Of Human Bondage

William Somerset Maughan (1874-1965) was a famous British playwright and novelist, and it is said that he was the highest paid writer in the 1930s. During his lifetime, as well as afterwards, many of his stories were adapted to film, such as “The Magician” (1926), “Sadie Thompson” (1928), “Secret Agent” (1936), ‘The Letter” (1940), “The Razor’s Edge” (1946, 1984), and “Being Julia” (2004). The unforgettable “Of Human Bondage,” another one of his adaptations, is now available in a fabulous and essential Blu-ray edition, a must for any film lover or collector.

The film stars Bette Davis -- who was loaned to RKO from Warner Brothers to make this film -- as Mildred, and Leslie Howard as Philip. Philip is an aspiring artist residing in Paris, where he is told that his work is mediocre. He also has another problem: he has a deformed foot.  Having to switch careers, he returns to his native England, where he decides to go to medical school, hoping that he can get a cure for his foot. One day, a friend from college asks him to help him with a girl, who works as a waitress in a local restaurant. The girl turns out to be Mildred, an attractive and flirtatious blond. In no time, it is Philip who falls for Mildred, and pursues her without any apparent luck. Eventually, Mildred “corresponds” to Philip’s affection in her own way. You see, Mildred is ambitious and manipulative, and knowing how to seduce men, she also knows how to play with them – at least the weak ones. She is not a bright woman in choosing her men, always looking for somebody better – there is no space for sentimentality in her life. Sadly, Philip is deeply infatuated with her and doesn’t want to let her go, drastically affecting his career and life. Slowly but surely, Philip will painfully learn the hard way.

Ably directed by John Cromwell, “Of Human Bondage” will touch your heart. I am sure that many men have meet women like Mildred, and that many women have met men like Philip, and in every case both sexes suffer a lot. It is an unpleasant experience, well documented in this remarkable film. Bette Davis shines by masterfully combining sexuality with malevolence. The Blu-ray also features the documentary “Revealing Mr. Maughan” (2012), about the life of the distinguished writer. (USA, 1934, B&W, 83 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on February 9, 2014. Kino Classics & Library of Congress Blu-ray