Frihedens pris (1960)

A gripping Danish wartime drama about a young sailor who risks everything by joining the resistance during the German occupation of 1944.

Frihedens pris - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Frihedens pris
  • Release Year: 1960
  • Directed by: Annelise Hovmand
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, War
  • Runtime: 1h 25m
  • Original Language: Danish
  • Spoken Languages: Danish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): March 11, 1960 (Denmark - 15)
  • Alternative Titles: Frøet i jorden (DK)
  • Production Companies: Flamingo Film
  • Production Countries: Denmark

Frihedens pris - Plot

The young sailor Morten returns home from his travels in the midst of the general strike of 1944, where he is confronted with the occupation. He joins a resistance group and actively participates in the struggle. There is no time for relaxation. He must always be on guard. Only with the sweet and charming young Lise can he relax a little and be himself. During a factory sabotage, the group is captured by the Germans.

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Frihedens pris - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Annelise Hovmand

Main Cast

  • Willy Rathnov
  • Ghita Nørby
  • Holger Juul Hansen
  • Preben Lerdorff Rye
  • Louis Miehe-Renard
  • Svend Johansen
  • Kurt Erik Nielsen
  • Clara Pontoppidan
  • Jørgen Ryg
  • Asbjørn Andersen

Writers

  • Annelise Hovmand
  • Finn Methling

Producers

  • Johan Jacobsen

Frihedens pris - FAQs

What is Frihedens pris about?

Frihedens pris follows Morten, a young Danish sailor who returns home during the 1944 general strike and is drawn into the resistance movement against the German occupation. Amid constant danger and clandestine sabotage missions, he finds brief solace in a tender relationship with a young woman named Lise.

What happens to the resistance group at the end?

The film ends on a sobering note: during a factory sabotage operation, Morten's resistance group is captured by the Germans. It's a stark reminder of the very real cost of defiance during the occupation — the freedom fighters risk everything, and not all of them escape.

Who directed Frihedens pris?

Frihedens pris was directed by Annelise Hovmand, one of the few female film directors working in Denmark in the late 1950s and 1960s. She also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Finn Methling, making this a notably personal and authorial project within Danish wartime cinema.

Who are the main actors in Frihedens pris?

The film stars Willy Rathnov as the sailor Morten and Ghita Nørby as Lise, his quiet refuge amid the chaos. The supporting cast includes Holger Juul Hansen, Preben Lerdorff Rye, Louis Miehe-Renard, and the legendary Clara Pontoppidan, among others.

Is Frihedens pris based on real historical events?

Yes, the film is rooted in real history. The Danish general strike of 1944 and the broader resistance against the Nazi occupation are well-documented chapters of World War II. While the characters are fictional, the backdrop — sabotage operations, arrests, and daily danger — reflects the genuine experience of Danish resisters.

What is the significance of the title Frihedens pris?

Frihedens pris translates from Danish as “The Price of Freedom.” The title captures the film's central moral weight: freedom from occupation is not free — it demands sacrifice, constant vigilance, and ultimately the lives and liberty of those brave enough to fight for it.

What are some similar films to Frihedens pris?

If Frihedens pris resonates with you, consider exploring other wartime dramas like Fires Were Started (1943), Jacknife (1989), or Men in War (1957). Each film examines the human cost of conflict from a grounded, personal perspective, much like Hovmand's Danish resistance story.

When and where was Frihedens pris released?

Frihedens pris had its theatrical release in Denmark on March 11, 1960. The film was produced by Flamingo Film and is a Danish production. It carries a Danish age classification of 15, indicating it was intended for mature audiences.

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