Oslofilm: Fartsfeber 1958
Dive into the 1958 public safety classic *Oslofilm: Fartsfeber*, a Norwegian short documentary that blends cautionary storytelling with the restless energy of youth.
Director: Finn Carlsby
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oslofilm: Fartsfeber (1958) about?
*Oslofilm: Fartsfeber* is a Norwegian educational short that follows a group of young friends as they joyride through Oslo on motorcycles, only for their thrill-seeking to take a dangerous turn. The film uses their story to deliver a sobering message about traffic safety and responsible behavior behind the wheel, all set against the backdrop of postwar Norway.
Who directed Oslofilm: Fartsfeber?
The film was directed by Finn Carlsby, a Norwegian filmmaker known for contributing to public information cinema during the mid-20th century.
Who stars in Oslofilm: Fartsfeber?
Director Finn Carlsby leads the cast of young actors portraying friends enjoying a day out on their motorcycles in Oslo.
Is Oslofilm: Fartsfeber (1958) worth watching?
With its historical value and engaging short-film format, *Oslofilm: Fartsfeber* offers more than just a safety warning—it's a vivid slice of Norwegian postwar life. While it's unrated and modest in length, its themes of youth, risk, and societal change make it a fascinating watch for fans of documentary history.
How long is Oslofilm: Fartsfeber?
The film runs for 10 minutes.
About Oslofilm: Fartsfeber (1958) — A 1950s Norwegian Short That Warns Against Speeding
Dive into the 1958 public safety classic *Oslofilm: Fartsfeber*, a Norwegian short documentary that blends cautionary storytelling with the restless energy of youth. Directed by Finn Carlsby, this ten-minute film follows a group of friends as they race through Oslo's postwar streets, their thrill-seeking turns tragic when speed replaces common sense behind the wheel. Far from dry safety footage, *Fartsfeber*—Norwegian for "Speed Fever"—captures a moment when modern mobility collided with old-world caution, framed against Norway's changing urban landscape. Shot in the clean, earnest style of state-funded public information cinema, it balances earnest warnings with a surprisingly vivid snapshot of 1950s teenage life and the high stakes of reckless joy.
As part of the *Oslofilm* series, this short stands out for its blend of moral urgency and cinematic flair, using youthful rebellion to deliver a timeless lesson. The film's tone is neither preachy nor overly sentimental, but rather a sobering reminder that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand—especially when engines roar and hearts race. Though modest in length, *Oslofilm: Fartsfeber* remains a fascinating artifact of mid-century Norwegian society, offering a window into how safety, speed, and youth culture intersected in an era of rapid change.