Bodil Ipsen
Encyclopedia
Bodil Ipsen was a Danish
actress and film director, and is considered one of the great stars of Danish cinematic history. Her acting career, which began in theater and silent films, was marked by leading roles in large folk comedies and melodramas. However, it was as a director that she was most influential: directing the first Danish film noir
and making several dark psychological thrillers during the 1940s and 50's. Ipsen's name along with that of Bodil Kjer
is given to Denmark's most celebrated film prize, the Bodil Award.
, Denmark
. In 1908, after obtaining her high school diploma, Ipsen began studying at Det Kongelige Teater (Royal Danish Theatre) and made her stage debut there one year later. Her work on stage quickly received attention. Especially noted were her performances with Danish actor Poul Reumert
. Throughout her career, Ipsen performed at the Royal Danish Theatre
as well as the Dagmar Theater, The Folketeatret, and The Betty Nansen Theater. She also performed on stage in Sweden and Norway. Ipsen played almost 200 roles in the theater, the majority as lead actress, as well as 150 radio theater roles and four television parts.
In 1920, Ipsen made her film debut as a leading actress in Lavinen, directed by her third husband, Emanuel Gregers
. She made films with Gregers in 1922 and 1923. Off and on, she acted in 12 films during her career. Her most noteworthy early performances were in big blustering comedies, such as the shrewish spinster Bollette in Bollettes Brudefærd or the Countess Danner in Gregers' Sørensen og Rasmussen.
Ipsen became a director in 1942 and directed 10 films in 10 years. Although Ipsen's acting talent was showcased in big romantic comedies, her seat in the director's chair marked the development of classic Danish dark dramas and mysteries. Her debut film, which she co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr.
was the 1942 dark psychological thriller Afsporet
(Derailed), the first true Danish film noir. Two years later, Ipsen directed another two even more extreme noirs, Mordets Melodi (Melody of Murder
), about a singer accused of serial murders, and Besættelse
(Possession), a taut thriller about a man's erotic obsession with a young woman.
After Afsporet Ipsen collaborated with Lau Lauritzen Jr.
on four more films. Their second film, De røde enge (The Red Meadows
), about the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II, received the 1946 Grand Prize
at the Cannes Film Festival
. In 1950, Ipsen and Lauritzen again won acclaim for their film Café Paradis
(Paradise Cafe). The harsh story about alcoholism is considered a masterpiece of Danish cinema, and for which Ipsen won her namesake award, the Bodil, named after her and fellow actress, Bodil Kjer
. Two years later, Ipsen and Lauritzen again won the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film
for Det Sande Ansigt
(The True Face).
In 1960, at age 71, Ipsen was awarded the Bodil again, this time as Leading Actress of the Year for the film Tro, håb og trolddom. Ipsen retired afterwards. She died on 26 November 1964 in Copenhagen. The movie Bodil Ipsen og Filmen (Bodil Ipsen and the Film), released in 2006, is a portrait of her life and career.
lasted four years. Ipsen was married for a fourth time in 1932 to the journalist Ejnar Black. They remained together for 17 years until Black's death in 1949. After Black's death, Ipsen isolated herself outside of work, preferring the company of her assistant and housekeeper, Stella Jensen.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
actress and film director, and is considered one of the great stars of Danish cinematic history. Her acting career, which began in theater and silent films, was marked by leading roles in large folk comedies and melodramas. However, it was as a director that she was most influential: directing the first Danish film noir
Film noir
Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s...
and making several dark psychological thrillers during the 1940s and 50's. Ipsen's name along with that of Bodil Kjer
Bodil Kjer
Bodil Kjer was a Danish actress whose talent and charisma earned her status as a Primadonna and the title of first lady of Danish theater...
is given to Denmark's most celebrated film prize, the Bodil Award.
