Elvira Madigan
Elvira Madigan

Movie spotlight

Elvira Madigan

1943
Movie
108 min
Swedish

The tragic love story between a line dancer and an army officer.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: Arthur LubinGenres: Drama, Romance, Musical

Plot Summary

A young Norwegian woman, Elvira Madigan, who possesses a unique talent for knife-throwing, falls in love with a handsome circus artist. Their romance blossoms amidst the colorful and often challenging world of the traveling circus. However, their relationship faces obstacles, including societal disapproval and the pressures of their unconventional lifestyle. The film follows their journey as they try to navigate love and life on the road.

Critical Reception

Released during a period of wartime cinema, 'Elvira Madigan' (1943) was a modest production that aimed to provide escapism with its musical numbers and romantic storyline. While not a critical darling, it found an audience for its lighthearted entertainment. Critical reviews at the time often focused on its straightforward narrative and musical performances, with some finding it somewhat predictable. Audience reception was generally positive for its escapist qualities.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its musical numbers and the charm of its lead actress.

  • Found to be a pleasant, if somewhat formulaic, romantic drama.

  • Appreciated for its lighthearted and escapist entertainment during a difficult time.

Google audience: Audience feedback from the era is difficult to ascertain definitively, but films of this type typically appealed to those seeking simple romance and musical entertainment, offering a brief respite from everyday concerns.

Fun Fact

The film's star, Susan Peters, who plays the character's daughter, would later gain significant recognition for her role in "Random Harvest" (1942) before a tragic accident cut her promising career short.

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