Matador (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Matador is a Danish
TV series produced between 1978 and 1981. It is set in the fictional Danish town of Korsbæk between 1929 and 1947. It follows the lives of a range of characters from across the social spectrum, focusing specifically on the rivalry between the families of two businessmen: The banker Hans Christian Varnæs, an established local worthy, and social climber Mads (Andersen-)Skjern, who arrives in town as the series opens. The name Matador was taken from the localised edition of the boardgame Monopoly, also the series' tentative English title. In addition, in contemporary Danish, a "matador" is often used to describe a crafty entrepreneur.
Directed by famed Danish film maker Erik Balling, Matador was the idea of author Lise Nørgaard
who wrote the bulk of the episodes alongside Karen Smith, Jens Louis Petersen and Paul Hammerich
. The series is one of the most well-known and popular examples of Danish television and represents the peak of longtime development of Danish TV drama by the public service channel Danmarks Radio
.
The series has become part of the modern self-understanding of Danes, partly because of its successful mix of melodrama and a distinct warm Danish humour in the depiction of characters, which were portrayed by a wide range of the most popular Danish actors at the time; but also not least because of its accurate portrayal of a turbulent Denmark from around the start of the Great Depression
and through Nazi Germany
's occupation of Denmark
in World War II
.
The distinctive and in Denmark celebrated theme tune of the series was composed by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre.
Matador originally aired on DR between November 1978 and January 1982, and has enjoyed repeated successful reruns in 1984-85, 1989–90, 1997–98 and 2006-07. The 1985 airing of the series finale still stands as the most viewed ever in Danish TV history, with appr. 3.6 million viewers on May 26 that year, this in a country of some 5 million people at the time.
Additionally, the series has been released on VHS
, and in 2001 on region 2 DVD
. This first edition of 12 separate DVDs with two episodes each has been one of the most sold in the country's history, and surpassed a total of 1 million sold copies in 2005. http://www.jp.dk/indland/artikel:aid=3383522/ A second 2006 13-DVD region 0 box set also included English subtitles for a wider audience.http://laserdisken.dk/html/visvare.dna?vare=11627638541464246 The series was widely popular in neighboring Norway and Sweden, and has been broadcast in more than 20 countries worldwide, one of which was Australia, here also widely popular when broadcast on Australian SBS TV in Danish with English subtitles. Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
, born in Tasmania
, has stated in a TV interview on Australian TV, that she watched Matador whilst learning Danish.
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/2005/12/20/103658.htm
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 45 minutes.
Traveling drapery salesman Mads Andersen-Skjern arrives in Korsbæk with his little boy Daniel and sees opportunities when faced with the inept draper Albert Arnesen and this small sleepy town where the old families define the pace and virtue. Receiving only haughty condescension from the upper-class, Mads finds local allies in the family of pig trader Oluf Larsen and his wife Kathrine, who has more money than meets the eye. Failing to secure a loan from local, third generation banker Hans Christian Varnæs and his esteemed Korsbæk Bank, Mads lends money both from his Jutland family and the Larsens, and purchases a shop opposite "Damernes Magasin" (lit.: "the Ladies' Store"), Arnesen's store. Meanwhile, Hans Christian Varnæs' wife, the oversensitive Maude, throws lavish parties for the local socialites, including the 96 year old Mrs. Fernando Møghe and her timid daughter Misse, the bombastic Colonel Hachel and his close friend, Doctor Louis Hansen, and Varnæs' playboy brother, Jørgen, who seeks a seat in the parliament.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard and Jens Louis Petersen. Runtime: 41 minutes.
The town's bourgeoisie watch with judging and disapproving eyes as Mads Skern opens his new shop "Tøjhuset" (lit.: "The Clothing House"), in direct competition with Arnesen's. Oluf Larsen's daughter, Ingeborg, starts as a clerk in his store, much to Mads' pleasure. Arnesen struggle with comprehending his new rival, while also battling issues with his very young and lively wife, Vicki, the daughter of Colonel Hachel, and her poodle Daisy, who finds an untimely intimate relationship in the middle of the main street with Oluf Larsens less-than-pedigree mutt Kvik.
Written by: Karen Smith. Runtime: 50 minutes.
Arnesen's store is losing money in droves, so when he learns that his manager, Mr. Schwann, has inherited a large sum, he persuades him to become his partner; the snobby Mr. Schwann gleefully throws his entire inheritance into Damernes Magasin, prolonging the inevitable for a few months. Their apprentice, Arnold, on the other hand, quits and joins the enemy "over there" to a doubled salary and ditto respect. Mads marries Ingeborg and adopts Ellen. When the local Baroness finds out that Mads is considerably cheaper then Arnesen, she takes her business to Skjern, signaling that even the upper class begins to abandon Arnesen's old store.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 55 minutes.
Mads' business continues to thrive and he even begins issuing loans to the locals. His younger brother Kristen, a banker, arrives in Korsbæk to assist. Kristen is quickly smitten with Maude's sister Elisabeth, who otherwise lives in the shadow of her sister. They fall in love, but their liaison is impossible due to the rivalry of their respective families.
(Lit.: "One Man's Death", this from the Danish business expression "One man's death, another man's bread" ("Da.: Den Enes Død, Den Andens Brød"))
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 60 minutes.
Arnesen is in the shambles, and even Varnæs cannot aid him financially any further. He knows he is ruined. His wife Vicki returns gleeming with a fresh driver's license, but finds him dead. Rumors fly about Korsbæk of suicide, and Arnesen's is a total bankruptcy, leaving Schwann penniless and the shop's aging saleswoman Ms. Inger Jørgensen without sense of direction. To the horror of the bourgeoisie, Vicki, now a young widow, sell the shop to Mads Andersen-Skjern, and moves to Copenhagen, against her father's will.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 56 minutes.
Jørgen Varnæs lands a nasty adultery scandal, gets divorced and is kicked by the board of the conservative party as candidate for the parliament. The Varnæs family is shattered, and Elisabeth adds salt by moving out of the Varnæs residence and into her own apartment. Replacing Damernes Magasin is a new bank, "Omegnsbanken" (lit.: "The Environs Bank"), with Mads Skjern as majority shareholder and Kristian Skjern as manager. Mads and Ingeborg have a son named Erik, and discard their middle name, Andersen, marking the Skjerns as the new dynasty in town.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 74 minutes.
While Mads Skjern continues to expand his businesses, Hans Christian Varnæs battles a new dynamic force in the board of his bank, the state lawyer Viggo Skjold Hansen, who has obtained his seat from the spiralling Jørgen Varnæs. The whimpering Maude makes matters worse, and in frustration Hans Christian enters in an affair with his bank assistant Ms. Ulla Jacobsen. Mrs. Fernando Møghe and the entire town celebrates her 100th birthday, byt the old lady has a surprise up her sleeve. For years she has mixed up her own birth year with that of her late husband, and in actuality, she is "only" 90 years old. As the congratulating telegram from the King arrives, this causes even more ruckus in the Varnæs family, which holds the feast in her honor.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard and Karen Smith. Runtime: 77 minutes.
Internationality lands in Korsbæk in the shape of famed modern painter, Professor Ernst Nyborg, former art teacher and romantic interest of Maude Varnæs. Also arriving to witness Nyborg's exhibit is Gitte Graae, Jørgen Varnæs homewrecking and increasingly expensive lady friend. Mads Skjern also has his eye on the arts, but with different intentions. In order to secure a building permit, he "greases the political wheels" by anonymously commissioning a portrait of the town Mayor by Nyborg.
(The original title stems from the expression "Hen til kommoden og tilbage igen", appr. "Over to the dresser and back again", a sort of 'Back and Forth' expression.")
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 65 minutes.
