Martha

As previous commentators have so rightfully pointed out, Martha is the true cult-movie of the merchant marine... but not only in Denmark. It has had - and still has - a tremendous impact in Sweden as well, with Martha-societies arranging Martha-evenings (complete with a showing of the film itself and a nice dinner with nothing missing except perhaps the Brottsjösill. The (Swedish, in fact) traditional Aquavit brand O P Andersson tend to be available in abundance, though. Among the seafarers in Sweden, Martha has been known since the early 70:s, and more or less illegal thirdhand VHS-copies was distributed widely along with the first-hand movies and VHS-tapes. Recently, a DVD-version - with new and (hopefully) improved Swedish translation - is available with some extra goodies. Sadly, the translation from Danish to Swedish is somewhat lacking in accuracy, at least on the VHS-copy I've seen. The Danish phrase which means "steady she goes!" is translated into the Swedish equivalent of "She sails beautifully!" which is a shame, really. I've learned that Martha is shown to students as well, which is very good indeed.

I cannot give praise enough to this film. For many seafarers, it is THE movie, strangely accurately showing the seamen's life of bygone days - albeit with a humorous twist or two - better than any serious-faced documentary.

Martha is a movie you can see again and again. It shows the Danish culture very well. Danish actor really knows how to play drunk.

Martha is probably the best, the funniest, and most lovable comedy ever to come out of Denmark. At the time of its release it was a financial flop, but time has made it a classic. Many lovers of old classic danish comedies consider Martha to be the finest of its kind. Even for people who have seen it numerous times, little fine details can still be found. The team is excellent, the cast counts the most loved danish actors of that era, and Balling shows why is by many considered to be the master of popular comedy.

It should be noted though, that while the finished screenplay was written by director Erik Balling and production designer Henning Bahs in collaboration, the original story was conceived by Bahs and the actor Preben Kaas, who plays the cookie on board the ship.

This is stated in the credits on the home video/DVD cassette.

This as an excellent film. In this film you see Ove Sprogøe, Poul Bundgaard and Morten Grundwald together for the first time. Later on the three of them would go on to create the biggest success ever in danish movie-history: "Olsen-banden". The scenes where the dead-drunk danish sailors return to the ship and find their boss there are excellent.

This movie is one of the best danish movies ever, matching; I Kina spiser de hunde, and Blinkende lygter. The movie gives a view into the relation between Sweden and Denmark, saying, that the danes will newer pass against the swedes, and always give all that we can muster. I have used this movie to make friends, with many danes throughout Denmark; whenever I have mentioned it, there has always been someone who knew, this masterpiece in danish movie history. And i have newer met anyone, that did not like this movie.