Career
Bodil Louise Jensen Ipsen was born on 30 August 1889 in CopenhagenCopenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
, Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
. In 1908, after obtaining her high school diploma, Ipsen began studying at Det Kongelige Teater (Royal Danish Theatre) and made her stage debut there one year later. Her work on stage quickly received attention. Especially noted were her performances with Danish actor Poul Reumert
Poul Reumert
Poul Reumert was a Danish stage and film actor.-Filmography:* Afgrunden * Frøken Kirkemus * Søren Søndervold * Afsporet * Det brændende spørgsmål...
. Throughout her career, Ipsen performed at the Royal Danish Theatre
Royal Danish Theatre
The Royal Danish Theatre is both the national Danish performing arts institution and a name used to refer to its old purpose-built venue from 1874 located on Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen. The theatre was founded in 1748, first serving as the theatre of the king, and then as the theatre of the...
as well as the Dagmar Theater, The Folketeatret, and The Betty Nansen Theater. She also performed on stage in Sweden and Norway. Ipsen played almost 200 roles in the theater, the majority as lead actress, as well as 150 radio theater roles and four television parts.
In 1920, Ipsen made her film debut as a leading actress in Lavinen, directed by her third husband, Emanuel Gregers
Emanuel Gregers
Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted...
. She made films with Gregers in 1922 and 1923. Off and on, she acted in 12 films during her career. Her most noteworthy early performances were in big blustering comedies, such as the shrewish spinster Bollette in Bollettes Brudefærd or the Countess Danner in Gregers' Sørensen og Rasmussen.
Ipsen became a director in 1942 and directed 10 films in 10 years. Although Ipsen's acting talent was showcased in big romantic comedies, her seat in the director's chair marked the development of classic Danish dark dramas and mysteries. Her debut film, which she co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr.
Lau Lauritzen Jr.
Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau...
was the 1942 dark psychological thriller Afsporet
Afsporet
Afsporet is a 1942 Danish thriller directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr.. Starring Ebbe Rode and Illona Wieselmann, the psychological drama revolves around the intense erotic relationship between a wealthy married woman suffering from amnesia and a paroled petty thief entangled with...
(Derailed), the first true Danish film noir. Two years later, Ipsen directed another two even more extreme noirs, Mordets Melodi (Melody of Murder
Melody of Murder
The Melody of Murder, , is a 1944 Danish film noir directed by Bodil Ipsen and starring Gull-Maj Norin and Poul Reichhardt. The dark tale revolves around a sexually ambiguous serial killer whose crimes are committed to a French cabaret song, and the police suspect a chanteuse who sings the same...
), about a singer accused of serial murders, and Besættelse
Besættelse
Besættelse is a 1944 Danish film noir directed by Bodil Ipsen and starring Johannes Meyer and Berthe Qvistgaard...
(Possession), a taut thriller about a man's erotic obsession with a young woman.
After Afsporet Ipsen collaborated with Lau Lauritzen Jr.
Lau Lauritzen Jr.
Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau...
on four more films. Their second film, De røde enge (The Red Meadows
The Red Meadows
The Red Meadows is a 1945 Danish war drama directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr. The film, starring Poul Reichhardt and Lisbeth Movin, is a suspense tale revolving around the memories of a Danish saboteur as he awaits his execution in a German war-time prison...
), about the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II, received the 1946 Grand Prize
Palme d'Or
The Palme d'Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival and is presented to the director of the best feature film of the official competition. It was introduced in 1955 by the organising committee. From 1939 to 1954, the highest prize was the Grand Prix du Festival International du...
at the Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
. In 1950, Ipsen and Lauritzen again won acclaim for their film Café Paradis
Café Paradis
Café Paradis is an award-winning Danish film made in 1950, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., and written by Johannes Allen...
(Paradise Cafe). The harsh story about alcoholism is considered a masterpiece of Danish cinema, and for which Ipsen won her namesake award, the Bodil, named after her and fellow actress, Bodil Kjer
Bodil Kjer
Bodil Kjer was a Danish actress whose talent and charisma earned her status as a Primadonna and the title of first lady of Danish theater...
