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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 274

Of Human Bondage

193483 minUnited States

Video edition: YouTube
Original language: English
This copy runs: 82:46
Subtitles: English

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Synopsis

After abandoning painting, Philip returns to London to study medicine. Persistent self-doubt makes the new career difficult, and an intense attachment to a dismissive waitress creates another obstacle. His desire for affection becomes a dependence that threatens the life he is trying to build.

Cast

Leslie Howard

Philip Carey

Bette Davis

Mildred Rogers

Frances Dee

Sally Athelny

Kay Johnson

Norah

DirectorsJohn Cromwell

Inspirations

W. Somerset Maugham's novel supplies the troubled relationship. John Cromwell's interest in Bette Davis followed seeing her in The Cabin in the Cotton, helping bring her a role central to her developing dramatic reputation.

Sources and availability

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Wikipedia Internet Archive

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

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Availability checked on September 10, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Leslie Howard — Selznick International Pictures; Fred Parrish, photographer · Public domain
Bette Davis — Studio Publicity · Public domain
Frances Dee — Photoplay Magazine · Public domain
Kay Johnson — Unknown author · Public domain

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