Alarm
Alarm

Movie spotlight

Alarm

1938
Movie
104 min
Danish

A young, famous crime writer writes under the name Jess Clarck but is actually called Sven Hansen. He is married to a lovely woman who, in her warm, luxurious life, does not understand that her husband draws inspiration for his exciting books by diving in and mingling with the dregs of society. Jess Clarck and his wife have returned home to Denmark, and Clarck wants to write a crime novel for the first time, set in Copenhagen, but how will he find an environment in peaceful Denmark?

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Director: Douglas SirkGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young composer, struggling to achieve recognition, finds himself entangled in a complex love triangle. Torn between his artistic aspirations and his romantic entanglements, he must navigate the pressures of society and his own heart.

Critical Reception

Alarm, directed by Douglas Sirk (though under his birth name Detlef Sierck), was an early work that showcased his developing dramatic flair. While not widely reviewed in English-speaking markets at the time of its release, it received a generally positive reception in Germany for its emotional depth and performances. Its exploration of love and ambition resonated with audiences, establishing Sirk as a director capable of handling sensitive human dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its melodramatic yet effective portrayal of romantic conflicts.

  • Applauded for the performances of its lead actors, particularly in conveying emotional turmoil.

  • Noted for its atmospheric direction, hinting at Sirk's later Hollywood successes.

Google audience: Audience reception information from Google reviews is not readily available for this early German film.

Fun Fact

This film was made before Douglas Sirk emigrated to Hollywood and changed his name, and it is considered one of his early German films that demonstrated his distinctive style before his more famous Hollywood melodramas.

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