In the hands of director Gustaf Molander and playwright Hjalmar Bergman’s widow Stina, this story becomes an enjoyable watch; Swedish critics at the time considered it an unusually witty comedy in swank environs.

Some of its effect is lost now, but it’s still a merry romp with messy, uncivilized intrigue among three childhood friends and their wives who stick together in spite of harboring plenty of ill will. Into that situation enters a Swedish-American lady with an accent that actress Elsa Burnett for the life of her can’t pull off. Still, a fine cast.

A little too obviously shot on a soundstage, in spite of a trip to a ski resort.

1938-Sweden. 78 min. B/W. Directed by Gustaf Molander. Screenplay: Stina Bergman, Gustaf Molander. Play: Hjalmar Bergman. Cast: Ingrid Bergman (Julia Balzar), Georg Rydeberg (Kurt Balzar), Tutta Rolf (Sussi Brenner), Kotti Chave (Louis Brenner), Birgit Tengroth, Håkan Westergren, Edvin Adolphson… George Fant.