Philip Carrey (Leslie Howard, Gone with the Wind), is an Englishman living in Paris trying his hand at a career as an artist. Told by an instructor that he lacks any real talent, Philip reluctantly goes back to London to study medicine, where he’s made to feel self-conscious about his congenital club foot. His physical affliction even becomes the subject of analysis in one of his classes. Phillip’s mood brightens when he comes across a blonde waitress at a local café. A flirtatious girl, Philip is immediately smitten by the cockney voiced, vulgar Mildred Rogers (Davis). Despite his obvious attraction, and constant attention, Mildred is indifferent to Philip’s presence. She flirts openly with other men, even telling him at one point that because of his affliction she can never be physically attracted to him. His obsession with Mildred even leads to him failing at his studies. None of this deters his love for her. Even when she runs off with a married man (Alan Hale with a thick German accent), gets pregnant and then turns to Philip for help; he takes her in and gives her money.
Despite her financial reliance on Philip, Mildred openly flirts with his classmate Harry (Reginald Denny).Despite this humiliation, Philip remains determined to marry her, despite Mildred’s assertion that Harry will be her next husband. Mildred eventually rubs off with Harry, but inevitably comes back to Philip for help when the relationship crumbles. He lets her move into his apartment, which she proceeds to destroy. In a fit of anger, she ruins his paintings, and sets fire to the stocks an uncle sent him to put towards school payments. In one final, climactic argument, Mildred tells Philip what she really thinks of him, in a tirade so full of vitriol and cruelty; it will make your toes curl. At the same time, Davis’ performance is so spellbinding; you can’t take your eyes off her.
Director John Cromwell made good use of the close-up throughout the film, having his actors look directly into the camera when speaking to each other. Audiences at the time were so shocked that Bette Davis wasn’t nominated for an Oscar that they started the first write-in campaign. She ended up getting the third most votes, and would win the award the next year for her performance in Dangerous, largely considered a consolation for the previous year’s omission. Bette Davis would rarely be overlooked again in her long career.
Framed at 137:1, for there 1080p transfer, Kino acquired archival 35mm elements preserved by the Library of Congress. While it’s a huge improvement over the public domain copies swirling around over the years, it still has some definite issues. A film of dust and small scratches are apparent in nearly every scene. On the positive side, the light and the dark balances are very good, and the picture reveals a surprising level of detail.
Although the ravages of time are in evidence, the LPCM Mono track is fairly well mixed. Things sound a bit ragged in a few spots, but on the whole, it sounds quite good, and dialogue is clear. No other audio or subtitle options are present.
The following special features are included:
- Revealing Mr. Maugham (HD, 1:26:51) This fantastic feature-length biography of Somerset Maugham is worth the purchase price. Featuring interviews with scholars and contemporary writers, the documentary covers Maugham’s entire life, from his childhood stammer and days as a spy to his love affairs, unhappy marriage, and literary popularity.
- Trailers (HD) Includes trailers for Nothing Sacred, A Star is Born, and Pandora and the Flying Dutchman.
