Sons of Ingmar (1919)
Victor Sjöström's epic silent adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf's Jerusalem — a cornerstone of Swedish cinema and world film heritage.
Sons of Ingmar - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ingmarssönerna
- Release Year: 1919
- Directed by: Victor Sjöström
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 3h 27m
- Original Language: Swedish
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1919 (Sweden)
- Alternative Titles: La Voix des ancêtres (FR)
- Production Companies: Svenska Biografteatern
- Production Countries: Sweden
Sons of Ingmar - Plot
Part one of an ambitious screen adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf's book Jerusalem.
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Sons of Ingmar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Victor Sjöström
Main Cast
- Victor Sjöström
- Harriet Bosse
- Tore Svennberg
- Hildur Carlberg
- Hjalmar Peters
- Svea Peters
- Gustaf Ranft
- William Iwarsson
- Wilhelm Högstedt
- Harry Ahlin
Writers
- Victor Sjöström
Producers
- Charles Magnusson
Sons of Ingmar - FAQs
What is Sons of Ingmar about?
Sons of Ingmar follows Lill Ingmar Ingmarsson, a young Swedish farmer haunted by the moral weight of his ancestors. Based on Selma Lagerlöf's novel Jerusalem, the film explores guilt, faith, and rural tradition as Ingmar grapples with a fateful decision involving the woman he loves.
Is Sons of Ingmar based on a true story?
Not exactly. The film is adapted from Selma Lagerlöf's celebrated novel Jerusalem, published in 1901. Lagerlöf drew inspiration from a real 19th-century religious movement in the Swedish province of Dalarna, whose followers emigrated to Jerusalem — so the story has genuine historical roots.
Who directed Sons of Ingmar and also starred in it?
Victor Sjöström wore two hats on this production — he both directed and played the lead role of Lill Ingmar Ingmarsson. Sjöström was one of the most influential filmmakers of the silent era, and Sons of Ingmar is widely regarded as one of his finest achievements.
Who are the main cast members in Sons of Ingmar?
The film stars Victor Sjöström as Lill Ingmar, alongside Harriet Bosse as Brita and Tore Svennberg as Stor Ingmar. Harriet Bosse was a celebrated stage actress of the era, best known as August Strindberg's muse, making her presence here particularly notable.
Why is Sons of Ingmar considered a landmark silent film?
Sons of Ingmar stands out for its ambitious scope, psychological depth, and innovative use of Swedish landscapes as emotional backdrops. Sjöström's naturalistic approach was ahead of its time, influencing generations of filmmakers — including Ingmar Bergman, who cited Sjöström as a major inspiration.
How long is Sons of Ingmar?
Sons of Ingmar runs for approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes — an exceptionally ambitious runtime for a 1919 production. This epic length reflects the scale of Lagerlöf's source novel and Sjöström's determination to give the story the full cinematic treatment it deserved.
What are some similar films to Sons of Ingmar?
If you enjoy Sons of Ingmar, you might also appreciate The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), Broken Blossoms (1919), Pandora's Box (1929), and City Lights (1931). These silent-era classics share a similar commitment to emotional storytelling, strong performances, and striking visual artistry.
Who was the cinematographer of Sons of Ingmar?
Julius Jaenzon served as cinematographer, and his work is a key reason the film still resonates visually today. Jaenzon was one of Sweden's most gifted silent-era cameramen, and his evocative photography of the Swedish countryside gives Sons of Ingmar much of its haunting, timeless quality.
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