Of Human Bondage (1934)

"Of Human Bondage" (1934) follows the life of Philip Carey (played by Leslie Howard), a young man with a clubfoot who aspires to become an artist. Here's a summary of the plot:

Philip Carey, a medical student in London, becomes infatuated with Mildred Rogers (played by Bette Davis), a waitress he meets at a tea shop. Despite her callous treatment of him, Philip is drawn to Mildred and becomes deeply infatuated with her.

Mildred, however, is indifferent to Philip's affections and often treats him with contempt. She takes advantage of his feelings for her, repeatedly rejecting him while stringing him along.

Despite Mildred's mistreatment, Philip continues to pursue her, hoping to win her love. He even supports her financially when she becomes pregnant by another man, only to be rejected once again.

As Philip's obsession with Mildred consumes him, he neglects his studies and artistic ambitions, leading to a downward spiral in his life. He eventually realizes the destructive nature of his infatuation but struggles to break free from its grip.

Throughout the film, Philip encounters various other women, including the kind and caring Norah Nesbitt (played by Kay Johnson) and the free-spirited Sally Athelny (played by Frances Dee), who offer him love and support.

In the end, Philip learns to let go of his obsession with Mildred and finds solace in the friendship and affection of those who genuinely care for him.

"Of Human Bondage" is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, obsession, and the search for meaning and fulfillment in life. It features powerful performances from Leslie Howard and Bette Davis and remains a classic of early Hollywood cinema.