Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939)

Intermezzo: A Love Story Poster

A concert violinist becomes charmed with his daughter's talented piano teacher. When he invites her to go on tour with him, they make beautiful music away from the concert hall as well. He soon leaves his wife so the two can go off together.

Intro
"Intermezzo: A Love Story" is a 1939 romance drama directed by Gregory Ratoff, featuring Ingrid Bergman in her American debut and Leslie Howard. Based upon the 1936 Swedish film with the very same title, this fascinating narrative explores the emotional turmoil of love, enthusiasm, and responsibility.

Plot Overview
Leslie Howard plays a world-renowned violinist, Holger Brandt, who falls in love with his child's piano instructor, Anita Hoffman, remarkably depicted by Ingrid Bergman. The film begins when Holger returns house after a long concert tour abroad and finds himself drawn to the skilled and attractive Anita. Their shared love for music creates a deep connection which progresses into an intimate relationship. This extramarital affair stirs moral qualms as Holger is still wed to his dedicated better half, Margit, with 2 kids.

Romantic Escapade
When Holger makes his psychological attachment known to Anita, they both start a romantic journey through Europe, sharing their passion for music. They find moments of joy, entwined with their ingrained regret for betraying Holger's family, specifically when he leaves a note for his other half mentioning his love for Anita before departing. The set's bliss is shattered when he discovers his child's accident, piercing through the romantic bubble they've been residing in.

Return and Resolution
Holger instantly returns house to discover his child recuperating. Guilt-ridden and saddened by the pain his absence has actually inflicted upon his family, he decides that his place is at home. As a result, he breaks off his relationship with Anita. Nevertheless, Anita, still passionately in love with him, discovers it challenging to carry on. She delivers an emotive and stellar musical efficiency, creatively expressing her heartache which showcases Bergman's outstanding acting capacity.

Final Thoughts
Mentally charged and deeply moving, "Intermezzo: A Love Story", skillfully addresses issues worrying love, enthusiasm, and ethical task. Leslie Howard convincingly represents Holger's guilt-ridden conscience torn between his new-found love and deep-rooted household bonds, whilst Ingrid Bergman provides a sterling efficiency as Anita, wonderfully encapsulating the torture of unrequited love.

While the story explores the controversial affair, the handling of this heavy subject matter is delicately done, illustrating the psychological experience of the characters rather than exploiting their romantic escapades. Audiences can clearly feel the pain and struggle of each character, making "Intermezzo: A Love Story" an exceptional movie in its category. With an ageless story that continues to resonate with audiences, it not just declared Ingrid Bergman's successful Hollywood profession but likewise remains a timeless example of a concrete, psychological narrative well performed. Therefore, while being an agonizing tale of prohibited love, "Intermezzo: A Love Story" eventually leads its characters towards self-questioning and fixed up choices.

Top Cast

  • Leslie Howard (small)
    Leslie Howard
    Holger Brandt
  • Edna Best (small)
    Edna Best
    Margit Brandt
  • Ann E. Todd (small)
    Ann E. Todd
    Ann Marie
  • Douglas Scott (small)
    Douglas Scott
    Eric
  • John Halliday (small)
    John Halliday
    Thomas Stenborg
  • Enid Bennett (small)
    Enid Bennett
    Greta
  • Cecil Kellaway (small)
    Cecil Kellaway
    Charles Moler
  • Eleanor Wesselhoeft
    Emma
  • Maria Flynn
    Marianne
  • Ingrid Bergman (small)
    Ingrid Bergman
    Anita Hoffman
  • Dawn Dodd
    Little Girl (Uncredited)