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- Walpurgis Night 1935 Colorized
Synopsis
Step into the world of 1930s Swedish cinema with “Walpurgis Night,” a provocative romantic drama from 1935, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Gustaf Edgren, delivers a bold exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations against the backdrop of Sweden’s declining birth rate. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse of early Ingrid Bergman, this HD download brings a significant piece of Scandinavian cinematic history to your screen.
“Walpurgis Night” (Swedish: “Valborgsmässoafton”) centers on a complex web of relationships and societal issues. Lena Bergström (Ingrid Bergman) works as a secretary and harbors an unrequited love for her married boss, Johan Borg (Lars Hanson). When Lena decides to quit her job due to her feelings, it sets off a chain of events that expose the tensions in Swedish society.
Johan’s wife, Clary (Karin Kavli), refuses to have children, much to her husband’s dismay. When Clary becomes pregnant, she secretly arranges for an illegal abortion. Meanwhile, Lena’s father, newspaper editor Fredrik Bergström (Victor Sjöström), mistakenly believes that it is his daughter who has had the abortion.
The film tackles controversial topics for its time, including marital discord, illegal abortions, and Sweden’s declining birth rate. As the story unfolds on Walpurgis Night, a traditional Swedish celebration, the characters must confront their desires, societal expectations, and the consequences of their choices.
“Walpurgis Night” features an impressive ensemble of Swedish talent:
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Ingrid Bergman as Lena Bergström
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Lars Hanson as Johan Borg
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Karin Kavli as Clary Borg
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Victor Sjöström as Fredrik Bergström
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Erik ‘Bullen’ Berglund as Gustav Palm
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Sture Lagerwall as Svensson
“Walpurgis Night” is a romantic drama that blends elements of social commentary and melodrama. Its exploration of controversial themes and complex relationships makes it a significant example of Swedish cinema from the 1930s.
Released in 1935, “Walpurgis Night” came at a time when Swedish cinema was gaining international recognition for its artistic merit and willingness to tackle social issues. The film’s focus on Sweden’s declining birth rate reflects real concerns of the era, as the country grappled with demographic changes and debates about family planning.
The movie also showcases early performances by future international stars. Ingrid Bergman, in one of her first major roles, demonstrates the talent that would soon make her a Hollywood icon. Lars Hanson and Victor Sjöström, both veterans of silent cinema who had worked in Hollywood, bring their considerable experience to the production.
This colorized version of “Walpurgis Night” has been meticulously restored using cutting-edge digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1930s fashions, interiors, and Swedish landscapes.
The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film’s period setting while maintaining the dramatic tension central to its narrative. It allows modern viewers to appreciate the film’s production design and costume work in a new light, making the world of 1930s Sweden more immediate and accessible.
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: Gustaf Edgren
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: Ragnar Hyltén-Cavallius
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: J. Julius
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: Rolf Husberg
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: Svensk Filmindustri
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: Svensk Filmindustri
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: 94 minutes
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: MP4
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: HD (1080p)
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: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“Walpurgis Night” was notable upon its release for its frank treatment of controversial subjects. While some critics praised its boldness, others found its themes scandalous. Today, the film is appreciated for its historical significance, both as an early work in Ingrid Bergman’s career and as a snapshot of Swedish society in the 1930s.
The film’s exploration of women’s reproductive rights and societal expectations remains relevant, making it an interesting point of comparison for modern viewers. For Bergman fans, it offers a chance to see the actress in one of her earliest substantial roles, already displaying the charisma that would make her an international star.
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: Is “Walpurgis Night” based on a true story?
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A: While not based on specific true events, the film addresses real social issues of 1930s Sweden, particularly concerns about the declining birth rate.
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: What is the significance of the title “Walpurgis Night”?
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A: Walpurgis Night is a traditional spring festival in Sweden, providing a symbolic backdrop for the story’s themes of renewal and change.
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: How does this film fit into Ingrid Bergman’s career?
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A: “Walpurgis Night” was one of Bergman’s early starring roles in Swedish cinema, before her move to Hollywood.
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: Does the film actually show an abortion procedure?
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A: While abortion is a central theme, the film does not explicitly depict the procedure, focusing instead on the characters’ reactions and the societal implications.
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: How long is the movie?
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A: The runtime is 94 minutes, allowing for a deep exploration of its characters and themes.
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Experience the Drama and Controversy of “Walpurgis Night” Today!
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