Only One Night (1939)

Only One Night Poster
Original Title: En enda natt

Funfair worker Valdemar is unknowingly the illegitimate son of a rich landowner, colonel Von Brede. The colonel knows and employs Valdemar as his stable master. The colonel has a young and beautiful ward, Eva, but will she and Valdemar fall in love with each other?

Introduction
"Only One Night" is a 1939 Swedish love movie directed by Gustaf Molander. This elegant spin on a timeless fairy tale was composed by Gösta Stevens and Oscar Rydqvist. The story revolves around a spontaneous love affair between an anonymous countess and a fascinating male whose identity is unidentified to her, set in the opulent background of the early 20th century Swedish high society.

Plot Summary
The plot progresses around two central characters, Countess Marianne (Ingrid Bergman) and a seeming citizen called Aage (Edvin Adolphson) who meet at an outfit ball. At the celebration, Marianne, sick of her aristocratic life, disguises herself as a maid. Meanwhile, Aage, who in truth is himself a Count, chooses to masquerade as a common sailor. They share an enchanting dance and get deeply attracted towards each other before he disappearing without exposing his identity.

Overwhelmed by the mystique of the male she danced with, the Countess Marianne ventures out to find him. Through a series of occasions, she ends up in a modest countryside boarding home run by the male's sister, Mist Lindman (Marianne Aminoff). Unconcerned to Marianne's genuine identity, Mist allows Marianne to work as a housemaid at the boarding house while she unfolds more ideas to find her mystery man.

Discovery and Climax
Amidst her modest houses, Marianne grows keen on the simple life far from the hustle and opulence of her noble way of life. Ultimately, Aage makes an entry into the story as he returns house for his yearly see. The motion picture reaches its climax when Marianne finds Aage's true identity. The surprise of finding out that Aage is the man she has actually been looking for and the truth he is a nobleman spins the story on its head.

Conclusion
This revelation brings delight and relief to Marianne. However, this romantic funny concludes on a poignant note, analyzing class divides and questioning the real meaning of love and joy. Ultimately, the countess chooses to give up her pompous lifestyle to live a simple life with the love of her life.

Main Themes
"Only One Night" tackles the clash between classes, power dynamics, and the hustle of city life versus the tranquility of the countryside, painted across a romantic canvas. As Marianne passes through across social norms and class lines for her love, the motion picture analyzes the disillusionment with stylish lifestyles and the attraction to simpleness. The movie provides a heartfelt message about the capability for love to go beyond societal dictates.

In conclusion, "Only One Night" is an interesting film that magnificently mixes love and social critique. With Ingrid Bergman's compelling performance and Gustaf Molander's deft direction, this movie elegantly provides a romance that challenges and delights, leaving audiences considering the depths of love and the rigidities of societal standards.

Top Cast

  • Ingrid Bergman (small)
    Ingrid Bergman
    Eva Beckman
  • Edvin Adolphson (small)
    Edvin Adolphson
    Valdemar Moreaux
  • Aino Taube (small)
    Aino Taube
    Helga Mårtenson
  • Olof Sandborg
    Magnus von Brede
  • Erik 'Bullen' Berglund (small)
    Erik 'Bullen' Berglund
    Hagberg
  • Marianne Löfgren (small)
    Marianne Löfgren
    Rosa
  • Magnus Kesster (small)
    Magnus Kesster
    Olsson
  • Tor Borong (small)
    Tor Borong
    Captain Walter
  • Wiktor Andersson (small)
    Wiktor Andersson
    Bodin
  • Arne Lindblad (small)
    Arne Lindblad
    Palm
  • Åke Grönberg (small)
    Åke Grönberg
    Young man