The Varnæsses maid, Agnes Jensen, quits her job to get married to railway employee and local communist, Lauritz "Red" Jensen, but to her dismay, Red quickly invites a German refugee, the poet Herbert Schmidt, to live with them in the spirit of solidarity. Mads, having secured the building permit under dubious circumstances involving the indebted municipal secretary Godtfred Lund, starts building a factory on a plot otherwise reserved for the memory of the Møghe family. This spurs the energetic Skjold Hansen to investigate, seeking to damage the Skjern business. During his investigations, Mr. Schwann, now a debt collector, provides Skjold Hansen with some interesting bits of information. Holger Jørgensen, former husband of Ingeborg Skjern and biological father of Ellen returns to town, now a member of the small Danish Nazi party. Varnæs continues his affair with Ms. Jacobsen.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 65 minutes.
Mads' building project is well under way, but Mrs. Møghe supported by Skjold Hansen continues to fight him. Skjold Hansen's daughter Iben arrives in town, having cancelled an opcoming wedding in Germany, and begins flirting with Kristen Skjern. Elisabeth Friis causes a furor, when openly supporting an abortion doctor, bringing her at odds with her and her sister's social circle. Ulla Jacobsen breaks off the affair with Hans Christian and quits her job, finding employment in Omegnsbanken with help from her cousin, Arnold Vinter. Agnes Jensen is pregnant and eagerly wants a baby carriage they cannot afford. Their resident refugee Herbert, who weekly has to show the police 100 kroner as prove of livelihood, an amount he is forced to borrow from Oluf Larsen every week, receives lavish 75 kroner in advance for an upcoming book. Agnes comes home and finds a baby carriage in their hallway, bought and paid for by Herbert using his advance.
Written by: Jens Louis Petersen. Runtime: 73 minutes.
Agnes delivers a boy, while Vicki, widow of Arnesen, returns to Korsbæk as a traveling vaudeville actress and reconciles with her father, the Colonel. Via Oluf Larsen she meets Herbert Schmidt, who now lives with the Larsens. Hans Christian Varnæs learns that his mistress Ms. Jacobsen is pregnant from their affair. She wishes an abortion, which he pays for in betrayal of his own morals. Mads Skjern also is in a pinch, when the corrupt municipal secretary Lund runs off with the town's treasury, leaving his helpless wife behind. It is revealed that Mads bribed him, and Mads is threatened with personal ruin. Mads decides to reward Ellen a horse for being a good student, simultaneously punishing the poor student Daniel, who had originally wished for a horse. Katrine Larsen foils Mads' plan by giving Daniel a horse of his own for "being a good and tender boy". While Daniel is happy, he had still desired to receive the gift from his father.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 82 minutes.
Herbert Schmidt and Lauritz "Red" Jensen embark for Spain to fight the fascists in the Spanish Civil War
, but Red changes his mind en route, while Herbert continues on. Elisabeth relays an offer from Hans Christian Varnæs to Kristen Skjern for a position in a bank in Jutland, but Kristen see it as a plot to remove him from his brother, Mads, who is still being hammered by Skjold Hansen's investigations. Kristen and Elisabeth quarrel, and Kristen reveals Varnæs' affair and subsequent abortion arrangement, an official secret in town. The rift between Kristen and Elisabeth is irreparable, and in spite, Kristen Skjern marries the eager Iben Skjold Hansen. While Elisabeth is shattered, Iben's father now drops all efforts to destroy Mads, due to their new family ties. Ms. Jørgensen returns to Korsbæk under dubious pretences and finds work as a housekeeper for the Varnæsses. The troubled Ms. Jørgensen becomes a menace in the household, and after insulting the Varnæs house guests, she is reprimanded by Maude, but an angry Ms. Jørgensen spills her husband's adultery and abortion, and later attempts suicide. Maude confronts her husband, who admits his guilt, and a different Maude leaves with Elisabeth on a long journey to Switzerland to make some kind of sense of it all.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 84 minutes.
Mads is back in business and expands on all fronts and moves his family to a large villa outside of Korsbæk. The Varnæs couple returns from a trip to Paris, envigourated and with Maude bringing back something extra. The Varnæs home is to house a party with people whom they've met in Paris much to Laura's regret. During the party, Jørgen Varnæs drops a bomb. He's suspended his licence to practice law to become an administrator for a large textile manufacturer, something Jørgen implies is a cushy job. Mads Skjern, however, changes this perception when he, with Katrine Larsen's aid, buys a major share in the same company. Elisabeth considers leaving Korsbæk for Copenhagen - but through Doctor Hansen and Ingeborg Skjerns intervention, she's given the job as church organist by Mads Skjern, chairman of the parish counsel. Maude reveals her "Parisian" secret to Hans-Christian and is forced by the circumstances to tell the children, with Regitze responding in a particular malicious manner. Kresten, miserable in his marriage, sees an opportunity to patch things up with Elisabeth.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 73 minutes.
Jørgen Varnæs feels Mads' hand when Jørgen has taken an early Christmas vacation (on December 7) and has travelled to Switzerland. Upon his return a month later, Mads de-facto reduces Jørgen's pay, eroding Jørgen's salary by half. Jørgen seeks help from his brother who is unable to provide any relief. Hans-Christian bites the bullet and seeks out Mads to speak for Jørgen. Mads takes care of some other business involving Daniels teacher, Andersen, when Daniel gets pneumonia. Andersen, however, lands on his feet. Kresten and Ibens marriage becomes further strained and Mr. Schwann dies (off-screen. The actor playing Mr. Schwann, Arthur Jensen, died in reality shortly before the season was filmed and the character was written out).
Written by: Karen Smith. Runtime: 73 minutes.
As Oluf Larsen is arranging pictures of assorted fascists in his outhouse, he's surprised by Herbert Schmidt, returned from Spain. He's reunited with Vicki, who'd become a teacher at the private school (replacing teacher Andersen). World War II breaks out causing rationing of certain goods in Denmark (sugar and gasoline). Agnes is to serve at Daniels confirmation, leaving Lauritz to look after the children - with the most serious consequences. Colonel Hackel is hospitalized with failing health. Upon learning of a change in the Danish army's command structure he suffers a fatal stroke while in hospital. Lauritz' failure to look after the children causes a rift between Agnes and him. She starts a small business at home so she can look after the children. Daniels confirmation is honoured by a visit from the pious Anna, older sister of Mads and Kresten. The visit causes several stirs and Mads reconsiders his religious views.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 86 minutes.
Laura, having served the Varnæs family for 25 years, are going with Maude to Copenhagen to receive a medal for "loyal service". There, Maude, through a childhood friend meet a German who presents himself as a banker. Agnes, coming to see Laura get the medal, looks up Herbert Schmidt who's putting up a play called "The Boots" in Copenhagen. Herbert reveals to Agnes that he's going to Sweden immediately, and he tells her to say to Lauritz "now it begins". Coming back to Korsbæk, Elisabeth invites Laura to dinner at Postgaarden. The next day, Laura hears airplanes and wakes up the Varnæs couple twice - first to tell them that old Mrs. Møghe wants her safety-deposit box because of the invading Germans - next to show them leaflets dropped by actual invading Germans. The same day, Laura resigns much to Maude's dismay. The new mayor, a social democrat, plays the bourgeois families of Korsbæk out against each other at a town meeting to secure funding for a new sports- and recreational park outside Korsbæk.
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 80 minutes.
Sofus Jensen, Korsbæk's beat policeman, seeks out Lauritz along with a police lieutenant early in the morning of June 22, 1941, the day Hitler declares war against the Soviet Union. The good natured officer feigns a story that Lauritz has already left the premises so as to give Lauritz a chance to escape. Lauritz seeks help from the Larsen family, and through Kathrine, Lauritz gets a lift to Copenhagen via a reluctant Mads. At the same time Ingeborg receives a letter from Holger, her divorced husband and biological father of Ellen. Events cause romancing Ulrik Varnæs and Ellen Skjern to end their relationship and Ulrik to disgrace his mother, Maude. A resistance group centered around Dr. Louis Hansen begins forming eventually recruiting an eager Kristen Skjern, rekindling his relationship with Elisabeth. Pig trader Oluf Larsen is shattered when his beloved 15 year old fox terrier, Kvik, expires at the railway restaurant, and in a minor quarrel with the German Wehrmacht, now 99 year old Mrs. Møghe too dies in the middle of the main street. Her daughter Misse inherits a large sum from her mother, causing the teacher Andersen, who's been thrown out by Mrs. Vinther, to seek out Misse Møghe.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 80 minutes.
Skjern's business is thriving despite the war - in part due to Daniel's help. The local resistance group begins sabotage missions, and the pictures of dictators in Larsen's outhouse cause him to be jailed, and puts the entire resistance-group in danger. This causes Baron von Rüdtger to also get involved with the movement. Mr. Stein, Varnæs' trusted bank manager falls victim to harassment due to his Jewish background, and must flee his work place as the Germans launch their endlösung hunt for the Danish Jews. During Ellen Skjern's wedding, the now fugitive Stein seeks out Varnæs, but he has been detained in Copenhagen and Maude must take matters into her own hands.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 58 minutes.
Doctor Hansen seeks out Agnes Jensen and offers her to flee with her children to Sweden, where her husband Lauriz is. But her business is thriving, and she refuses. She seeks out Mads Skjern on business, who is impressed by her ingenuity. Mads agrees to a rare and lavish bet, when Agnes desires to buy her business' lodging house from Kathrine Larsen, which only Agnes believes she can be talked into. Meanwhile, Mads is reluctant to do business with the Wehrmacht, while also warning his brother Kristen against his operations in the illegal movement. Kristen's marriage is a sham, and his wife Iben almost never sleeps at home. Skjold Hansen and his wife is being harassed by local children due to her husbands dealings with the Wehrmacht, which leads to a confrontation between Skjold Hansen and the father of the children, a bicycle store owner. Baron von Rydtger often visits Ingeborg Skjern, since his nazi hating wife of German descent has suffered a nervous breakdown. Daniel Skjern visits the family with a woman, which turns out to be an elder lady, Ms. Mose, who sees potential in Daniel as an haute couture designer; much to the dismay of Mads, who wants his son to focus on business. Misse Møghe wishes to marry the grubbing Andersen, but confides to the Varnæs brothers, that they are to inherit her mother's lavish fortune, since this was Mrs. Fernando Møghe's original wish. Consul Holm, the chairman of Korsbæk Bank, dies and Skjold Hansen is eager for his position. He attempts to secure a deal with Varnæs by offering his own available position on the board to Varnæs' brother Jørgen in exchange for becoming the chairman. Varnæs refuses, in part because he has finally lost all faith in his brother.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 62 minutes.
The war makes it increasingly difficult to secure heat even for the Varnæs family, who sends their children to the public bath house. Misse Møghe wishes to secure the final economic situation with the Varnæs brothers before her wedding, but the brothers seek a delay because of the ongoing war. Misse and Andersen are married. Mads seeks to purchase a sea side farm house, which he wishes to divide up and sell. He enters a shady tax evading deal with both the house's owner and Jørgen Varnæs, who buy the farm on behalf of Mads, in exchange for a small unsolicited fee. Ms. Jørgensen moves in with Violet Vinter to save money, but spends increasing time working for Agnes Jensen. The Skjerns are suddenly visited by a Danish-German Wehrmacht officer, forcing the ressistance man Kristen to sneak out of through the back door and flee to Elisabeth Skjern's apartment for renewed identity papers, thinking they're looking for him. However, the nazi officer proves to deliver a last gift and message from Ellen's biological father Holger, who has died in combat on the Eastern front. He leaves, and Mads decides that the package and letter is to be burned. Iben Skjern seeks out Elisabeth to call of the alarm, but Kristen isn't there. Iben takes the opportunity to tell Elisabeth that she seek to end the marriage with Kristen, and that Elisabeth can have him. The times are lawless, and waiter Boldt is knocked down by hoodlums and robbed of both cash box and the illagel ration stamps. Agnes Jensen seeks out Kathrine Larsen trying to secure the purchase of the her business' lodging house. Kathrine refuses, but changes her mind when she learns of the 200 kroner lavish bet Agnes has made with Mads. Agnes hereby wins the bet, which is much impressed with Agnes. Ulla Jacobsen and boyfriend Poul Kristensen wishes to be engaged following the war, and Mads Skjern pledges to help find them an apartment. However, resistance man Poul is shot dead by the Germans following an awry weapons pick up, causing Kristen Skjern og Doctor Hansen to go underground and Elisabeth to move in with the Varnæsses. Adolf Hitler dies in Germany and the Varnæsses celebrate until Misse Møghe arrives to reveal that her husband Andersen is also dead. However, she is pleased with her new position as a widow, as was her mother.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 59 minutes.
The funeral dinner for Frederick Anderssen is progress at the Varnæs house when the radio suddenly broadcasts the news that the Germans have surrendered in Denmark. Amidst general rejoicing, Dr. Hansen and Kristen Skjern reappear and pay a visit to the Varnæs house, where Kristen is reunited with Elisabet Varnæs. Mads is very nervous about Ellen, since her father-in-law had lucrative business dealings with the Germans and has been arrested as a collaborator. Mads decides to find Ellen and bring her home. Oskar Andersen tells the Varnæs brothers that he believes that there are mysterious aspects to his uncle's death, and demands their help in investigating the matter. Lauritz returns to Korsbæk and angers the (now prosperous and independent) Agnes with his plan to move the family to Copenhagen, where the Party has offered him a position. The dog left behind by the departing Germans is adopted by Laura and allowed to live downstairs at the Varnæs house. Arrested as a collaborator at the instigation of the cycle-repairman next door, Viggo Skjold Hansen suffers a small stroke. Misse Møghe visits Hans Christian and Maude and tells the truth about Frederick's death: she prevented his husbandly advances by locking him on the balcony of their house for six hours, which triggered the pneumonia that killed him. Daniel returns to Korsbæk together with an English wing commander named Jim Donaldson. Ellen flirts with the man, and Daniel becomes jealous. Only Ingeborg seems to understand what is happening and reproaches Mads for his lack of awareness.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 58 minutes.
