Intermezzo (1936 Swedish version)

Starring:GÃ¶sta Ekman, Inga Tidblad, Ingrid Bergman, Erik 'Bullen' Berglund, Hugo BjÃ¶rne, Anders Henrikson, Hasse Ekman, Britt Hagman, Millan Bolander, Carl StrÃ¶m, George Fant, Margareta Bergman, Folke Helleberg, Emma Meissner, Margit Orth
Director: Gustaf Molander
Studio: Fox Lorber
Product Type: DVD

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Ingrid Bergman made her radiant Hollywood debut in this David O. Selznick-produced remake of a 1936 Swedish film, in which she played the same role, a gifted piano teacher. Leslie Howard costars as the brilliant violinist whose world tours often take him from the flow of life within his own family. Married to a fine woman (Edna Best) and blessed with two wonderful children, Howard's character only begins to realize that so much is passing by him when he falls for his concert pianist (Bergman). During a Riviera holiday, the two illicit lovers bask in passion while privately agonizing over the collapse of their separate destinies. Can two people find happiness built on the unhappiness of others? That's the question asked by the sage friend (Cecil Kellaway) whom they both share. In the same year Selznick cast Howard in Gone with the Wind, the sophisticated actor did a fine, sympathetic job penetrating the lost and tormented heart of his character in Intermezzo. But it is Bergman--the very picture of spring and a magnificent avatar of the perpetual conflict between mind and heart--who ultimately gives this film its soul. The Selznick machine, with its top-drawer production values and the dreamy gloss of its human stories, makes this film a more poignant experience than the average weepie. --Tom Keogh

Description

"Eloquent, sensitive, poignant" (The New York Times), this romantic and heartbreaking film has an "absorbing power" (Los Angeles Times). Legendary OscarÂ(r) winner* Ingrid Bergman (Casablanca), in her first English-speaking role, and Leslie Howard (Gone With the Wind) star in this "well-acted, expertly written" (Motion Picture Herald) tale that proves that music is indeed the food of love. Renowned violinist Holger Brandt (Howard) is delighted to be back with his family after a long tour. But when he meets his daughter's piano teacher, Anita (Bergman), and hears her play, he is captivated. Despite the devastating toll on his family, Holger and Anita begin a musical partnership that quickly becomes a passionate romance. But are they meant to live in harmony forever or is this merely an intermezzo? *1956: Actress, Anastasia, 1944: Actress, Gaslight; 1974: Supporting Actress, Murder on the Orient Express

Customer Reviews:

Small-Scale Love Story Offers Fresh-Faced Bergman in Her American Debut.......2006-09-13

The familiar David O. Selznick gloss is all over this minor 1939 soap opera, most noteworthy as the American film debut of 24-year old Ingrid Bergman. She was brought over from Sweden by Selznick for this melodramatic remake of the 1936 film which brought her great acclaim in her homeland. Her fresh-faced beauty and natural manner are intoxicating as she plays Anita Hoffman, first a piano teacher to the young daughter of renowned violinist Holger Brandt and then his accompanist on a world tour. It's a brief movie, only seventy minutes long, directed by Gregory Ratoff (more famous as the ulcer-ridden producer Max in "All About Eve") focusing on the illicit affair that develops between Anita and Holger.

Much of the story has to do with the guilt they both experience in terms of the familial repercussions, and the ending reflects as much. A role away from his Ashley Wilkes in "Gone With the Wind", obviously the more important Selznick movie in production a the time, Leslie Howard plays Holger in his familiar erudite manner. Veteran character actor Cecil Kellaway (later the monsignor in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner") plays the sage maestro who acts as the film's conscience. Scenes often seem strangely truncated to move the story briskly along. Beyond Bergman, the most accomplished aspects of the film are Gregg Toland's lush cinematography, Lyle Wheeler's art direction (making Monterey, California look very much like the Italian Riviera) and Max Steiner's romantic music (oddly uncredited). But the impossibly striking Bergman is the primary reason to see this predictably developed film. The 2004 DVD offers no extras.

