Nils Poppe Movies

Acceding to the literal interpretation of the folk-saying "A virgin is a sty in the devil's eye," Satan employs a reincarnated Don Juan (Jarl Kulle) to seduce Britt-Marie, the young daughter (Bibi Andersson) of a country parson. Poor Don Juan falls in love with the girl, however, while his servant Pablo (Sture Lagerwall) attempts to do the same with her mother. One of Bergman's few direct comedies (he even reassures viewers of the fact in a note titled "Dear Frightened Audience"), Devil's Eye also harks back to his stage experience by appearing in separate acts--with introductions by Gunnar Bjornstrand. The film is available in two video versions: subtitled and dubbed. ~ John Bush, Rovi

Endlessly imitated and parodied, Ingmar Bergman's landmark art movie The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde Inseglet) retains its ability to hold an audience spellbound. Bergman regular Max von Sydow stars as a 14th century knight named Antonius Block, wearily heading home after ten years' worth of combat. Disillusioned by unending war, plague, and misery Block has concluded that God does not exist. As he trudges across the wilderness, Block is visited by Death (Bengt Ekerot), garbed in the traditional black robe. Unwilling to give up the ghost, Block challenges Death to a game of chess. If he wins, he lives -- if not, he'll allow Death to claim him. As they play, the knight and the Grim Reaper get into a spirited discussion over whether or not God exists. To recount all that happens next would diminish the impact of the film itself; we can observe that The Seventh Seal ends with one of the most indelible of all of Bergman's cinematic images: the near-silhouette "Dance of Death." Considered by some as the apotheosis of all Ingmar Bergman films (other likely candidates for that honor include Wild Strawberries and Persona), and certainly one of the most influential European art movies, The Seventh Seal won a multitude of awards, including the Special Jury Prize at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Military comedies were as popular in Scandinavia in the postwar era as they were in America -- perhaps even more so. Soldat Bom stars comedian Nils Poppe, who also penned the script. The film traces his various misadventures in uniform, his frequent tiltings with the "brass" and civilian authority figures, and his luck (or lack of it) with women. Inga Landre is very easy on the eyes as Poppe's leading lady. Soldat Bom did quite well financially in Sweden, but business tended to trail off in other countries. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The English-language title of this Swedish slapstick comedy is Poor Little Sven. The star is Nils Poppe, hailed in some circles as the Swedish Charlie Chaplin but comporting himself herein more like Buster Keaton. Based on the British operetta "Mr. Cinders," the story finds the bethumped Mr. Poppe winning both financial success and the girl of his dreams, while flattening the stock of his pompous enemies. Scandinavian audiences, already predisposed to enjoy the film, were further delighted by its splendid color photography. But comedy doesn't always survive a sea change, which may be why Stackers Lille Sven wasn't released in the U.S. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Often referred to as the Swedish Charlie Chaplin, Nils Poppe emulates The Little Tramp by both directing and starring in Ballongen (The Balloon) Undoubtedly basking in the success of his initial film, Money (which earned him the Swedish equivalent of the Oscar), Poppe strives to demonstrate his comic versatility in this, his second effort. Travelling from one time-frame to another by means of a magic balloon, our hero is seen as an 8th century Viking, a 13th century Turkish Caliph, a 17th century French King and a present-day (1946) college student. Along the way, Poppe enjoys the company of several well-endowed Scandanavian damsels. Ballongen did well in Sweden, but wasn't a notable success in the US. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

This Swedish romantic comedy was released outside of Scandinavia as My Friend Clock-John. The title character, played by Thor Modeen, is a pickpocket, or "clock-lifter." The comic antics of Clock-John are offered in contrast to the regeneration of fellow thief Nils (Sture Lagerwell). Hoping to fall heir to a huge fortune, Nils poses as the long-lost son of elderly dowager Mrs. Bergstrom (Hilda Borgstrom). Touched by his "mother"'s warmth and humanity, Nils finally proves himself worthy of the hand of Mrs. Bergstrom's pretty daughter Anne Marie (Birgit Tengroth) -- but not before revealing his true identity, thereby avoiding any hint of incest! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi