Better than the book
To preface I'm a huge Maugham fan, but in this instance the film was substantially better than the book. In the past, although Maugham was a wonderful writer, the films adaption seemed to have missed the mark. I point specifically to " The Razor 's Edge " and " The Moon and The Sixpence" both true to the original, but failing to capture Maugham's unique essence. I,for one, particularly enjoyed "The Letter " one of Bette Davis' finest film but I for whose fidelity I can't vouch. In this case, the adaptation, was far better than the novel from which it was based. While the novel mainly focused on Kitty's maturation and growth as a woman and wife, here were given a broader canvas. In particular the film's exploration of the political climate of the times ,which was lacking in the novel, we are given some needed background material. While the novel seems to endlessly dwell on her infidelity with Charles, the film refuses to belabor it, while neatly dismissing it as somewhat trivial in the final scene.