“OF HUMAN BONDAGE.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20455, 7 November 1934, Page 3

“OF HUMAN BONDAGE.”

Somerset Maugham’s Great Drama. “ The Scarlet Empress ” will be screened finally on Friday night at the Regent Theatre. A feature of the supporting programme is the appearance on the stage of M. Senia Chostiakoff and his Cossack Choir. “Of Human Bondage” will be the major attraction at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. It takes the very human story of a successful modern novelist and makes a natural and logical film of it. There is nothing ornate or melodramatic about it. On the contrary there is a simplicity and straightforwardness of presentation which throws the forceful and sympathetic acting of the principals into arresting relief and allows a full appreciation of the splendid character studies which form its most notable feature. W. Somerset Maugham’s touching drama has been intelligently handled throughout and there is little fault to be found with its screen treatment. First there is Leslie Howard’s impressive impersonation of the crippled medical student, whose limping gait reacted on his sensitive spirit and who prejudiced the success of his career under the influence of a sincere but foolish inlatuation for a worthless girl. The role is one which calls for a restrained portrayal and a sympathetic understanding. Howard gives both and succeeds wonderfully in making the character a living and a credible one. Bette Davis is prominently associated with him as the very common, ill-bred Cockney waitress, who is as ungrateful as she is unprincipled. She contributes a most telling performance and turns every opportunity for studied portrayal to excellent advantage. Box plans at the D.I.C.