The Child Poster

The Child 1940

★ 6.45 votes85 min📅 1940-08-20

Directed by the visionary Benjamin Christensen, *The Child (1940)* is a charming blend of family drama, light comedy, and coming-of-age storytelling set against the backdrop of a sunlit summer.

Director: Benjamin Christensen

Cast

Agis Winding
Agis Winding
Fru Bertelsen, moderen
Charles Tharnæs
Charles Tharnæs
Elias
Beatrice Bonnesen
Beatrice Bonnesen
Cora
Mogens Wieth
Mogens Wieth
Inger Lassen
Inger Lassen
Gunnar Lauring
Gunnar Lauring
Lis Smed
Lis Smed
Grethe Paaske
Grethe Paaske
Helga Frier
Helga Frier
Inger Stender
Inger Stender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Child (1940)* about?

The film follows Ruth, a law student, and Ilse, a conventional office worker, as their summer holiday at a hostel intersects with Pontus, a charismatic university student. Their unexpected friendship blossoms into romance, testing Ilse's rigid worldview against Pontus's carefree spirit in a story of youth, first love, and self-growth.

Who directed *The Child*?

The Child (1940) was directed by Benjamin Christensen, a filmmaker celebrated for his atmospheric storytelling and meticulous visual style.

Who stars in *The Child*?

The film features Agis Winding, Charles Tharnæs, Beatrice Bonnesen, Mogens Wieth, and Gunnar Lauring in pivotal roles.

Is *The Child (1940)* worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, *The Child (1940)* offers a delightful escape into 1940s Scandinavian cinema, blending family-friendly drama with gentle humor. Its nostalgic charm and relatable themes make it a hidden gem for fans of classic European films.

How long is *The Child*?

The Child (1940) runs for 85 minutes, making it a perfect mid-length feature for a cozy afternoon watch.

About The Child (1940) — A Sweet Summer Romance with a Touch of Danish Charm

Directed by the visionary Benjamin Christensen, *The Child (1940)* is a charming blend of family drama, light comedy, and coming-of-age storytelling set against the backdrop of a sunlit summer. The film unfolds at a bustling hostel, where two young women—Ruth, a determined law student, and Ilse, a sheltered office worker with rigid bourgeois ideals—cross paths with Pontus Berthelsen, a free-spirited university student enjoying a fisherman's cabin getaway. Their chance encounter sparks a gentle romance, as Ilse's sheltered worldview collides with Pontus's effortless charm, creating a tender and humorous exploration of first love and self-discovery. Christensen, known for his meticulous attention to atmosphere, crafts a film that balances warmth and wit, capturing the innocence of youth and the subtle tensions of social expectations. With its leisurely pacing and natural dialogue, *The Child (1940)* feels like a snapshot of a bygone era, where summer breezes and fleeting connections shape unforgettable moments.