. Two years later, Ipsen and Lauritzen again won the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film
Bodil Award for Best Danish Film
The Bodil Award for Best Danish Film is one of the categories for the Bodil Awards presented annually by the Danish Union of Film Critics . It was created in 1948 and is one of the oldest film prizes in Europe. The judging committee can decide not to give out the award if no deserving films are...
for Det Sande Ansigt
Det Sande Ansigt
Det Sande Ansigt is an award-winning Danish film from 1951, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., written by Johannes Allen, and based upon the novel by Gerhard Rasmussen...
(The True Face).
In 1960, at age 71, Ipsen was awarded the Bodil again, this time as Leading Actress of the Year for the film Tro, håb og trolddom. Ipsen retired afterwards. She died on 26 November 1964 in Copenhagen. The movie Bodil Ipsen og Filmen (Bodil Ipsen and the Film), released in 2006, is a portrait of her life and career.
Personal life
Ipsen's steady career on stage was offset by a volatile personal life. She was married four times. Ipsen was married the first time in 1910 with the actor Jacob Texière, but the marriage was dissolved within the same year. Then, in 1914, she married civil engineer H.H.O. Moltke, and they divorced after three years. Her marriage in 1919 with film director Emanuel GregersEmanuel Gregers
Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted...
lasted four years. Ipsen was married for a fourth time in 1932 to the journalist Ejnar Black. They remained together for 17 years until Black's death in 1949. After Black's death, Ipsen isolated herself outside of work, preferring the company of her assistant and housekeeper, Stella Jensen.
Actress
| Year | Original Title | English Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Scenens børn | Stage Children | ||
| 1920 | Lavinen | Maria Magdalene | Maria, Poul's Wife | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1922 | Frie Fugle | Art and the Woman | Naomi, the Captain's wife | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1923 | Madsalune | Love in Exile Love in Exile Love in Exile is a 1936 British romantic adventure film directed by Alfred L. Werker and starring Helen Vinson, Clive Brook and Mary Carlisle.-Cast:* Helen Vinson - Countess Xandra St... |
Empress Catherine II | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1932 | Paustians Uhr | Paustian's Watch | Big Marie | |
| 1935 | Det gyldne smil | The Golden Smile | Elsa Bruun | |
| 1938 | Bolettes brudefærd | Bolette's Bridal Shower | Bolette Jensen | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1940 | Sørensen og Rasmussen | Sorensen and Rasmussen | Countess Danner | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1941 | Gå med mig hjem | Come Home With Me Come Home with Me Come Home with Me is the third studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron, it is also his debut on Roc-A-Fella Records. It served as an introduction of the Cam'ron-fronted rap group, The Diplomats, to the general public. There are featured guest appearances from The Diplomats, DJ Kay Slay, Daz... |
Attorney Helen Hansoe | directed by Benjamin Christensen Benjamin Christensen Benjamin Christensen was a Danish film director, screenwriter and an actor both in film and on the stage. As a director he is most well known for the 1922 film Häxan and as an actor, he is best known for his performance in the film Michael , in which he plays Claude Zoret, the jilted lover of the... |
| 1942 | Forellen | The Trout | Clara Muller | directed by Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers Emanuel Gregers was a Danish actor, screenwriter and film director. Gregers made 36 films during a career which extended during four decades from the Danish golden age of silent film until 1949. Critics often dismissed his work as dependable yet uninspired, however many of his light-hearted... |
| 1957 | Ingen tid til kærtegn | Be Dear to Me Be Dear to Me -Cast:* Eva Cohn - Lene* Lily Weiding - Mor - Skuespillerinde Maria Lehmann* Hans Kurt - Far - Direktør Mogens Vestergaard* Jørgen Reenberg - Lærer Harting* Yvonne Petersen - Anne* Annelise Jacobsen - Frk. Sørensen* Johannes Marott - Viggo... |
Woman in wheelchair | |
| 1960 | Tro, håb og trolddom | Faith Hope and Witchcraft | Grandma Gunhild | won Bodil Award for Best Actress |
Director
