Kim Novak, who rose to fame in the 1955 classic Picnic, gives one of the finest performances of her career in Of Human Bondage, a passion-charged drama costarring Laurence Harvey (The Manchurian Candidate). Philip Carey (Harvey) is a medical student whose one real obsession is Mildred Rogers (Novak). Though Mildred is nothing more than a cockney waitress with high aspirations, he becomes totally besotted with her tawdry charms. She leads him on with quick kisses and coy smiles, but Mildred is a woman of alluring contradictions, as capable of deception as she’s capable of delight. Philip soon finds himself caught in her web, even though his uncontrollable fascination may cost him his friends, the women who love him and his career as a doctor.
Annie C. Martin –
Every night is MOVIE NIGHT at home:)
Annie C. Martin –
m-chan –
Even though I’m a Kim Novak fan, I had never heard of this film until I noticed it one day at amazon. Soon after, I rented it through amazon instant video.I thought it was excellent, and quite a unique film for Novak, being set in England. Laurence Harvey is wonderful, and I am now a fan of his too. If you like either of these actors, you will probably like Of Human Bondage. Do be aware, though, that it is not a happy-go-lucky story, but a rather dark drama. I have since ordered this on DVD.
m-chan –
adam –
This movie is one of my guilty pleasures. Many critics trash it. But you know what, I like it! Kim Novak’ s acting is rather good – you tell her confidence has grown in her acting from earlier in her career. I’ve read many times that Laurence Harvey was pissed that he was working opposite Novak. His usual stiff mannered acting is balanced some by the vulnerable character. Even though I like this movie and both Novak and Harvey, I however would not pay full retail price for it. If you’re a fan – get it at a discount price. If you’re not a fan – I’d suggest you not purchase it, but rather move on to better examples of both actors’ work.
adam –
Harvey’s Nephew –
Excellent movie with outstanding world-class actors!
Harvey’s Nephew –
Peggy Ann Smith –
Happy to find this movie
Peggy Ann Smith –
Christine M. –
Kim at her best.
Christine M. –
Cecil Regman –
I saw this movie when it first came out so many years ago. Ms. Novak and Mr Harvey are two of my favorite actors. Until I found it on your web site, I had been searching for this movie for a long time. It is still as good as I remember it was so many years ago.
Cecil Regman –
The Strategist Reader –
Almost as painful to watch as the book was to read. The only story I know of that accurately addresses romantic obsession aka limerance.
The Strategist Reader –
Retired Louisiana teacher –
I love this version of this movie! The gorgeous Keep Kim Novak shines as the evil Mildred- MUCH more believable that a man would go so crazy over her than Betty Davis or Eleanor Parker-
Retired Louisiana teacher –
Jason Peguero –
great movie
Jason Peguero –