Skjold Hansen has announced his retirement from the Korsbæk Bank Board. Bank President Jessen suggests that Jørgen Varnæs return to the board as Skjold Hansen's replacement, but wishes to meet with him first. Hans Christian Varnæs organizes a dinner for them. There, Jessen confronts Jørgen with his suspicion that his sister was defrauded of her share of the proceeds from the farm sale that Jørgen conducted as a front for Mads Skjern. Jessen demands an investigation, before he will nominate Jørgen for the vacant bank directorship. Jorgen seeks out Mads Skjern who advises him to keep quiet about what he knows. Kathrine Larsen receives a package from Herbert Schmidt, who has settled in Los Angeles. The package contains gifts of food, cigars and stockings, to be shared among Vicki, Agnes and Lauritz, and Katrine and Oluf Larsen. His short letter puzzlingly lacks any special message for Vicki, which disappoints her. A plaque and portrait is hung in the District Bank in honor of the bank clerk and Resistance fighter, Poul Kristensen, who was shot by the Germans. After the ceremony, the new bank clerk Arne Schmidt invites Ulla Jacobsen to dinner at the Post House. That same day, a similar ceremony is held in the Korsbæk Bank for Mrs. Fernando Møhge who also died "confronting the Germans." Ms. Jorgensen and Violet Winter's relationship deteriorates further, and Jørgensen flees to Agnes Jensen's workroom, where she will spend the night. Agnes soon devises a plan by which she can help Miss. Jorgensen and her business. By renting the upstairs apartment to Jørgensen, who will then sublet the main room back to the business, she can by-pass regulations that restrict the conversion of residences for business use. Agnes asks Mads Skjern to put in a good word with the mayor, to allow the tenancy. Daniel Skjern has quit business school to work as a haute couture dress designer. This news enrages Mads, who is eventually calmed down by Ellen. Regitze Varnæs informs her family of her intention to work in Hamburg censoring mail for the occupying authorities. Ulrik Varnæs comes home with a waitress named Maja, who it turns out he has made pregnant. His father refuses to give him money for an abortion. On the same visit, Ulrik secretly meets with his old flame Ellen Skjern, who is herself unhappily married. Her husband Mogens Lamborg breaks his arm in a drunk-driving auto accident with the company car - while out carousing with Iben Skjern and her friend Jenny. In the final scene, Mads receives a letter awarding him a knighthood.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 63 minutes.
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 82 minutes.
Mads is a stranger who arrives in Korsbæk with his motherless son Daniel as a traveling salesman in 1929. Seeing that the local clothing shop caters only to the interests of the well-to-do, he decides to start his own business, Skjern's Magasin, to provide clothing for the common people.
Personality: Industrious; almost ruthless businessman who does not "forgive and forget"; a stern and overbearing father who expects much of his son Daniel. As time goes by he becomes increasingly sterner to his son, as he slowly realizes that he will never be ready to take over the family business. Instead he favors his adoptive daughter Ellen, who is doing good in school, unlike Daniel. Because of this, she can get away with almost everything.
When he accidentally finds out about his sons homosexuality, he banishes him from his home. This action almost cost him his marriage to Ingeborg.
As his business grows, Mads, who's originally honest and well-meaning, is corrupted by his growing power and occasionally engages in questionable business practices. Despite his religious upbringing he eventually assimilates into a more moderate lifestyle. His political views are conservative, particularly concerning morals, as he is a firm opponent of abortion, then illegal in Denmark.
Wife of Mads Andersen-Skjern and daughter of Oluf and Katrine Larsen. She is also the mother of Ellen from a previous marriage. She and Mads eventually have a child named Erik. Despite loving to work, Mads insists she tends the house in the style of a proper upper class wife.
Personality: Kind, loving, modern, intelligent; unlike Mads, she is far kinder to Daniel; still, she too turns a blind eye on Ellen's choices as she grows older.
He is the younger brother of Mads Skjern and Anna Skjern. Kristen arrives in Korsbæk about a year after Mads, and eventually becomes director of Omegns Bank, a bank for the lower-class denizens of Korsbæk. When the Nazis occupy Denmark, he becomes active in the Danish resistance movement along with Dr. Louis Hansen.
Personality: An honest man; unlike his brother, he is more willing to overlook class differences and has few social ambitions. He has an on-and-off relationship with Elisabeth Friis, sister-in-law of Hans Christian Varnæs, but after a particularly grim falling-out between them, he marries Iben Skjold-Hansen, which turned out disastrious and they divorce. In episode 23 he finally marries Elisabeth Friis (Skjern).
He is the son of Mads Skjern and his first wife. His father wants him to join the family business, but he displays poor business skills and can't live up to his father's expectations. Instead he shows talent for design and fashion; a field where he later enjoys a certain success and becomes marginally involved in his fathers business. Daniel is a homosexual, which is near impossible for his father to accept though Ingeborg and Katrine readily accepts it.
The daughter of Ingeborg Skjern and her former husband Holger Jørgensen. She is adopted by Mads Skjern. As a talented student, she is soon her father's favourite (Mads), whom he loves more than his own son Daniel. Under pressure from her father, she marries a wealthy businessman's son, because it is a good alliance.
Ulrik Varnæs is deeply in love with her, but due to unfortunate circumstances their relationship never develop. Eventually she divorces her husband, rejects her fathers offer to take over the business and goes off to study dentistry.
Mads and Ingeborg's youngest child. He is a talented student but despite (or because of) his skills in mathematics, a subject Mads values above anything else as it is a prerequisite for running a business, he also rejects his fathers offer to take over the business, as his two elder siblings. Instead he expresses a desire to go on to study nuclear physics.
When Agnes is planning to buy the building in which she has created her home and business from Katrine, she tricks Mads into betting 500 kr. that Katrine will never sell. When Agnes ask, Kathrine predictably refuses to sell; but when Agnes says that she made a bet with Mads, who didn't think she would sell, and in fact was "dead certain" of that, she is persuaded. Thus Mads loses his first and only bet.
Personality: Kind, loving and to some extent care-free. For the most part, a competent bank director although his bank tends to look down its nose at those who are not members of high society; though usually a devoted husband, he once had an affair with his much-younger secretary Ulla Jacobsen.
Originally she was a mere housemaid at the Varnæs house. She marries Røde (Red) and settles for a traditional nuclear family, but keeps working odd jobs. She eventually becomes an entrepreneur, starts her own business with great success. Towards the end of the series she starts working for Mads Skjern, and it's hinted at that she might one day take over that business, as Skjern's own children want nothing to do with it, and she has insisted on obtaining stocks in the company as part of her promotion.
Later, he is forced to flee to Sweden upon the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.
She is the ultimate object of Jørgen's fascination which leads to his ultimate ruin.
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...
TV series produced between 1978 and 1981. It is set in the fictional Danish town of Korsbæk between 1929 and 1947. It follows the lives of a range of characters from across the social spectrum, focusing specifically on the rivalry between the families of two businessmen: The banker Hans Christian Varnæs, an established local worthy, and social climber Mads (Andersen-)Skjern, who arrives in town as the series opens. The name Matador was taken from the localised edition of the boardgame Monopoly, also the series' tentative English title. In addition, in contemporary Danish, a "matador" is often used to describe a crafty entrepreneur.
Directed by famed Danish film maker Erik Balling, Matador was the idea of author Lise Nørgaard
Lise Nørgaard
Lise Nørgaard née Jensen is a Danish journalist and writer known for her precise and often humorous portrayals of Danish cultural life. Nørgaard has written novels, compilations of essays and short stories. The memoirs of her childhood, Kun en pige , became a bestseller in 1992 and is considered...
who wrote the bulk of the episodes alongside Karen Smith, Jens Louis Petersen and Paul Hammerich
Paul Hammerich
Paul Hammerich was a Danish journalist and writer.Known as one of the writers behind the successful Danish TV-series Matador, constantly considered one of the greatest Danish TV productions of all-time....
. The series is one of the most well-known and popular examples of Danish television and represents the peak of longtime development of Danish TV drama by the public service channel Danmarks Radio
Danmarks Radio
DR – officially rendered into English as the Danish Broadcasting Corporation – is Denmark's national broadcasting corporation. Founded in 1925 as a public-service organization, it is today Denmark's oldest and largest electronic media enterprise...
.
The series has become part of the modern self-understanding of Danes, partly because of its successful mix of melodrama and a distinct warm Danish humour in the depiction of characters, which were portrayed by a wide range of the most popular Danish actors at the time; but also not least because of its accurate portrayal of a turbulent Denmark from around the start of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
and through Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
's occupation of Denmark
Occupation of Denmark
Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark began with Operation Weserübung on 9 April 1940, and lasted until German forces withdrew at the end of World War II following their surrender to the Allies on 5 May 1945. Contrary to the situation in other countries under German occupation, most Danish...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
The distinctive and in Denmark celebrated theme tune of the series was composed by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre.
