woodford-2 I was lucky enough to catch this at Melbourne's wonderful Astor Cinema and was astonished to re-read the external review that panned it. This was the first pre ww2 Swedish movie I'd seen and I'd have to say that I'm yet to see any Hollywood films of its vintage that are any better. I thought that the principal cast, Gosta Ekman, Inga Tidblad (who yes does look strikingly like Kristen Scott Thomas), Ingrid Bergman, Eric "Bullen" Berglund, and Britt Hegman were terrific and the telling and pacing of the story was faultless. The poor matching of sets and trite dialogue that often marred films that were coming out of the UK and USA at the time was mercifully missing and the film was a delight. Yes its great to see Ingrid Bergman looking radiant (and at times more than a little like Gretta Garbo) but all the other components that make up this film aren't too shabby either. If you get the opportunity to see this film, I don't think you'll regret seizing it.

ackstasis In musical terms, an intermezzo is typically a short composition that fits between two main movements of a larger musical work. For professional violinist Holger Brandt (Gösta Ekman), his romance with Anita Hoffman (the irreplaceable Ingrid Bergman) is exactly that, a brief interlude from his wife and children. Though he may have convinced himself that his love for Anita will last forever, it is inevitable that the older man will eventually return to where his heart truly lies, with his grown son Åke (Hasse Ekman) and precocious daughter Ann-Marie (Britt Hagman). His temporary liaison with a younger woman, as shameful as it might seem, does represent something akin to true love, since it had the power to draw him from his family. However, Anita's selfless decision to leave finally persuades Holger to return home, to recognise that there is a more important love waiting for him in Sweden.Gustaf Molander's 'Intermezzo' is a film that seemingly has everything going for it: Åke Dahlqvist's cinematography is absolutely beautiful; the acting performances are natural and sincere; Ingrid Bergman is perhaps the greatest beauty ever to grace the silver screen. However, despite a relatively brief running time, the film moved so slowly that it was difficult to hold my attention. A story as simple as that of 'Intermezzo' did not require 90 minutes to unfold, and several scenes could easily have been trimmed without any detrimental effect on the overall quality of the film. Though she had starred in numerous Swedish films previously, it was 'Intermezzo' that proved Ingrid Bergman's breakthrough role, and its success led to her migration to Hollywood in 1939, where she revived her role for an American remake, 'Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939),' opposite Leslie Howard {a version that I am yet to see}.Aside from Bergman, who is lovely as always, Gösta Ekman {in one of his final roles} gives a solid performance as Professor Brandt, whose infatuation with new love has led him to neglect those who are most important to him. Though I had not initially recognised his name, Ekman is, of course, the actor whose performance I had enthusiastically commended in my review of F.W. Murnau's 'Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage (1926).' Also noteworthy are Inga Tidblad as Holger's knowing wife, Margit, and a delightful Britt Hagman as young Ann-Marie Brandt. While I must admit that I found the film very slow-going, perhaps this sluggishness served a very important purpose. In one of the film's final scenes, concerning the incident outside the school, I suspect that what transpired could never have been as shocking or jarring as it was, if not for the long period of sedateness that had preceded it.

jotix100 The original Swedish version of "Intermezzo" was shown on cable recently. Having seen the American treatment, we felt curious to see how it compared. This film directed by a legend of the Swedish cinema, Gusfaf Molander, is a joy to watch. Mr. Molander also wrote the screen treatment with Gosta Stevens.The Swedish version shows American audiences a different style of acting. The idea of an older man with a loving family, falling in love with a prettier young woman is the basis of the story. In this version, the difference is more notable because Holger, the famous violinist, looks much older than in the American version. This seems to make a better case for making a case about how ultimately Holger comes back to the family. Also it makes it easier for us to accept the fact that Anita, the young pianist, realizes how deep Holger love for his family, and especially his young daughter, Anne Marie, weighed in her decision to leave him.The performances are strong. Gosta Elman, one of the best Swedish actors makes a formidable Holger. The young Ingrid Bergman is perfect as the young Anita. Inga Tidblat, the abandoned wife Magrit gives an understated reading to her part. She understands perfectly one day this would happen. Erik Berglund and Hugo Bjorne play Charles and Thomas, Holger's friends who never make any judgment to him, yet one can watch how much they disapprove of this liaison.The film is as effective as the American remake, although, the latter version seems to have been more fully realized and easy to take than its Swedish one. At any rate, this is a film to witness Gustaf Molander at his best!

Dlepool This is coming from someone who is neither an Ingrid Bergman fan nor a fan of subtitled movies. I was surfing my cable channels, when this movie just popped up from nowhere. As you can tell my overwhelming joy in watching subtitled movies is pretty negative. The movie description said it was about a TORRID love triangle. Of course this peaked my curiosity. Peaking my curiosity and watching the movie until the end are totally two different things but to my surprise I watched the movie until the credits rolled and was not disappointed. I am still in shock that I actually enjoyed this movie. As soon as I come out of shock, which has to be soon if I plan to stay employed, I will be searching for more movies with subtitles. ENJOY!