Martha (1967)
A beloved Danish comedy about an aging ship and her spirited crew fighting to stay afloat — and out of the scrapyard.
Martha - Movie Information
- Original Title: Martha
- Release Year: 1967
- Directed by: Erik Balling
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: Danish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 10, 1967 (Denmark - A)
- Alternative Titles: SS Martha (DK)
- Production Companies: Nordisk Film Denmark
- Production Countries: Denmark
Martha - Plot
The oldest ship in the fleet, Martha, and her jolly crew, must race Harald and win, or it's the scrappers next.
Martha - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the adventure unfold aboard the beloved old vessel:
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Martha - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Erik Balling
Main Cast
- Ove Sprogøe
- Morten Grunwald
- Helge Kjærulff-Schmidt
- Poul Bundgaard
- Karl Stegger
- Poul Reichhardt
- Hanne Borchsenius
- Birger Jensen
- Henrik Wiehe
- Paul Hagen
Writers
- Henning Bahs
- Erik Balling
Producers
- Bo Christensen
Martha - FAQs
What is Martha (1967) about?
Martha follows the aging flagship of a Danish shipping fleet and her lovable, ragtag crew as they face an unexpected challenge: race the newer rival vessel Harald and win, or face being decommissioned and sent to the scrapyard. It's a warm, comedic underdog story set on the high seas.
Who directed the 1967 Danish film Martha?
Martha was directed by Erik Balling, one of Denmark's most beloved filmmakers of the era. Balling also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Henning Bahs, and the film was produced under the iconic Nordisk Film Denmark banner.
Who are the main actors in Martha?
The film features a wonderful ensemble cast including Ove Sprogøe as the steward Watson, Morten Grunwald as Knud Hansen, Karl Stegger as Captain Peter Nielsen, Poul Bundgaard as Alf, Poul Reichhardt as the chief engineer Bråst, and Helge Kjærulff-Schmidt as the shipping magnate Andersen.
When was Martha released in Denmark?
Martha had its Danish theatrical release on October 10, 1967. Produced by Nordisk Film Denmark, it became a charming piece of Danish cinema history, blending comedy and family-friendly adventure in a seafaring setting.
Is Martha (1967) connected to the Olsen Gang films?
While Martha is not part of the Olsen Gang series, it shares significant creative DNA with it. Director Erik Balling and actors Ove Sprogøe and Morten Grunwald all became central figures in the beloved Olsen Gang franchise, which launched just a year later in 1968.
What genre is the 1967 film Martha?
Martha is a Comedy and Family film. It blends lighthearted humor with a feel-good underdog narrative, making it an enjoyable watch for a broad audience. The seafaring setting and ensemble cast give it a distinctly warm and spirited Danish character.
How long is the movie Martha (1967)?
Martha runs for 93 minutes, or about 1 hour and 33 minutes. It's a nicely paced film that keeps the comedic energy flowing throughout, making it an easy and entertaining watch for families and fans of classic Danish cinema alike.
What are some movies similar to Martha (1967)?
If you enjoyed Martha, you might also like Operation Petticoat (1959), another comedy set aboard a vessel with a quirky crew, or The Boat on the Grass (1971) for more vintage European humor. Maverick (1994) and Tender Sharks (1967) also share that playful, ensemble-driven spirit.
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