The Snake Pit
1948
The story of Virginia Cunningham who finds herself insane in an asylum and has no idea how she got there. Her husband, Robert, attempts to explain their relationship both before and after marriage and how her symptoms developed. Doctor Mark Kick struggles to get to the root of her problems but a relapse puts her back into the '.. Read more
| Starring | Olivia De Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn, Celeste Holm |
|---|---|
| Director | Anatole Litvak |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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In its day, this was a truly harrowing and extremely controversial adaptation of Mary Jane Ward's semi-autobiographical novel about life in a mental institution. In Britain, the film was perceived to be so disturbing that it suffered from over-zealous censor cuts. Here, in a complete version, the film still retains its power to shock, and, although the medical department may seem slightly antiquated, the performances of the women inmates are still incredibly moving, particularly Olivia de Havilland in the lead, and Celeste Holm, Beulah Bondi and a young Betsy Blair in support. The sequence where they sing Going Home is still deeply touching. Anatole Litvak's direction may seem on the strident side, but there's no denying this film's power and impact.
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A headline-hitting film which made a stirring plea for more sympathetic treatment of mental illness. Very well made, and arrestingly acted, but somehow nobody's favourite movie.
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Overrated at the time as a piece of mature and realistic cinema with a strong social conscience, this now works best as... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Classic 1940s black and whiter
Must admit I love old films and films about mental health issues and this is both. Virginia tries to make sense of her surroundings, unaware that she is in a ... more
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Oscar madness
These days, leading actors and actresses love to play mentally ill characters: it’s a natural way to show off their acting chops and almost guarantee an ... more
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Dated.
Dated but very well acted. A brave choice of a ro;e for such a major star as Olivia De Haviland.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Classic 1940s black and whiter
Must admit I love old films and films about mental health issues and this is both. Virginia tries to make sense of her surroundings, unaware that she is in a ... more
-
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Oscar madness
These days, leading actors and actresses love to play mentally ill characters: it’s a natural way to show off their acting chops and almost guarantee an ... more
-
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Classic 1940s black and whiter
Must admit I love old films and films about mental health issues and this is both. Virginia tries to make sense of her surroundings, unaware that she is in a ... more
-
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Oscar madness
These days, leading actors and actresses love to play mentally ill characters: it’s a natural way to show off their acting chops and almost guarantee an ... more
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Dated.
Dated but very well acted. A brave choice of a ro;e for such a major star as Olivia De Haviland.
-
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Brave and brilliant
Based on a true story (and the Dr in the film did exist) - this is a film that charts the experiences of Mary Jane Ward to reveal just how primitive mental care... more
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Still powerful stuff
Still shocking (and perhaps a tad hysterical) account of life in a women's mental hospital in the 40s. Its approach may seem a little strident now, but ... more
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
THE SNAKE PIT
oliva de haveland,
what gem. the poor state of this womens mental hospital is tragic
it shows how harse the condtions and so called ... more -
A strange concuction...
A bit odd, really, is 'The Snake Pit', a bit jumbled and confusing, a strange concuction that never seems to know where it's going- and in the end ... more
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Gets on one's nerves a bit
A newly-married women finds herself in a psychiatric hospital. She doesn't know why she's there and doesn't recognise her husband when he comes to ... more
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Excellent
The Snake Pit is a must see for anyone with an interest in the workings of the mind. Riveting performances. It will stay with you- highly recommended!
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Critics' reviews (3)
-
In its day, this was a truly harrowing and extremely controversial adaptation of Mary Jane Ward's semi-autobiographical novel about life in a mental institution. In Britain, the film was perceived to be so disturbing that it suffered from over-zealous censor cuts. Here, in a complete version, the film still retains its power to shock, and, although the medical department may seem slightly antiquated, the performances of the women inmates are still incredibly moving, particularly Olivia de Havilland in the lead, and Celeste Holm, Beulah Bondi and a young Betsy Blair in support. The sequence where they sing Going Home is still deeply touching. Anatole Litvak's direction may seem on the strident side, but there's no denying this film's power and impact.
-
A headline-hitting film which made a stirring plea for more sympathetic treatment of mental illness. Very well made, and arrestingly acted, but somehow nobody's favourite movie.
-
Overrated at the time as a piece of mature and realistic cinema with a strong social conscience, this now works best as... read more on Time Out
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The story of Virginia Cunningham who finds herself insane in an asylum and has no idea how she got there. Her husband, Robert, attempts to explain their relationship both before and after marriage ... -
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