Matador originally aired on DR between November 1978 and January 1982, and has enjoyed repeated successful reruns in 1984-85, 1989–90, 1997–98 and 2006-07. The 1985 airing of the series finale still stands as the most viewed ever in Danish TV history, with appr. 3.6 million viewers on May 26 that year, this in a country of some 5 million people at the time.
Additionally, the series has been released on VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
, and in 2001 on region 2 DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
. This first edition of 12 separate DVDs with two episodes each has been one of the most sold in the country's history, and surpassed a total of 1 million sold copies in 2005. http://www.jp.dk/indland/artikel:aid=3383522/ A second 2006 13-DVD region 0 box set also included English subtitles for a wider audience.http://laserdisken.dk/html/visvare.dna?vare=11627638541464246 The series was widely popular in neighboring Norway and Sweden, and has been broadcast in more than 20 countries worldwide, one of which was Australia, here also widely popular when broadcast on Australian SBS TV in Danish with English subtitles. Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, is the wife of Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark...
, born in Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
, has stated in a TV interview on Australian TV, that she watched Matador whilst learning Danish.
http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/2005/12/20/103658.htm
List of Matador episodes
(The English episode titles are taken from the English subtitle track on the 2006 Region 0 DVD collection. Many of the original episode titles are based on Danish puns and expressions.)Season 1, 1978
- 1. "Den Rejsende: 1929" ("The Traveler: 1929")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 45 minutes.
Traveling drapery salesman Mads Andersen-Skjern arrives in Korsbæk with his little boy Daniel and sees opportunities when faced with the inept draper Albert Arnesen and this small sleepy town where the old families define the pace and virtue. Receiving only haughty condescension from the upper-class, Mads finds local allies in the family of pig trader Oluf Larsen and his wife Kathrine, who has more money than meets the eye. Failing to secure a loan from local, third generation banker Hans Christian Varnæs and his esteemed Korsbæk Bank, Mads lends money both from his Jutland family and the Larsens, and purchases a shop opposite "Damernes Magasin" (lit.: "the Ladies' Store"), Arnesen's store. Meanwhile, Hans Christian Varnæs' wife, the oversensitive Maude, throws lavish parties for the local socialites, including the 96 year old Mrs. Fernando Møghe and her timid daughter Misse, the bombastic Colonel Hachel and his close friend, Doctor Louis Hansen, and Varnæs' playboy brother, Jørgen, who seeks a seat in the parliament.
- 2. "Genboen: 1929" ("The Neighbor: 1929")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard and Jens Louis Petersen. Runtime: 41 minutes.
The town's bourgeoisie watch with judging and disapproving eyes as Mads Skern opens his new shop "Tøjhuset" (lit.: "The Clothing House"), in direct competition with Arnesen's. Oluf Larsen's daughter, Ingeborg, starts as a clerk in his store, much to Mads' pleasure. Arnesen struggle with comprehending his new rival, while also battling issues with his very young and lively wife, Vicki, the daughter of Colonel Hachel, and her poodle Daisy, who finds an untimely intimate relationship in the middle of the main street with Oluf Larsens less-than-pedigree mutt Kvik.
- 3. "Skiftedag: 1930" ("Quarter Day: 1930")
Written by: Karen Smith. Runtime: 50 minutes.
Arnesen's store is losing money in droves, so when he learns that his manager, Mr. Schwann, has inherited a large sum, he persuades him to become his partner; the snobby Mr. Schwann gleefully throws his entire inheritance into Damernes Magasin, prolonging the inevitable for a few months. Their apprentice, Arnold, on the other hand, quits and joins the enemy "over there" to a doubled salary and ditto respect. Mads marries Ingeborg and adopts Ellen. When the local Baroness finds out that Mads is considerably cheaper then Arnesen, she takes her business to Skjern, signaling that even the upper class begins to abandon Arnesen's old store.
- 4. "Skyggetanten: 1931" ("The Maiden Aunt: 1931")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 55 minutes.
Mads' business continues to thrive and he even begins issuing loans to the locals. His younger brother Kristen, a banker, arrives in Korsbæk to assist. Kristen is quickly smitten with Maude's sister Elisabeth, who otherwise lives in the shadow of her sister. They fall in love, but their liaison is impossible due to the rivalry of their respective families.
- 5. "Den Enes Død: 1932" ("One Man's Loss: 1932")
(Lit.: "One Man's Death", this from the Danish business expression "One man's death, another man's bread" ("Da.: Den Enes Død, Den Andens Brød"))
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 60 minutes.
Arnesen is in the shambles, and even Varnæs cannot aid him financially any further. He knows he is ruined. His wife Vicki returns gleeming with a fresh driver's license, but finds him dead. Rumors fly about Korsbæk of suicide, and Arnesen's is a total bankruptcy, leaving Schwann penniless and the shop's aging saleswoman Ms. Inger Jørgensen without sense of direction. To the horror of the bourgeoisie, Vicki, now a young widow, sell the shop to Mads Andersen-Skjern, and moves to Copenhagen, against her father's will.
- 6. "Opmarch: 1932" ("Deployment: 1932")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 56 minutes.
Jørgen Varnæs lands a nasty adultery scandal, gets divorced and is kicked by the board of the conservative party as candidate for the parliament. The Varnæs family is shattered, and Elisabeth adds salt by moving out of the Varnæs residence and into her own apartment. Replacing Damernes Magasin is a new bank, "Omegnsbanken" (lit.: "The Environs Bank"), with Mads Skjern as majority shareholder and Kristian Skjern as manager. Mads and Ingeborg have a son named Erik, and discard their middle name, Andersen, marking the Skjerns as the new dynasty in town.
Season 2, 1979
- 7. "Fødselsdagen: 1933" ("The Birthday: 1933")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 74 minutes.
While Mads Skjern continues to expand his businesses, Hans Christian Varnæs battles a new dynamic force in the board of his bank, the state lawyer Viggo Skjold Hansen, who has obtained his seat from the spiralling Jørgen Varnæs. The whimpering Maude makes matters worse, and in frustration Hans Christian enters in an affair with his bank assistant Ms. Ulla Jacobsen. Mrs. Fernando Møghe and the entire town celebrates her 100th birthday, byt the old lady has a surprise up her sleeve. For years she has mixed up her own birth year with that of her late husband, and in actuality, she is "only" 90 years old. As the congratulating telegram from the King arrives, this causes even more ruckus in the Varnæs family, which holds the feast in her honor.
- 8. "Komme fremmede: 1934" ("Stranger in Town: 1934")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard and Karen Smith. Runtime: 77 minutes.
Internationality lands in Korsbæk in the shape of famed modern painter, Professor Ernst Nyborg, former art teacher and romantic interest of Maude Varnæs. Also arriving to witness Nyborg's exhibit is Gitte Graae, Jørgen Varnæs homewrecking and increasingly expensive lady friend. Mads Skjern also has his eye on the arts, but with different intentions. In order to secure a building permit, he "greases the political wheels" by anonymously commissioning a portrait of the town Mayor by Nyborg.
- 9. "Hen til Kommoden: 1935" ("But What About the Dresser: 1935")
(The original title stems from the expression "Hen til kommoden og tilbage igen", appr. "Over to the dresser and back again", a sort of 'Back and Forth' expression.")
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 65 minutes.
