star together two more times.

Definitely a pre-code film, Of Human Bondage tacked soon to be taboo topics like unwed pregnancy and general sluttiness.

Bondage moves at a crisp pace, but it does drag often, as many early talkies did. Still, it's great to see two great actors at the top of their game play off one another.