Of Human Bondage (1964)

22% want to see it
(445 ratings)

This third screen adaptation of Somerset Maugham's novel about the destructiveness of sexual obsession stars Laurence Harvey as Philip Carey, a club-footed artist who after two unsuccessful years in Paris decides to pursue a career in medicine instead. During his medical studies he falls in love… More This third screen adaptation of Somerset Maugham's novel about the destructiveness of sexual obsession stars Laurence Harvey as Philip Carey, a club-footed artist who after two unsuccessful years in Paris decides to pursue a career in medicine instead. During his medical studies he falls in love with a waitress, Mildred Rogers (Kim Novak), who takes advantage of his attraction to her. When Mildred leaves him to marry another man, Philip falls in love with a writer (Siobhan McKenna), who encourages him to complete his studies. Under her tutelage, Philip excels in medical school. But when Mildred returns, pregnant and abandoned by her husband, Philip takes her in and cares for her, breaking off with the kind-hearted writer. Staying with Philip at his flat, Mildred has an affair with his best friend. Confronting her with her indiscretions, Mildred tells Philip how repulsed she is by his club foot and walks out on him. Philip once again throws himself into his studies, passing his examinations and taking an internship at a London hospital. There he hears Mildred has become a cheap prostitute. Philip travels to the brothel where she is living in poverty with her child and takes her under his wing once again. As before, Mildred walks out on Philip, trashing his apartment and taking to the streets. When Philip comes upon her again, he finds that her child has died and she is suffering from the advanced stages of syphilis. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Bryan Forbes, Ken Hughes
Genres: Drama

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though Kim Novak is not Bette Davis, this third version of Maugham's popular book is more truthful to the literay source, maintaining its realistic tone and sordid ending.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Remake of Bette Davis classic is OK.

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Cast

            Kim Novak as Mildred Rogers

            Laurence Harvey as Philip Carey

            Robert Morley as Dr.Jacobs

            Siobhan McKenna as Nora Nesbitt

            Roger Livesey as Thorpe Athelney

            Jack Hedley as Griffiths

            Ronald Lacey as Matthews

            Anthony Booth as Martin

            Brenda Fricker
            
            Anna Manahan as Waitress

            Leo McCabe as Elderly Man in Railway Carriage

            Nanette Newman as Sally Athelny

            John Sutton as Kingsford

            Olive White as Griffith's Girlfriend

            Bryan Forbes
            
            Blanaid Irvine as Distinguished Girl

            Helen Robinson as Manager-Cashier

            David Morris as Young Philip Carey

            Danny O'Shea as Headwaiter

            May Cluskey as Sister

            Martin Crosbie
            
            Brendan Mathews as Technician

            Eamonn Morrisey as Bespectacled Student

            Cecil Nash as Father of Boy with Clubfoot

            Jacqueline Taylor as Cook/Woman Patient
See full cast

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