The Varnæsses maid, Agnes Jensen, quits her job to get married to railway employee and local communist, Lauritz "Red" Jensen, but to her dismay, Red quickly invites a German refugee, the poet Herbert Schmidt, to live with them in the spirit of solidarity. Mads, having secured the building permit under dubious circumstances involving the indebted municipal secretary Godtfred Lund, starts building a factory on a plot otherwise reserved for the memory of the Møghe family. This spurs the energetic Skjold Hansen to investigate, seeking to damage the Skjern business. During his investigations, Mr. Schwann, now a debt collector, provides Skjold Hansen with some interesting bits of information. Holger Jørgensen, former husband of Ingeborg Skjern and biological father of Ellen returns to town, now a member of the small Danish Nazi party. Varnæs continues his affair with Ms. Jacobsen.
- 10. "I Disse Tider: 1935" ("Nowadays: 1935")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 65 minutes.
Mads' building project is well under way, but Mrs. Møghe supported by Skjold Hansen continues to fight him. Skjold Hansen's daughter Iben arrives in town, having cancelled an opcoming wedding in Germany, and begins flirting with Kristen Skjern. Elisabeth Friis causes a furor, when openly supporting an abortion doctor, bringing her at odds with her and her sister's social circle. Ulla Jacobsen breaks off the affair with Hans Christian and quits her job, finding employment in Omegnsbanken with help from her cousin, Arnold Vinter. Agnes Jensen is pregnant and eagerly wants a baby carriage they cannot afford. Their resident refugee Herbert, who weekly has to show the police 100 kroner as prove of livelihood, an amount he is forced to borrow from Oluf Larsen every week, receives lavish 75 kroner in advance for an upcoming book. Agnes comes home and finds a baby carriage in their hallway, bought and paid for by Herbert using his advance.
- 11. "I klemme: 1936" ("In a Pinch: 1936")
Written by: Jens Louis Petersen. Runtime: 73 minutes.
Agnes delivers a boy, while Vicki, widow of Arnesen, returns to Korsbæk as a traveling vaudeville actress and reconciles with her father, the Colonel. Via Oluf Larsen she meets Herbert Schmidt, who now lives with the Larsens. Hans Christian Varnæs learns that his mistress Ms. Jacobsen is pregnant from their affair. She wishes an abortion, which he pays for in betrayal of his own morals. Mads Skjern also is in a pinch, when the corrupt municipal secretary Lund runs off with the town's treasury, leaving his helpless wife behind. It is revealed that Mads bribed him, and Mads is threatened with personal ruin. Mads decides to reward Ellen a horse for being a good student, simultaneously punishing the poor student Daniel, who had originally wished for a horse. Katrine Larsen foils Mads' plan by giving Daniel a horse of his own for "being a good and tender boy". While Daniel is happy, he had still desired to receive the gift from his father.
- 12. "I Lyst og Nød: 1937" ("For Better and For Worse: 1937")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 82 minutes.
Herbert Schmidt and Lauritz "Red" Jensen embark for Spain to fight the fascists in the Spanish Civil War
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil WarAlso known as The Crusade among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War among Carlists, and The Rebellion or Uprising among Republicans. was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939...
, but Red changes his mind en route, while Herbert continues on. Elisabeth relays an offer from Hans Christian Varnæs to Kristen Skjern for a position in a bank in Jutland, but Kristen see it as a plot to remove him from his brother, Mads, who is still being hammered by Skjold Hansen's investigations. Kristen and Elisabeth quarrel, and Kristen reveals Varnæs' affair and subsequent abortion arrangement, an official secret in town. The rift between Kristen and Elisabeth is irreparable, and in spite, Kristen Skjern marries the eager Iben Skjold Hansen. While Elisabeth is shattered, Iben's father now drops all efforts to destroy Mads, due to their new family ties. Ms. Jørgensen returns to Korsbæk under dubious pretences and finds work as a housekeeper for the Varnæsses. The troubled Ms. Jørgensen becomes a menace in the household, and after insulting the Varnæs house guests, she is reprimanded by Maude, but an angry Ms. Jørgensen spills her husband's adultery and abortion, and later attempts suicide. Maude confronts her husband, who admits his guilt, and a different Maude leaves with Elisabeth on a long journey to Switzerland to make some kind of sense of it all.
Season 3, 1980
- 13. "Et Nyt Liv: Efterår 1937 - Forår 1938" ("A New Life: Autumn 1937 - Spring 1938")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 84 minutes.
Mads is back in business and expands on all fronts and moves his family to a large villa outside of Korsbæk. The Varnæs couple returns from a trip to Paris, envigourated and with Maude bringing back something extra. The Varnæs home is to house a party with people whom they've met in Paris much to Laura's regret. During the party, Jørgen Varnæs drops a bomb. He's suspended his licence to practice law to become an administrator for a large textile manufacturer, something Jørgen implies is a cushy job. Mads Skjern, however, changes this perception when he, with Katrine Larsen's aid, buys a major share in the same company. Elisabeth considers leaving Korsbæk for Copenhagen - but through Doctor Hansen and Ingeborg Skjerns intervention, she's given the job as church organist by Mads Skjern, chairman of the parish counsel. Maude reveals her "Parisian" secret to Hans-Christian and is forced by the circumstances to tell the children, with Regitze responding in a particular malicious manner. Kresten, miserable in his marriage, sees an opportunity to patch things up with Elisabeth.
- 14. "Brikkerne: Vinter 1938 - Forår 1939" ("The Pieces: Winter 1938 - Spring 1939")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 73 minutes.
Jørgen Varnæs feels Mads' hand when Jørgen has taken an early Christmas vacation (on December 7) and has travelled to Switzerland. Upon his return a month later, Mads de-facto reduces Jørgen's pay, eroding Jørgen's salary by half. Jørgen seeks help from his brother who is unable to provide any relief. Hans-Christian bites the bullet and seeks out Mads to speak for Jørgen. Mads takes care of some other business involving Daniels teacher, Andersen, when Daniel gets pneumonia. Andersen, however, lands on his feet. Kresten and Ibens marriage becomes further strained and Mr. Schwann dies (off-screen. The actor playing Mr. Schwann, Arthur Jensen, died in reality shortly before the season was filmed and the character was written out).
- 15. "At Tænke og Tro: Efterår 1939" ("To Think and to Have Faith: Autumn 1939")
Written by: Karen Smith. Runtime: 73 minutes.
As Oluf Larsen is arranging pictures of assorted fascists in his outhouse, he's surprised by Herbert Schmidt, returned from Spain. He's reunited with Vicki, who'd become a teacher at the private school (replacing teacher Andersen). World War II breaks out causing rationing of certain goods in Denmark (sugar and gasoline). Agnes is to serve at Daniels confirmation, leaving Lauritz to look after the children - with the most serious consequences. Colonel Hackel is hospitalized with failing health. Upon learning of a change in the Danish army's command structure he suffers a fatal stroke while in hospital. Lauritz' failure to look after the children causes a rift between Agnes and him. She starts a small business at home so she can look after the children. Daniels confirmation is honoured by a visit from the pious Anna, older sister of Mads and Kresten. The visit causes several stirs and Mads reconsiders his religious views.
- 16. "Lauras Store Dag: Forår 1940" ("Laura's Big Day: Spring 1940")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 86 minutes.
Laura, having served the Varnæs family for 25 years, are going with Maude to Copenhagen to receive a medal for "loyal service". There, Maude, through a childhood friend meet a German who presents himself as a banker. Agnes, coming to see Laura get the medal, looks up Herbert Schmidt who's putting up a play called "The Boots" in Copenhagen. Herbert reveals to Agnes that he's going to Sweden immediately, and he tells her to say to Lauritz "now it begins". Coming back to Korsbæk, Elisabeth invites Laura to dinner at Postgaarden. The next day, Laura hears airplanes and wakes up the Varnæs couple twice - first to tell them that old Mrs. Møghe wants her safety-deposit box because of the invading Germans - next to show them leaflets dropped by actual invading Germans. The same day, Laura resigns much to Maude's dismay. The new mayor, a social democrat, plays the bourgeois families of Korsbæk out against each other at a town meeting to secure funding for a new sports- and recreational park outside Korsbæk.
