Of Human Bondage [1934 film]

Leslie Howard is fine in the lead role as Philip Carey--it's a nuanced performance, never over the top and charming. But it really is Bette Davis, in her first major role at twenty-six who is the standout, and raises this to a four-star rating. She was just riveting in every scene she appeared in, and shows she was not one of those Hollywood stars of the era who got by on looks or projecting a charismatic personality, but could really act--really disappear into a role.

The text concerns Philip, a serious but handicapped medicine student who falls fatally in love with a heartless , predatory waitress named Mildred. She leaves him , engaging other suitors. Meanwhile , he is romanced with other women, but she goes after him in a mutually destructive affair. Mildred turns up like a bad penny , but this time he won't let her ruin his life; he'll help her but he won't love her; something that infuriates her. This story is almost a century old but it is still a difficult watch at times; not because it isn't a good story , but because it is painful watching poor Phillip ruining his life pursuing a woman who holds him in contempt. The protagonists are interesting; a nice man self-conscious about his club foot show more and a thoroughly unpleasant woman. show less