Of Human Bondage

Plot

Philip Carey, a sensitive medical student with a clubfoot, becomes obsessively infatuated with Mildred Rogers, a vulgar and manipulative waitress who works in a tearoom. Despite her obvious contempt for him and her repeated rejections, Philip finds himself drawn to her cold indifference, showering her with gifts and attention while she cruelly exploits his devotion. Their toxic relationship spirals as Mildred repeatedly leaves Philip for wealthier men, only to return when she needs his help, while Philip's obsession costs him his medical career and drives away genuinely caring women like Norah. The film follows Philip's painful descent into emotional bondage and his eventual liberation when he finally recognizes Mildred's destructive nature and finds redemption through a new relationship with the gentle Sally Athelny.

Historical Background

Released in 1934 during the Great Depression, 'Of Human Bondage' reflected the era's fascination with psychological realism and moral complexity. The film industry was transitioning from the pre-Code era to strict enforcement of the Hays Code, making this one of the last films to push boundaries with its themes of sexual obsession and emotional pathology. The mid-1930s saw Hollywood increasingly adapting serious literary works, as studios sought prestige to compete with the growing popularity of radio. The film's exploration of psychological themes anticipated the film noir movement that would emerge in the following decade, while its focus on female sexuality and power challenged traditional gender roles in cinema.

Making Of

The production faced numerous challenges due to the controversial nature of the source material. Director John Cromwell was initially hesitant to cast Bette Davis as Mildred, feeling she lacked the necessary sex appeal, but her passionate screen test convinced him otherwise. Davis fought for the role with such determination that studio executives nicknamed her 'the little bulldog.' The famous plate-smashing scene was Davis's idea; she felt Mildred needed a moment of explosive rage to fully reveal her character's instability. Leslie Howard, who was also a producer on the film, insisted on extensive research to accurately portray a person with a clubfoot, working with medical consultants to ensure authenticity. The film's darker themes required careful navigation of the Hays Code, resulting in several compromises that still managed to convey the story's emotional intensity without explicit content.

Visual Style

The film's cinematography, by Ernest Haller, employed innovative techniques to convey the characters' emotional states. Haller used dramatic lighting and shadows to create a sense of psychological unease, particularly in scenes featuring Mildred. The camera work emphasized physical and emotional isolation through careful framing, often positioning characters at opposite ends of the frame to represent their emotional distance. The famous plate-smashing scene was shot with a handheld camera to capture the chaotic energy of the moment, a technique that was relatively rare in 1934. The visual style combined the glossy look of Hollywood studio production with German Expressionist influences, particularly in the use of shadows and angled shots during moments of emotional crisis.

Innovations

The film pioneered several technical innovations in sound recording, particularly in capturing the nuanced emotional delivery of dialogue without overwhelming the performances. The makeup effects for Philip's clubfoot were considered groundbreaking for their realism, using newly developed prosthetic techniques that would influence future disability portrayals in film. The production also experimented with multiple camera angles during dialogue scenes, allowing for more dynamic visual storytelling than was typical of early sound films. The plate-smashing sequence required careful coordination between sound effects, camera movement, and performance, resulting in one of the most technically accomplished action sequences of its time.

Music

The musical score was composed by Max Steiner, one of Hollywood's most prominent composers of the era. Steiner's leitmotif approach used distinct musical themes for each main character, with Mildred's theme featuring discordant, unsettling orchestration that reflected her destructive nature. The score incorporated popular songs of the period as diegetic music in the tearoom scenes, grounding the film in its contemporary setting. Steiner's innovative use of underscoring during dialogue scenes helped convey the characters' unspoken emotions, a technique that would become standard in film scoring. The soundtrack also made effective use of silence during moments of emotional confrontation, enhancing the dramatic impact of key scenes.

Memorable Scenes

• The plate-smashing scene where Mildred, in a fit of rage, destroys Philip's precious collection of porcelain plates while screaming that she never loved him, considered one of cinema's most powerful expressions of female rage.
• The opening scene where Philip first meets Mildred in the tearoom, establishing the immediate and inexplicable attraction that will destroy his life.
• The heartbreaking scene where Philip discovers Mildred working as a prostitute, forcing him to confront the depth of her degradation and his own delusion.
• The final confrontation where Philip finally breaks free from his obsession, telling Mildred he's through with her forever.
• The tender closing scene where Philip finds happiness with Sally Athelny, contrasting with the darkness of his relationship with Mildred.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for Bette Davis's performance. The New York Times called her 'a revelation' and noted that she 'steals the picture with a performance of extraordinary power and subtlety.' Variety praised the film's 'unflinching honesty' and Leslie Howard's 'sensitive portrayal.' Modern critics continue to regard the film as a classic, with many considering it one of the greatest screen adaptations of literary fiction. The American Film Institute ranks it among the most important American films of the 1930s, and Davis's performance is frequently cited as one of the most influential in cinema history.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial success, particularly surprising given its dark themes and lack of traditional Hollywood happy endings. Audiences were shocked yet fascinated by Bette Davis's ruthless portrayal of Mildred, making her an instant star and fan favorite. The film's emotional intensity resonated with Depression-era audiences who appreciated its honest portrayal of human suffering and resilience. Word-of-mouth about Davis's performance drove ticket sales, with many viewers returning to see the film multiple times. The movie's success established Davis as a bankable star and demonstrated that audiences would embrace challenging, psychologically complex material.

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