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In the first episode of our new Catholic film review series, Katherine Bennett and Mark Lambert are joined by Professor Janet Smith to discuss the beautiful and deeply moving film The Painted Veil (2006), based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham.

Why has this film become one of Janet's favourites? What does it reveal about the foundations of marriage, authentic love, self-sacrifice, suffering, and personal transformation?

Together we explore the story of Walter and Kitty Fane—a marriage built on the wrong motives that is tested by betrayal, suffering, and a deadly cholera outbreak in rural China. Along the way, the film raises profound questions about what it means to truly love another person and whether broken relationships can be transformed.

In this discussion:
Why Janet Smith loves The Painted Veil
Marriage founded on attraction, loneliness, or escape
The difference between infatuation and authentic love
How suffering changes both Walter and Kitty
The role of sacrifice in human relationships
The film's powerful portrayal of personal transformation
Contrasting relationships within the story
Key differences between the novel and the film adaptation
What Catholics can learn from the characters' journey

This conversation launches a new series in which we examine films through a Catholic lens—looking beyond entertainment to explore the deeper truths about human nature, love, virtue, and grace that great stories can reveal.

Featured Guest

Professor Janet Smith

Film Discussed

The Painted Veil (2006)

Coming Next

Janet joins us again for a discussion of Central Station, followed by what promises to be a very lively conversation about Ghost in the Shell!

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