Pastor Jarman Kommer Hjem is something as rare as a cross between a French poetic realist film and a film noir. I say "rare" because Norway with its limited film production, does not have many films in this genre. The film was made by Arne Skouen, perhaps best known for his film Nine Lives (1957) released the previous year. This film is his creative follow-up to that Oscar nominated film.
The title of the film "Pator Jarman kommer hjem" translates as "Reverend Jarman Returns". The film begins with the return from America of the Reverend Jarman, his wife and son. On the return trip to Oslo he is called to the bed of a dying sailor. The sailor gives Jarman a watch and tells him to return it to its rightful owner and "to sort out" something. Jarman, being conscientious, promises to do so. When Jarman tries to return the watch to the woman he was referred to, she rejects him. Gradually we understand that there is a mystery attached to the watch, including an unsolved murder. Jarman wants to stay true to his word, and starts out to set things right.
The film brings us into contact with a wealth of colorful characters, stranded sailors and bums. Most of the action takes place in a maritime setting on the docks. The film received mixed reviews when it was released. But, the major Norwegian newspaper, Aftenposten, gave it 5 out of 6. However, time has been kind to this old classic and the characters in the film seem even more interesting today than they did at the time. Today the world of sailors and bums on the docks has gone from Norwegian ports. Also, this film is special because it belongs to a genre which is rarely represented in Norwegian cinema.
I would recommend this film if you can get it.
