A young German girl marries an Englishman and moves into his family's household during the last days of World War II. The family and community have conflicting feelings about her presence in the community, and as a result, the family is forced to face their own moral code as they deal with their own prejudices and fears about the seemingly innocent German girl. The war ends, and she finally seems to be accepted into the family and community when her Nazi brother shows up to create havoc.
Mai Zetterling, one of Britain's most talented leading ladies of the 40's and 50's (and more recently seen as the sweet grandmother in "The Witches"), gives a human portrayal of the young German girl who unwillingly stirs up the pot in husband Robert's (David Farrar) household. There is one very compelling scene where Zetterling sits in a movie theater, watching news reels of what the Nazis have done, and realizes the horrors of the war and why people feel the way they do about her. She confides all she knows about what was going on in the war to her husband who assures her he knows she was not responsible.
However, his older sister, Flora Robson, has been involved in public office, and as a result of Zetterling's presence, has been undergoing public scrutiny. She makes a public speech to save her reputation, but damns Zetterling to the villagers merely because she is of German birth. Robson's hatred grows, and she encourages Farrar's widowed sister-in-law (a young Glynis Johns) to pursue Farrar for herself. Johns is actually sympathetic to Zetterling, as is the family matriarch, played by Barbara Everest, who simply wants everything to work themselves out naturally.
When Frieda's brother, Richard (Albert Levien), shows up, he appears to be a harmless fellow, having just served on the side of the allies in the Polish army, but soon, his real motivations are made clear. When his past is exposed, Richard goes out of his way to destroy Freida and Robert's happiness for good. The conclusion is almost horrifying, as the family realizes that it had the power to improve the situation but did nothing.
Released two years after the end of World War II, "Frieda" is an extremely well written drama, fascinating from beginning to end. The British filmmakers of this time were improving technically, and even though the film is in black and white, there is an almost modern technical look to the film. Zetterling is endearing as the sweet Frieda, conflicted over her German upbringing, but devotedly trying to win over her new in-laws.
Farrar, best known as the hero in the classic "Black Narcissus" the same year, is a fine hero, while Robson and Johns deliver outstanding performances. Robson, almost despisable, is remarkably human in spite of her hatred of the German infiltration of her family, and her actions are understandable, if not admirable.
The message of forgiveness and anti-judgement is an important one in today's society. Should members of a certain race be held accountable for the actions of the leaders of their homelands? Or should people be judged on their own moral code and standards?
Mai Zetterling, one of Britain's most talented leading ladies of the 40's and 50's (and more recently seen as the sweet grandmother in "The Witches"), gives a human portrayal of the young German girl who unwillingly stirs up the pot in husband Robert's (David Farrar) household. There is one very compelling scene where Zetterling sits in a movie theater, watching news reels of what the Nazis have done, and realizes the horrors of the war and why people feel the way they do about her. She confides all she knows about what was going on in the war to her husband who assures her he knows she was not responsible.
However, his older sister, Flora Robson, has been involved in public office, and as a result of Zetterling's presence, has been undergoing public scrutiny. She makes a public speech to save her reputation, but damns Zetterling to the villagers merely because she is of German birth. Robson's hatred grows, and she encourages Farrar's widowed sister-in-law (a young Glynis Johns) to pursue Farrar for herself. Johns is actually sympathetic to Zetterling, as is the family matriarch, played by Barbara Everest, who simply wants everything to work themselves out naturally.
When Frieda's brother, Richard (Albert Levien), shows up, he appears to be a harmless fellow, having just served on the side of the allies in the Polish army, but soon, his real motivations are made clear. When his past is exposed, Richard goes out of his way to destroy Freida and Robert's happiness for good. The conclusion is almost horrifying, as the family realizes that it had the power to improve the situation but did nothing.
Released two years after the end of World War II, "Frieda" is an extremely well written drama, fascinating from beginning to end. The British filmmakers of this time were improving technically, and even though the film is in black and white, there is an almost modern technical look to the film. Zetterling is endearing as the sweet Frieda, conflicted over her German upbringing, but devotedly trying to win over her new in-laws.
Farrar, best known as the hero in the classic "Black Narcissus" the same year, is a fine hero, while Robson and Johns deliver outstanding performances. Robson, almost despisable, is remarkably human in spite of her hatred of the German infiltration of her family, and her actions are understandable, if not admirable.
The message of forgiveness and anti-judgement is an important one in today's society. Should members of a certain race be held accountable for the actions of the leaders of their homelands? Or should people be judged on their own moral code and standards?