One of Those Things (film)

One of Those Things is a 1971 Danish film. The movie was shot in Denmark in 1969, using British actors and English dialogue in order to make it more appearing to the international market.[2]

One of Those Things
DanishHændeligt uheld
Directed byErik Balling
Written byErik Balling
Anders Bodelsen
English dialogue
David Hohnhen
Jesse Lasky Jr
Based onnovel Hit and Run Run Run by Anders Bodelsen
Produced byErik Balling
StarringRoy Dotrice
Judy Geeson
Production
company
Nordick Films
Distributed byNordick Films
Rank (UK)
Release date
  • 1971 (1971) (UK)
CountryDenmark
LanguagesEnglish
Danish
Budget3.5 million Danish kroner[1]

Its Danish title was Hændeligt uheld.

Plot

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An automobile plant manufacturer, Henrik Vinther, is part of a big business deal with a Japanese company. He is invited to a party by a younger woman, Susanne. Driving home, Henrik hits an elderly man, but drives on. The next day he hears a report that the man has died.

Henrik's employers force him to appear on television to discuss a new deal with a Japanese company. He is spotted by Susanne, who blackmails him into giving her a job. Henrik's wife has a drinking problem.

In Japan, Henrik and Susanne sleep together. Henrik's wife tells him she is pregnant.

Cast

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Production

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The film was shot in Copenhagen with mostly Danish money, although it was sold to the Rank organisation.[1]

Reception

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Poster from UK release

The film was released in the UK in 1971. The Daily Mail called it "insidiously calculated" but with "smooth acting."[3] The Observer commented on "a cast of excellent British actors doing their best to bring some life to a completely plastic production."[4] The Guardian called it "mostly daft... professional, competent and utterly empty of any significance whatsoever."[5]

Variety called it "a smooth psychological thriller... every moment is handled with superior suspense and psychological sense. The photography by Jorgen Skov is imaginative without straining for effects. The editing job...is excellent... Good, modern film fare, entertaining without being neither pretentious or condescending."[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Variety Reviews 1971-74. 1983. p. 23.
  2. ^ "Miscellany". The Guardian. 12 December 1969. p. 11.
  3. ^ "New films". Daily Mail. 2 July 1971. p. 14.
  4. ^ Melly, George (20 June 1971). "A Swedish parable". The Observer. p. 26.
  5. ^ Malcolm, Derek (24 June 1971). "Rohmer's moral tale below the belt". The Guardian. p. 10.
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