MovieChat Forums > Of Human Bondage (1934) Discussion > LESLIE HOWARD'S MASOCHISTIC PERSONA

LESLIE HOWARD'S MASOCHISTIC PERSONA


Whether as Philip Carey here or as Ashley Wilkes in GWTW, there is a 'softness at the center' of every Howard performance. In 'The Petrified Forest' as well he is dreamy, moody and despairing. But notice how in each of these performances I mentioned, Howard is PERFECT for the role. And of all his roles 'Of Human Bondage' goes the furthest into his essentially masochistic personality.

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Masterful indeed, he is very misogynistic and prefers the company of men. Love him in that movie with Wendy Hiller.

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A male romantic lead, such as Harrison who is so old that he has a dowager's hump is very brave indeed to even tackle the role. As for Wendy Hiller - you have GOT to see I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING if you haven't. I fell in love with her as well as the 'Celtic goddess' Pamela Brown

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