- 17. "De Voksnes Rækker: Sommer 1941 - Forår 1942" ("Coming of Age: Summer 1941 - Spring 1942")
Written by: Paul Hammerich. Runtime: 80 minutes.
Sofus Jensen, Korsbæk's beat policeman, seeks out Lauritz along with a police lieutenant early in the morning of June 22, 1941, the day Hitler declares war against the Soviet Union. The good natured officer feigns a story that Lauritz has already left the premises so as to give Lauritz a chance to escape. Lauritz seeks help from the Larsen family, and through Kathrine, Lauritz gets a lift to Copenhagen via a reluctant Mads. At the same time Ingeborg receives a letter from Holger, her divorced husband and biological father of Ellen. Events cause romancing Ulrik Varnæs and Ellen Skjern to end their relationship and Ulrik to disgrace his mother, Maude. A resistance group centered around Dr. Louis Hansen begins forming eventually recruiting an eager Kristen Skjern, rekindling his relationship with Elisabeth. Pig trader Oluf Larsen is shattered when his beloved 15 year old fox terrier, Kvik, expires at the railway restaurant, and in a minor quarrel with the German Wehrmacht, now 99 year old Mrs. Møghe too dies in the middle of the main street. Her daughter Misse inherits a large sum from her mother, causing the teacher Andersen, who's been thrown out by Mrs. Vinther, to seek out Misse Møghe.
- 18. "Hr. Stein: 1943" ("Mr. Stein: 1943")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 80 minutes.
Skjern's business is thriving despite the war - in part due to Daniel's help. The local resistance group begins sabotage missions, and the pictures of dictators in Larsen's outhouse cause him to be jailed, and puts the entire resistance-group in danger. This causes Baron von Rüdtger to also get involved with the movement. Mr. Stein, Varnæs' trusted bank manager falls victim to harassment due to his Jewish background, and must flee his work place as the Germans launch their endlösung hunt for the Danish Jews. During Ellen Skjern's wedding, the now fugitive Stein seeks out Varnæs, but he has been detained in Copenhagen and Maude must take matters into her own hands.
Season 4, 1981
- 19. "Handel og Vandel: Forår 1944" ("Wheeling and Dealing: Spring 1944")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 58 minutes.
Doctor Hansen seeks out Agnes Jensen and offers her to flee with her children to Sweden, where her husband Lauriz is. But her business is thriving, and she refuses. She seeks out Mads Skjern on business, who is impressed by her ingenuity. Mads agrees to a rare and lavish bet, when Agnes desires to buy her business' lodging house from Kathrine Larsen, which only Agnes believes she can be talked into. Meanwhile, Mads is reluctant to do business with the Wehrmacht, while also warning his brother Kristen against his operations in the illegal movement. Kristen's marriage is a sham, and his wife Iben almost never sleeps at home. Skjold Hansen and his wife is being harassed by local children due to her husbands dealings with the Wehrmacht, which leads to a confrontation between Skjold Hansen and the father of the children, a bicycle store owner. Baron von Rydtger often visits Ingeborg Skjern, since his nazi hating wife of German descent has suffered a nervous breakdown. Daniel Skjern visits the family with a woman, which turns out to be an elder lady, Ms. Mose, who sees potential in Daniel as an haute couture designer; much to the dismay of Mads, who wants his son to focus on business. Misse Møghe wishes to marry the grubbing Andersen, but confides to the Varnæs brothers, that they are to inherit her mother's lavish fortune, since this was Mrs. Fernando Møghe's original wish. Consul Holm, the chairman of Korsbæk Bank, dies and Skjold Hansen is eager for his position. He attempts to secure a deal with Varnæs by offering his own available position on the board to Varnæs' brother Jørgen in exchange for becoming the chairman. Varnæs refuses, in part because he has finally lost all faith in his brother.
- 20. "Den 11. Time: Januar - April 1945" ("The Eleventh Hour: January - April 1945")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 62 minutes.
The war makes it increasingly difficult to secure heat even for the Varnæs family, who sends their children to the public bath house. Misse Møghe wishes to secure the final economic situation with the Varnæs brothers before her wedding, but the brothers seek a delay because of the ongoing war. Misse and Andersen are married. Mads seeks to purchase a sea side farm house, which he wishes to divide up and sell. He enters a shady tax evading deal with both the house's owner and Jørgen Varnæs, who buy the farm on behalf of Mads, in exchange for a small unsolicited fee. Ms. Jørgensen moves in with Violet Vinter to save money, but spends increasing time working for Agnes Jensen. The Skjerns are suddenly visited by a Danish-German Wehrmacht officer, forcing the ressistance man Kristen to sneak out of through the back door and flee to Elisabeth Skjern's apartment for renewed identity papers, thinking they're looking for him. However, the nazi officer proves to deliver a last gift and message from Ellen's biological father Holger, who has died in combat on the Eastern front. He leaves, and Mads decides that the package and letter is to be burned. Iben Skjern seeks out Elisabeth to call of the alarm, but Kristen isn't there. Iben takes the opportunity to tell Elisabeth that she seek to end the marriage with Kristen, and that Elisabeth can have him. The times are lawless, and waiter Boldt is knocked down by hoodlums and robbed of both cash box and the illagel ration stamps. Agnes Jensen seeks out Kathrine Larsen trying to secure the purchase of the her business' lodging house. Kathrine refuses, but changes her mind when she learns of the 200 kroner lavish bet Agnes has made with Mads. Agnes hereby wins the bet, which is much impressed with Agnes. Ulla Jacobsen and boyfriend Poul Kristensen wishes to be engaged following the war, and Mads Skjern pledges to help find them an apartment. However, resistance man Poul is shot dead by the Germans following an awry weapons pick up, causing Kristen Skjern og Doctor Hansen to go underground and Elisabeth to move in with the Varnæsses. Adolf Hitler dies in Germany and the Varnæsses celebrate until Misse Møghe arrives to reveal that her husband Andersen is also dead. However, she is pleased with her new position as a widow, as was her mother.
- 21. "Vi vil fred her til lands: Maj-Juni 1945" ("Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men: May–June 1945")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 59 minutes.
The funeral dinner for Frederick Anderssen is progress at the Varnæs house when the radio suddenly broadcasts the news that the Germans have surrendered in Denmark. Amidst general rejoicing, Dr. Hansen and Kristen Skjern reappear and pay a visit to the Varnæs house, where Kristen is reunited with Elisabet Varnæs. Mads is very nervous about Ellen, since her father-in-law had lucrative business dealings with the Germans and has been arrested as a collaborator. Mads decides to find Ellen and bring her home. Oskar Andersen tells the Varnæs brothers that he believes that there are mysterious aspects to his uncle's death, and demands their help in investigating the matter. Lauritz returns to Korsbæk and angers the (now prosperous and independent) Agnes with his plan to move the family to Copenhagen, where the Party has offered him a position. The dog left behind by the departing Germans is adopted by Laura and allowed to live downstairs at the Varnæs house. Arrested as a collaborator at the instigation of the cycle-repairman next door, Viggo Skjold Hansen suffers a small stroke. Misse Møghe visits Hans Christian and Maude and tells the truth about Frederick's death: she prevented his husbandly advances by locking him on the balcony of their house for six hours, which triggered the pneumonia that killed him. Daniel returns to Korsbæk together with an English wing commander named Jim Donaldson. Ellen flirts with the man, and Daniel becomes jealous. Only Ingeborg seems to understand what is happening and reproaches Mads for his lack of awareness.
- 22. "Det går jo Godt: Vinter 1945-46" ("All's Well: Winter 1945-46")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 58 minutes.
