Hagbard and Signe (1967)

The young beloveds fight for their love in medieval Scandinavia.

Director:

Gabriel Axel

Writers:

Gabriel Axel, Saxo Grammaticus (story "annals Gesta Danorum, 7th Book")

Stars:

Oleg Vidov, Gitte Hænning, Eva Dahlbeck

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Oleg Vidov	...	Hagbard
Gitte Hænning	...	Signe
Eva Dahlbeck	...	The Queen
Birgitte Federspiel	...	King Hamund's widow
Lisbeth Movin	...	Bengerd
Johannes Meyer	...	Bilvis
Håkan Jahnberg	...	Bolvis
Manfred Reddemann	...	Hildegisl
Henning Palner	...	Hake
Gisli Alfredsson	...	Sigvald
Folmer Rubæk	...	Helvin
Borgar Garðarsson	...	Alf (as Borgar Gardarsson)
Jörgen Lantz	...	King Hammond (as Jørgen Lantz)
Frederik Tharaldsen	...	Alger
Sisse Reingaard	...	Rigmor

Storyline

The story, based on an ancient legend, concerns Hagbard (Oleg Vidov), the son of a slain Norse king. Seeking revenge against the rival clan responsible for the killing, Hagbard calms down long enough to establish a truce. He also falls in love with Signe (Gitte Haenning), daughter of his onetime enemy. Signe's former beau, sizzling with jealousy, breaks the truce and makes it appear that Hagbard was responsible. The young prince escapes, but returns disguised as a woman to his beloved Signe.

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Plot Keywords:

color in title | youth | sword | shield | sauna | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Denmark Iceland Sweden

Language:

Norwegian Swedish Latin

Release Date:

16 May 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hagbard and Signe

Filming Locations:

Iceland

Company Credits

Production Co:

ASA Film, Movie Art of Europe, Edda Film (II)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

A Moment of Your Love
from The Red Mantle (US version 1972)
Music by Marc Fredericks
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Sung by Judy Scott

User Reviews

Lot like Romeo and Juliet

"When will the killing end" and "A moment of your love" really made my tears fall out, listening to the lyrics and how it relates to the film. I loved the film because it is so much like Romeo and Juliet. I just love tearjerkers. The scenery was really breathtaking. The only complaint I have is the part when Hagbard kills 2 men in Signe's bedroom. I couldn't help laughing. It is so corny how the sword goes right through in a matter of seconds with no blood oozing out and the victims' short fake cries. The overlapping of the lovers' faces at the end with "A moment of your love" was so dramatic. To me that was the best part of the movie. I kept pushing the << button on my DVD player. I enjoyed this movie so much more because I have the LP soundtrack,although I don't even have a record player. Every time the tree that appears on the cover of the LP soundtrack, it seemed like the most symboolic view because (that's where they kiss and the red mantle will hang at the end). Surprisingly there was a love scene; I was really shocked that Signe appeared topless and she stood around totally nude in the fighting scenes.