VHS : Day Of Wrath [1943]

Rating: - masterpiece
First and foremost, yes this is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Dreyer bases his story on a historical episode which took place in Norway in the 16.th century (Norway being part of Denmark then). As far as I remember, the priest's widow was acquitted of witchcraft and thus escaped the fire - the young woman (Lisbeth Movin) in the film is not so lucky.
It was said of Dreyer, that he made his actors do their uttermost to become the caracters they were supposed to play. The priest (Thorkil Roose) and his mother (Sigrid Neiiendam)were both actors at the Royal Theatre, the young people, the wife (Lisbeth Movin) and the priest's son (Preben Lerdorff Rye)had just started their careers. Preben L-R became a distinguished actor both at the theatre and in films - he often played villains! Lisbeth Movin withdrew early - her role in "The Day of Wrath" was the climax of her career. The scenes between her and her elderly husband are touching, he knows, that he is losing her but gives her what happiness he can - hoping she will respond in some way.
The film is beautifully photographed, the scenes in the torturechamber resembles a dutch baroque painting (the statist were artists, hence the beards!).
I hope, that many will see this film - it (and Dreyer) deserves it.

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Rating: - Best kep secrets
Carl Th. Dreyer is a director in dire need of rediscovery by cineasts and dedicated tv broadcaster alike. DAY OF WRATH and ORDET used to figure frequently on prominent critics 10 BEST FILMS EVER lists ever but lately this Danish auteur seems to have been sidetracked. Now DAY OF WRATH and ORDET are again released in glorious, restored versions. Both utterly compelling films going straight for your brain and throat. These two masterpieces are complimented by Dreyer's last ouevre GERTRUD, a work with which the darling director of the young French New Wave directors managed to split a world of critics into two shouting halves. Also included in the beautiful box is a stunning new documentary. Treat yourself, treat your school, treat your viewers. It's doesn't come better.