| Year | Original Title | English Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Afsporet Afsporet Afsporet is a 1942 Danish thriller directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr.. Starring Ebbe Rode and Illona Wieselmann, the psychological drama revolves around the intense erotic relationship between a wealthy married woman suffering from amnesia and a paroled petty thief entangled with... |
Derailed | co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau... |
| 1942 | En Herre i kjole og hvidt | A Gentleman in Top Hat and Tails | |
| 1943 | Drama på slottet | Drama at the Castle | |
| 1944 | Mordets Melodi | Melody of Murder Melody of Murder The Melody of Murder, , is a 1944 Danish film noir directed by Bodil Ipsen and starring Gull-Maj Norin and Poul Reichhardt. The dark tale revolves around a sexually ambiguous serial killer whose crimes are committed to a French cabaret song, and the police suspect a chanteuse who sings the same... |
|
| 1944 | Besættelse Besættelse Besættelse is a 1944 Danish film noir directed by Bodil Ipsen and starring Johannes Meyer and Berthe Qvistgaard... |
Possession | |
| 1945 | De røde enge | The Red Meadows The Red Meadows The Red Meadows is a 1945 Danish war drama directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr. The film, starring Poul Reichhardt and Lisbeth Movin, is a suspense tale revolving around the memories of a Danish saboteur as he awaits his execution in a German war-time prison... |
co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau... won Palme D'Or Palme d'Or The Palme d'Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival and is presented to the director of the best feature film of the official competition. It was introduced in 1955 by the organising committee. From 1939 to 1954, the highest prize was the Grand Prix du Festival International du... |
| 1947 | Bröllopsnatten | Wedding Night | produced in Sweden |
| 1948 | Støt står den danske sømand | The Viking Watch of the Danish Seaman The Viking Watch of the Danish Seaman The Viking Watch of the Danish Seaman is a 1948 Danish war drama directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr. The film, written by Grete Frische based upon the wartime diary of Kaj Frische, tells the true story of Danish sailors who sailed with the Allied forces during the German occupation of... |
co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau... won Bodil Award for Best Danish Film Bodil Award for Best Danish Film The Bodil Award for Best Danish Film is one of the categories for the Bodil Awards presented annually by the Danish Union of Film Critics . It was created in 1948 and is one of the oldest film prizes in Europe. The judging committee can decide not to give out the award if no deserving films are... |
| 1950 | Café Paradis Café Paradis Café Paradis is an award-winning Danish film made in 1950, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., and written by Johannes Allen... |
Cafe Paradise Café Paradis Café Paradis is an award-winning Danish film made in 1950, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., and written by Johannes Allen... |
co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau... won Bodil Award for Best Danish Film Bodil Award for Best Danish Film The Bodil Award for Best Danish Film is one of the categories for the Bodil Awards presented annually by the Danish Union of Film Critics . It was created in 1948 and is one of the oldest film prizes in Europe. The judging committee can decide not to give out the award if no deserving films are... |
| 1951 | Det Sande Ansigt Det Sande Ansigt Det Sande Ansigt is an award-winning Danish film from 1951, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., written by Johannes Allen, and based upon the novel by Gerhard Rasmussen... |
The Face of Truth Det Sande Ansigt Det Sande Ansigt is an award-winning Danish film from 1951, directed by Bodil Ipsen and Lau Lauritzen Jr., written by Johannes Allen, and based upon the novel by Gerhard Rasmussen... |
co-directed with Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen Jr. Lau Lauritzen, Jr., , was a Danish actor, screenwriter, and film director. As a director, he was a 4-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film. Lauritzen co-founded the Danish film studio ASA Film and served as the studio's artistic director and administrative director .-Career:Lau... won Bodil Award for Best Danish Film Bodil Award for Best Danish Film The Bodil Award for Best Danish Film is one of the categories for the Bodil Awards presented annually by the Danish Union of Film Critics . It was created in 1948 and is one of the oldest film prizes in Europe. The judging committee can decide not to give out the award if no deserving films are... |