Of Human Bondage (1964)

A medical student becomes obsessed with his faithless lover.

Directors:

Ken Hughes (as Kenneth Hughes), Henry Hathaway

Writers:

Bryan Forbes (screenplay), W. Somerset Maugham (novel)

Stars:

Kim Novak, Laurence Harvey, Robert Morley

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Kim Novak	...	Mildred Rogers
Laurence Harvey	...	Philip Carey
Robert Morley	...	Dr. Jacobs
Siobhan McKenna	...	Nora Nesbitt
Roger Livesey	...	Thorpe Athelny
Jack Hedley	...	Griffiths
Nanette Newman	...	Sally Athelny
Ronald Lacey	...	'Matty' Mathews
Olive White	...	Griffith's Girlfriend
Norman Smythe	...	Cadaver Room Attendant
David Morris	...	Young Phillip Carey

Storyline

Medical student Philip fall in love with Mildred, a waitress. Although she is a flirt, they have a love affair. But when Philip is told about her constant infidelity, they break up. Mildred quits her job and becomes a prostitute. But Philip is still in love with her.

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Plot Keywords:

waitress | medical student | prostitute | infidelity | artist | 

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Taglines:

HE SWORE HE'D NEVER TOUCH HER AGAIN ... AND THEN SHE WHISPERED HIS NAME AND HE WAS LOST ...

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sue Lyon was mentioned for the female lead before Kim Novak was cast.

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Goofs

Although set in 1915 or thereabouts, Kim Novak sports the same tousled bouffant she wore in her contemporary films throughout the 1960s.

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Connections

Referenced in Some Like It Sexy (1969)

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Soundtracks

Theme from Of Human Bondage
Written by Ron Goodwin
Performed by David Rose And His Orchestra

User Reviews

A surprising gem

As others have likewise commented, it is unfortunate this version will inevitably be compared to the 1934 film, but I think it stands up very well on its own. I'm not a great fan of either Novak or Harvey and I was astonished at their performances. Novak was surprisingly good, with a fresh interpretation of Mildred the slut. She captured her kind side unlike Bette Davis who seemed all bad, all of the time. Harvey also surprised me with his take on the sensitive Philip. There is one scene that is etched in my mind: after sex Mildred has just told Philip that she is getting married and as Philip pulls away the camera focuses on Mildred's profile on the pillow. Her eyes capture her essence better than any other scene. She is simultaneously calculating, bitchy and concerned. Watch for it, it's worth a second look.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 October 1964 (UK)

Also Known As:

W. Somerset Maugham's of Human Bondage

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios, Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1