The Snake Pit (1948)

Virginia Cunningham (de havilland) appeared to have had an idyllic life - a nice home, a loving husband and prospects for a sriting career. But, something just wasn't right. Confusion, doubts about her husband's love, even violent outbursts led Virginia to be confined in a mental institution. She is put through a series of brutal treatments, including being forced into close quarters with patients whose disorders far exceed her own. The belief - the shock of the experience will return her to sanity.

de Havilland is Superb

I would recommend this film for classic film fans only--and even then, I was disappointed.

The film opens in an amazing scene: the beautiful, yet tormented looking, Virginia seems to awaken from some sleep or haze on a park bench. She hears a voice. She is not quite sure where she is, or what she is doing...The mystery of it all draws you into this truly amazing story.

We learn where Virginia is, but not why she is there just yet. She is in a state mental hospital. Via a flashback of her husband's recount of their relationship we learn why he put her here.

Then the movie turns into a psychoanalyst-lover's dream. A little too textbook for my taste: everything is linked to a traumatic childhood, unreasonable guilt, and a lack of love. Transference and hysterical bouts sensationalize this tale a bit, too.

I will say that the film's treatment of state hospitals was not a damning one. It just put it out there; in no way did I get the sense that this was to condemn the establishment. This is merely the way it was--and this is truly fascinating.

The end is as sappy as you can get: the heart tugging rendition of "Goin' Home" where everyone joins in, Virginia's recovery and her determination to take care of herself now that Dr. Kik gave her the tools, and even her ability to get through to Hester (who seems catatonic at times, yet also a bit of a strangler). Isn't it touching?

This film was very good and interesting in some aspects, but lousy in others. I love Olivia, and it isn't her fault for the lulls. It is an interesting movie that should be seen, but I do not know how often I will return to it.
August 26, 2008

Movie: SnakePit

I saw this movie in the early 60's and was amazed at it's intensity! Unbelievable film so far ahead of its time in 1948. June 1, 2008

Welcome to hell!

The Snake Pit starring Olivia de Havilland is a seething and shocking film of its time. de Havilland carries this film from beginning to end, she brings kindness but built-up tension to the film. Her character suffers from mental illness and the title says it all, I wouldn't want to go down in the snake pit either! Creepy but profound film, give it a chance. April 24, 2008

Great for Psych. class !

A great movie for your high school psychology class. Lots of Freud stuff along with Erickson and Maslow. Kids even liked it ! December 6, 2007

A Drama about Mental Illness

A woman sits on a park bench listening to the birds. She hears voices and replies to these unseen men. Virginia and the others return to the building. She is in an institution. Her husband Robert tells the Doctor about their life together. There was a strange incident in Chicago. They met again in New York, and married. [Is this a warning about a hasty marriage?] After marriage her problems surfaced. Robert signs for "shock treatment". State hospitals do not have the time and money like private hospitals. These treatments continue with "slight improvement". After they end Virginia can't remember much. Dr. Kick tries to help her recover her memory. When she meets her husband she hears voices. Dr. Kick explains how he is trying to cure Virginia. They have more patients than the needed space, so they want to release patients.

Dr. Kick gives Virginia a sedative and questions her about her past. We learn about a tragic accident in her past. Is this a cause of her mental problems? Rest and good food are making Virginia better. But things don't go well at the Staff meeting for Virginia. She will get further treatment in Ward 12. After she is put in Ward 1 she has problems. Dr. Kick learns more about Virginia's childhood. Her father died when she was a young girl. Her condition worsens. There is a shock when Virginia sees the former head nurse. They are in Ward 33, the end of the line. This benefits Virginia. Dr. Kick explains it all, how her subconscious affected her mind. She will never have to be in the dark again. Virginia tries to help another patient. Next there is a Staff meeting. Dr. Kick's psychotherapy has worked a miracle cure. There is a happy ending.

This is an unusual subject for a popular audience who may not know the hidden agenda in this film. The introduction of new medicines in the 1960s led to the release of many from state institutions. Do events like the economy or interpersonal relations have an effect on mental illness? Can it be like an organic disease? Does the "talking cure" really work? [I think "hearing voices" is a sign of schizophrenia, only treatable with drugs that affect a person's health.
July 17, 2007

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