Quattro ragazze coraggiose

Prior to her American debut Ingrid Bergman had learnt her craft in her homeland under the guidance of the great director Gustav Molander, notably in 'Intermezzo' and 'A Woman's Face' whilst between 'Intermezzo' and the rather homogenised Hollywood version three years elapsed during which she starred in four films, including this lightweight piece made in Germany for the renowned Carl Froelich, a true pioneer who had made the first German sound film and as president of the Reichsfilmkammer was answerable only to Joseph Goebbels!

Miss Bergman's ability, forceful personality and winning looks very often made her films seem better than they actually were but it is impossible not to be enchanted by the taking performances of the entire cast under Herr Froelich's immaculate direction.

The plot is familiar thanks to Hollywood films of the thirties and forties as a group of females start by trying to make a go of a commercial enterprise and end by landing husbands. It is fascinating to note that the fair-haired Aryan types, Bergman, Carsta Lock and Sabine Peters find romance whilst the dark-haired, distinctly non-Aryan finds fulfilment as a painter and as the latter it is Ursula Herking who proves the most interesting of the quartet.

As a bonus there is another marvellously observed characterisation by inveterate scene-stealer Erich Ponto as a tax inspector. Despite a long and distinguished career in German film he is forever associated with 'Vinkle not Winkle' in 'The Third Man'. Miss Bergman's leading man here is the excellent Hans Sohnker and in their final scene together she is at her most appealing.

One source has stated that this was designed as a star vehicle to launch her film career in Germany after her success in Sweden. She was after all half-German on her mother's side and the Swedes are historically renowned for their 'neutrality' but one cannot help but wonder how her life and films would have turned out had she not reluctantly accepted David O. Selznick's offer. A sobering thought.