As one of Hollywood's first "serious" chronicles of life in an asylum, the film is uneven, containing some intelligent observations but also lurid sequences and simplistic psychological explanations.
The Snake Pit (1948)
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Reviews Counted:3
Fresh:3
Rotten:0
Average Rating:N/A
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Mary Jane Ward, THE SNAKE PIT is a frank portrait of mental illness. Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland) wakes up only to discover that she's in the state insane asylum.... Based on the novel by Mary Jane Ward, THE SNAKE PIT is a frank portrait of mental illness. Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland) wakes up only to discover that she's in the state insane asylum. Unable to remember the events that led to her being institutionalized, Virginia slowly puts the pieces together through a series of flashbacks. As her doctor, Mark Kirk (Leo Genn), continues to struggle with Virginia's condition, he finds that she only appears to be headed further into a downward spiral. Director Anatole Litvak and de Havilland were nominated for Oscars for their superior efforts. [More]
Starring: Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn, Celeste Holm
Starring: Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn, Celeste Holm, Leif Erickson
Director: Anatole Litvak
Director: Anatole Litvak
Reviews for The Snake Pit
For the audience of today, the primary draw of the picture is watching Olivia de Havilland deliver a particularly terrifying performance.
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