Martha

Martha is a Danish comedy classic released in 1967, directed by the Danish master of family entertainment, Erik Balling. The film stars a trio of Danish cinematic legends - Poul Reichhardt, Poul Bundgaard, and Morten Grunwald - who bring their immense talents to the fore in this hilarious sea-faring adventure.

The storyline centers around the somewhat outdated ship Martha which has been de-commissioned by its owners, because it's deemed unprofitable. However, the ship's crew, led by figureheads First Officer Bendtsen (played by Poul Reichhardt), the Cook (played by Poul Bundgaard) and Smut (played by Morten Grunwald), decide to take matters into their own hands. They hatch a plan to keep Martha in operation, setting the plot course towards a delightful film filled with amusing twists and turns.

Poul Reichhardt, one of Denmark's most popular actors, shines in his portrayal of First Officer Bendtsen, portraying him as a strong but likable authority figure who commands respect from his fellow crew members yet retains his affability, all the while displaying his attractive charisma and everyman appeal. Poul Bundgaard adds to the comedy with his fantastic performance as the Cook, creating a character that is both endearing and hilariously funny. Rounding up the trio is Morten Grunwald as Smut, whose misadventures provide additional humor and charm to the proceedings. The excellent chemistry between this trio is one of the film's high points, and they complement each other wonderfully, resulting in a dynamic that adds a level of enjoyment to the film.

Director Erik Balling does a remarkable job of blending regular working life's practicalities and the free-spirited adventure on the high seas. He keeps the narrative tight and brisk, ensuring that there aren't any dull moments throughout the film’s duration. This film is certainly a testament to his deft handling of comedy, knowing exactly when to inject humor to lighten up the mood, and when to dial it back to address more heartfelt moments.

Noteworthy is the depiction of the camaraderie and the bonding among the ship's crew members, the heart of the movie. They are all presented as ordinary men, with their shares of flaws and virtues, making each scene resonant and realistic. Each character on board Martha brings a unique trait, creating an intriguing mix of personalities that further enriches the story.

Martha also features actor Karl Stegger as the ship's engineer, who delivers a suitably engaging and humorous performance. His interactions with the rest of the crew members provide some of the movie's most entertaining moments. Meanwhile, actress Jan Priiskorn-Schmidt gives an emotive performance in her role as the young daughter of an ill-fated passenger, showing a promising range beyond her years.

Martha offers viewers a dazzling trip through various international ports, thanks to its beautifully shot visuals. It enthralls with its grand ports of call, the blue skies, and the endless seas, transporting the viewer straight onto the deck of the slowly-aged yet purposeful ship. The sumptuous visuals beautifully complement the breezy narrative, immersing the viewer into Martha's world.

Its music by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre provides the perfect backdrop to the maritime exploits unfolding onscreen. The instrumental pieces stand out in particular, with the jaunty main theme instilling a sense of adventure, while the more somber tunes effectively underscore the emotional scenes.

In conclusion, Martha is a delightful seafaring tale filled with laughs, heart, and bona fide classical performances, delivering a truly enjoyable movie experience that stands the test of time. The brilliance of the leading trio, the engaging screenplay, the lovely visuals, and intense music score all combine to make Martha a Danish cinema classic that continues to entertain dedicated fans and first-time viewers alike.