W. Somerset Maugham's of Human Bondage

Kim Novak's greatest role besides The Casting Couch. What makes this story work is having a leading lady more masculine than the leading man. This version cannot compare to the original.

I was looking forward to seeing the Bette Davis version of this movie. But as usual the TV Guide messed up and I got this Kim Novak version.I must say Kim Novak played her part to the max. I was screaming and yelling at the TV. She really got me to hate her, so I know she really played her part well. I gave it a 10.

I have also seen the Bette Davis version and I prefer this one much, much more. There is a striking pathos one develops for each of the two characters. Thank God this movie *wasn't* in color! The melancholy noir lighting adds a wonderful dimension and lends an authenticity to the period it depicts. I first saw this movie as a kid, then as a young adult and now again on the brink of retirement. Each time the powerful simplicity of unconditional love shown by the protagonist moves me. Watching Kim Novak is quite easy to do. Her beauty is mesmerizing. This makes it all the easier to identify with what the medical student in this movie is going through. If I were to put together a package of the 50 greatest films as Janus has done, this movie would be in there.

One of the best films I have yet seen. (Then again it helps if you have lived a life in strong coincidence with the lives portrayed; and not merely a commentator, a mere critic of film) This film was my first introduction to Ms. Novak, and yes I admit I was, am, smitten. Ms. Novak brings great depth to her role, a woman seemingly comprised of true grit, this only serving to hide her truths, truth which she never admits to herself. Love will always be an ever-spring subject, and morality tales their best method to ambitiously telling the nature of human pain and suffering, of which there is much of in this film. The tale of a woman always lost, a woman whose redemption lies solely with the only man that would ever truly Love her. Love can be a grand thing, though so often, Love disposes of people with nary a backwards glance.

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 *. 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.

Not-bad third version of W. Somerset Maugham's depressing story about a sluttish waitress in London and the sensitive future doctor who becomes obsessed with her. Ravaged by critics upon its release (and thought bannable for a time for Kim Novak's suggestive scenes), this remake isn't a classic, nor does it improve on the Bette Davis version, but it does have something. Novak is just fine; Laurence Harvey also good as the smitten medico. The biggest problem is the screenplay's faithfulness to Maugham's plot, which by 1964 standards was pretty creaky. Why couldn't they have updated it just a bit? For all the talk about this version being "too shocking", the movie disappoints by not shocking at all, by playing it too safe. A soap opera, to be sure, though a handsome and interesting one. Novak-diehards will love the film, and her. **1/2 from ****

Those are the words to describe this movie. And that honor belongs mostly to Kim Novak who brings absolute realism to the role as Mildred Rogers. The music is great and Kim Novak is so beautiful and completely believable as Maugham's character. Just a movie not to miss. I loved it and have seen it many times and I have the same opinion over and over. The other players are adequate and just as believable but the real reason for this movie is Kim Novak. She is excellent and superior in this movie. And did I say beautiful.....and she still is today as well. A movie not to be missed. A story that will hold your attention as the character of Mildred Rogers evolves.