Song of Norway (1970)

Song of Norway Poster

Like the play from which it derived, the film tells of the early struggles of composer Edvard Grieg and his attempts to develop an authentic Norwegian national music. It stars Toralv Maurstad as Grieg and features an international cast including Florence Henderson, Christina Schollin, Robert Morley, Harry Secombe, Oskar Homolka, Edward G. Robinson and Frank Porretta (as Rikard Nordraak). Filmed in Super Panavision 70 by Davis Boulton and presented in single-camera Cinerama in some countries, it was an attempt to capitalise on the success of The Sound of Music.

Introduction
"Song of Norway" is a 1970 musical movie using an imaginary take on the early life of composer Edvard Grieg. The film, directed by Andrew L. Stone, presents a romanticized biography of Norway's most popular author around the turn of the 20th century. The story extends from his school days to his rise as a worldwide well-known author. The function uses Grieg's own music, adapted into tune by Robert Wright and George Forrest, as the basis of its soundtrack.

Plot Synopsis
The plot follows the young Edvard Grieg (Toralv Maurstad) who bucks his family's abundant shipping market custom to pursue his brave passion for music. When turned down from a premier school for music, the Oslo Conservatory, he is provided another opportunity when he meets the popular violin virtuoso, Richard Nordraak (Harry Secombe). Nordraak's motivation and influence result in Grieg's admittance into Leipzig Conservatory in Germany, where he masters his music studies.

The love story in the motion picture focuses on Edvard Grieg and his first cousin Nina (Florence Henderson). Regardless of the family's displeasure, the couple elopes. Continued struggles and hardships due to lack of earnings and acknowledgment lead the couple on a rocky roadway, but they remain deeply devoted to one another.

Main Characters
Toralv Maurstad plays the protagonist in the film, Edvard Grieg, with a striking dedication to the function. Florence Henderson, understood popularly for her function in 'The Brady Bunch,' plays the role of his love interest Nina with grace and beauty. Their on-screen romance, while marked by ups and downs, is a main theme in the movie. Harry Secombe, a renowned British comic and vocalist of the time, improves the plot with his role as Richard Nordraak, adding both music and humor.

Music and Cinematography
Song of Norway uses Grieg's initial music however revamps it into songs with English lyrics. Noteworthy pieces changed into tunes consist of "I Love You", originally "Ich liebe Dich", and sections of his Piano Concerto in A small. Much of the film was shot on place in Norway, creating a special and stunning setting that showed as compelling as the story itself.

Vital Reception
Regardless of its lush visuals and distinct story, "Song of Norway" opened to a mixed reception in 1970. Critics appreciated the movie's cinematography and the reinvented classical soundtrack, however frequently found the plot thin and over-romanticized. The film did not prosper at package office regardless of its intricate production. It was, nevertheless, nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture-- Musical or Comedy in 1971 and has actually because kept a certain beauty amongst enthusiasts of cinematic musicals.

Conclusion
"Song of Norway" stays a shiny and glamorized homage to the life of Norway's most popular composers, Edvard Grieg. The film might not be a box-office beloved, but its faithful commitment to integrating Grieg's music and the natural appeal of Norway keeps it on the radar of timeless motion picture lovers. In spite of its unique story plot, the movie represents the artistic struggle and accomplishment that found its voice in Grieg's music.

Top Cast

  • Toralv Maurstad (small)
    Toralv Maurstad
    Edvard Grieg
  • Florence Henderson (small)
    Florence Henderson
    Nina Hagerup
  • Christina Schollin (small)
    Christina Schollin
    Therese Berg
  • Frank Porretta
    Richard Nordraak
  • Harry Secombe (small)
    Harry Secombe
    Bioernstjerne Bjoernson
  • Robert Morley (small)
    Robert Morley
    Berg
  • Edward G. Robinson (small)
    Edward G. Robinson
    Krogstad
  • Elizabeth Larner
    Mrs. Bjoernson
  • Oskar Homolka (small)
    Oskar Homolka
    Engstrand
  • Frederick Jaeger (small)
    Frederick Jaeger
    Henrik Ibsen
  • Henry Gilbert
    Franz Liszt