The Snake Pit
| The Snake Pit | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Directed by | Anatole Litvak |
| Produced by |
Robert Bassler Anatole Litvak Darryl F. Zanuck |
| Screenplay by |
Frank Partos Millen Brand Arthur Laurents (uncredited) |
| Based on |
The Snake Pit by Mary Jane Ward |
| Starring |
Olivia de Havilland Mark Stevens Leo Genn Celeste Holm |
| Music by | Alfred Newman |
| Cinematography | Leo Tover |
| Edited by | Dorothy Spencer |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
|
Release date
|
November 4, 1948 |
|
Running time
|
108 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $3.8 million |
| Box office | $4.1 million (US/Canada rentals) |
The Snake Pit is a 1948 American drama film directed by Anatole Litvak and stars Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn, Celeste Holm, Beulah Bondi, and Lee Patrick. Based on Mary Jane Ward's 1946 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, the film tells the story of a woman who finds herself in an insane asylum and cannot remember how she got there.
The novel was adapted for the screen by Frank Partos and Millen Brand, in screen credits order, and Arthur Laurents (uncredited).
Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland) is an apparently schizophrenic inmate at a mental institution called the Juniper Hill State Hospital (which treats only female patients). She hears voices and seems so out of touch with reality that she doesn’t recognize her husband Robert (Mark Stevens).
Dr. Kik (Leo Genn; as Mark Van Kensdelaerik, MD/"Dr. Kik") works with her, and flashbacks show how Virginia and Robert met a few years earlier in Chicago. He worked for a publisher who rejected her writing, and they bumped into each other again in the cafeteria. Occasionally she continued to drop by the cafeteria so they get to know each other.
Despite their blossoming romance, Virginia abruptly leaves town without explanation. Robert moves to New York and bumps into her again at the Philharmonic. After she provides a loose excuse for her absence and departure, they pick up where they left off, though she remains evasive and avoids his desire for marriage. Eventually, Virginia brings up the possibility of marriage. They marry on May 7, but Virginia acts erratically again. She can’t sleep and loses touch with reality, as she feels it is November and snaps when Robert corrects her. The rest of the film follows her therapy. Dr. Kik puts her through electro-shock treatment and other forms of treatment including hypnotherapy. Dr. Kik wants to get to the "causes of her unconscious rejection." The film includes many flashbacks, including her earlier failed engagement to Gordon (Leif Erickson) as well as childhood issues. The film shows her progress and what happens to her along the way.
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