Bertha (Pauline Brunius, wife of the director) who gave up her son for adoption when unmarried many years before is now married to wealthy Richard Brenner (Tore Svennberg) and now has a grown daughter called Alice (Renee Bjorling). Her first child is a secret she hides from her husband and daughter. One day she encounters an injured young man (Paul Seelig) who's identification paper matches that of her son. She offers him help, while keeping her secret, but she becomes alarmed when her daughter Alice is attracted to her son, half-siblings falling in love with each other!
Although based on a play, director John Brunius does a great job in opening out the play to good effect. The acting is restrained, typical of the Scandinavian style that has done so well for generations. The scenes are acted out with a measured pace, allowing the emotions to be played out and allowing the audience to "step in each character's shoes".
Particular mention should be made of Paul Seelig as the son. His thoughtful pauses at particular moments (e.g., when he finds a lost purse, or when he looks puzzled at the behaviour of this older woman), really convey his thoughts to the audience.
A fine effort within the confines of a melodrama.