7 Reasons Why Intermezzo Works.......2006-04-19

I normally don't gravitate toward melodramas or 'soaps' nor would I approve, frankly, of a film that centers around adultery. However, this film has such much going for it that I wound up loving this movie the first time I saw it, and still do six viewings later.
Off the cuff, here are seven reasons why:

1) There IS a good message here: that a married person having a fling with a pretty young woman might be an exciting prospect but in the end, "you reap what you sow" and if either of the two parties has a conscience, the illicit romance will be doomed, especially if there are kids involved.

2 ) For male viewers, Ingrid Bergman, making her English-speaking debut, is a real feast for the eyes. She was one of the more naturally gorgeous women to grace the silver screen, I think.

3) Gregg Toland's photography. To fully appreciate his work, get the DVD for this film. Toland was one of the best cinematograthers ever, and this is a beautifully shot piece of work.

4) At 70 minutes, the film flies by, which also makes it easier to watch and enjoy multiple times.

5) Leslie Howard and John Halliday also were excellent in here as the two male leads. I thought Halliday, in particular, had some great words of wisdom.

6) For those who appreciate how difficult it is to forgive people, this ending contained another nice message.

7) Classical music lovers will very much appreciate the soundtrack to this film.

Straightforward, but nicely crafted romantic drama.......2006-04-02

Leslie Howard and Ingrid Bergman (in her Hollywood debut) acquit themselves well in this pre-Brief Encounter slice of romance and adultery. The other thing that really lifts this production above the run-of-the-mill is Gregg Toland's Oscar-nominated photography and lighting.

I also enjoyed one or two of the supporting cast, in particular Cecil Kellaway. His humourous dialogue with the young Ann Todd at the birthday party is charmingly delivered.

The unforgettable Ingrid Bergman.......2005-10-12

Ingrid Bergman made her English-speaking film debut in the romantic tear-jerker, "Intermezzo." She plays Anita, a young pianist who gives piano lessons to the daughter of a famous violinist, Holger Brandt (Leslie Howard). Brandt is first attracted by her musical talent and soon they are a couple, meeting in dark cafes. He leaves his family and takes Anita on tour with him. They are having a wonderful time until a friend from home visits them.

Bergman is so young and luminous; who wouldn't fall in love with her? She's very good as Anita, having played the role in the 1936 Swedish film. Howard channels his Ashley Wilkes role; he's tortured, weak, and confused. At 70 minutes, the movie is too short; I would have liked for it to move slower and show the couple together more (they meet and in the next scene, they are already guilty lovers). The music, chiefly "Intermezzo" by Provost, is lovely and adds to the bittersweet quality of the film. A touching romance with beautiful stars.

Intermezzo.......2005-08-12

This short (just 70 minutes), tender romance retains a special purity. Bergman, who played the same role in a Swedish version, is breathtaking, while Howard exudes the old world charm of a classic British gentleman. Their subtly intense interactions are punctuated by some very lovely music. All in all, romance with a capital "R."

Average customer rating:

Great Movie but distorted Swedish audio!

Intermezzo (1936 Swedish version)
Starring: Gösta Ekman , Inga Tidblad , Ingrid Bergman , Erik 'Bullen' Berglund , and Hugo Björne
Director: Gustaf Molander
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 1572524286
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Description

Anxious to recapture his youth, a family man leaves his wife and begins an illicit love affair with his daughter's piano teacher.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie but distorted Swedish audio!.......2004-02-08

I loved the movie and highly recomend it for Ingrid fans. Of course I needed the Swedish subtitles, but you must be aware that the audio in the movie is distorted and of very poor quality, so beware! The movie is expensive and one would think it would be of better quality. I kept the movie in my collection because in this case, I don't need the sound to follow the storyline. Thank god for the subtitles.

Average customer rating:

Intermezzo-a Love Story
Starring: Intermezzo-a Love Story
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000PDZHDM
Release Date: 2007-04-10

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