Skjold Hansen has announced his retirement from the Korsbæk Bank Board. Bank President Jessen suggests that Jørgen Varnæs return to the board as Skjold Hansen's replacement, but wishes to meet with him first. Hans Christian Varnæs organizes a dinner for them. There, Jessen confronts Jørgen with his suspicion that his sister was defrauded of her share of the proceeds from the farm sale that Jørgen conducted as a front for Mads Skjern. Jessen demands an investigation, before he will nominate Jørgen for the vacant bank directorship. Jorgen seeks out Mads Skjern who advises him to keep quiet about what he knows. Kathrine Larsen receives a package from Herbert Schmidt, who has settled in Los Angeles. The package contains gifts of food, cigars and stockings, to be shared among Vicki, Agnes and Lauritz, and Katrine and Oluf Larsen. His short letter puzzlingly lacks any special message for Vicki, which disappoints her. A plaque and portrait is hung in the District Bank in honor of the bank clerk and Resistance fighter, Poul Kristensen, who was shot by the Germans. After the ceremony, the new bank clerk Arne Schmidt invites Ulla Jacobsen to dinner at the Post House. That same day, a similar ceremony is held in the Korsbæk Bank for Mrs. Fernando Møhge who also died "confronting the Germans." Ms. Jorgensen and Violet Winter's relationship deteriorates further, and Jørgensen flees to Agnes Jensen's workroom, where she will spend the night. Agnes soon devises a plan by which she can help Miss. Jorgensen and her business. By renting the upstairs apartment to Jørgensen, who will then sublet the main room back to the business, she can by-pass regulations that restrict the conversion of residences for business use. Agnes asks Mads Skjern to put in a good word with the mayor, to allow the tenancy. Daniel Skjern has quit business school to work as a haute couture dress designer. This news enrages Mads, who is eventually calmed down by Ellen. Regitze Varnæs informs her family of her intention to work in Hamburg censoring mail for the occupying authorities. Ulrik Varnæs comes home with a waitress named Maja, who it turns out he has made pregnant. His father refuses to give him money for an abortion. On the same visit, Ulrik secretly meets with his old flame Ellen Skjern, who is herself unhappily married. Her husband Mogens Lamborg breaks his arm in a drunk-driving auto accident with the company car - while out carousing with Iben Skjern and her friend Jenny. In the final scene, Mads receives a letter awarding him a knighthood.
- 23. "Mellem Brødre: 1946" ("Among Brothers: 1946")
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 63 minutes.
- 24. "New Look: 1947" (Series Finale)
Written by: Lise Nørgaard. Runtime: 82 minutes.
List of characters
Characters alphabetically:| Nr. | Character | Episodes | Actor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ada | (21-23) | Lillian Tillegreen |
| 2 | Agnes Jensen | (1-10,12-24) | Kirsten Olesen |
| 3 | Agnete Hansen | (6,8,10,11,14) | Lene Brøndum |
| 4 | Aksel (Jensen) | (15,16),(20,21),(24) | Jan Neiiendam |
| 5 | Arnold Vinter | (1-6,8,10-12,14) | Esper Hagen |
| 6 | Baron Carl von Rydtger | (8,13,14,16-19,21-24) | Bent Rothe |
| 7 | Baroness Arendse von Rydtger | (3,8,10) | Birgitte Federspiel Birgitte Federspiel Birgitte Federspiel was a Danish film, theater, and TV actress. As a younger woman she won two Bodil Awards for film with the first win in 1951.... |
| 8 | Consul (Emanuel) Holm | (3,4,6- 8,10-12,15,18) | Karl Stegger Karl Stegger Karl Stegger was a Danish actor, who appeared in 157 films which makes him the most used Danish actor.... |
| 9 | Consulness (Oda) Holm | (2-8,10-13,15,16,18-24) | Else-Marie Juul Hansen |
| 10 | Daniel Andersen-Skjern/Skjern | (1,6),(8-12),(15),(17-19,21,22,24) | Kristian Steen Rem, Jacob Dalgård, Jim Erichsen, Niels Martin Carlsen |
| 11 | Doctor (Louis) Hansen | (1,4-15,17-24) | Ove Sprogøe Ove Sprogøe Ove Wendelboe Sprogøe Petersen was a Danish actor. Born in Odense, his parents were Arthur and Inger Sprogøe. He married Eva Rasmussen in 1945, with whom he had three children. One of these is actor Henning Sprogøe.... |
| 12 | Elisabeth Friis | (1-24) | Helle Virkner Helle Virkner Helle Genie Virkner was a Danish actress. She was married three times, including to then Danish Prime Minister Jens Otto Krag.... |
| 13 | Ellen Andersen-Skjern/Skjern | (1,6),(8-12),(15),(17-19,21-23) | Helle Nielsen Helle Nielsen -Career:She won the bronze medal at the 2008 European Badminton Championships in mixed doubles with Carsten Mogensen.-External links:*... , Nynne Ubbe, Christine Hermansen, Benedikte Dahl |
| 14 | Erik Skjern | (8-10),(14),(21),(24) | Kenneth Schmidt, Nikolaj Harris, Lari Hørsted, Jens Christian Milbrat |
| 15 | Ernst Nyborg | (8) | Morten Grunwald Morten Grunwald Morten Grunwald is a Danish actor and theatre manager.He was born in Odense, Denmark, and attended Odense Theatrical School in 1958, and graduated from The Royal Theater of Denmark's Theatrical School in 1962... |
| 16 | Ester | (12-21,24) | Birgitte Bruun |
| 17 | Faster Anna (Skjern) | (15) | Kirsten Rolffes Kirsten Rolffes Kirsten Rolffes was a Danish actress, internationally mostly recognized for her role in The Kingdom and Matador... |
| 18 | Frede "Fat" Hansen | (1-5,7-24) | Benny Hansen |
| 19 | Frk. Hollenberg | (15-18) | Christiane Rohde |
| 20 | Gitte Graa | (4,6-8,23) | Susse Wold Susse Wold Susse Wold is a stage and screen actress whose career has spanned five decades. Born Lise Wold in Denmark, she is the daughter of actress Marguerite Viby. She quickly became a leading lady at the Det Kongelige Teater . In addition to her many TV, film and stage roles, Wold has toured the world... |
| 21 | Gudrun | (3-5,7-21,24) | Anne Jensen |
| 22 | Gustav Friis | (10,13,23,24) | Finn Storgaard |
| 23 | Hans Christian Varnæs | (1-14,16-24) | Holger Juul Hansen Holger Juul Hansen Holger Juul Hansen is a Danish actor.Holger Juul Hansen has starred in a large number of Danish movies and television shows. His most prominent roles was as banker Hans Christian Varnæs, head of one of the two rival families in Matador, and as Doctor Moesgaard in The Kingdom.-References:... |
| 24 | Helle Varnæs | (19-22,24) | Ditte Maria Norup |
| 25 | Herbert Schmidt | (9-12,15-17) | Paul Hüttel Paul Hüttel Paul Hüttel is a Danish actor. He has appeared in over 50 films and television shows since 1960. He starred in the 1969 film Ballad of Carl-Henning, which was entered into the 19th Berlin International Film Festival.... |
| 26 | Holger Jørgensen | (6,9,17) | John Martinus |
| 27 | Mr. (Rudolf) Schwann | (1-4,6-12) | Arthur Jensen Arthur Jensen (actor) Arthur Jensen was a Danish actor whose career lasted for almost 60 years. He made his début on stage at the Royal Danish Theatre in 1923, and he had his big screen début in the silent film Pas på pigerne in 1930.... |
| 28 | Iben Skjold Hansen | (10-23) | Ulla Henningsen |
| 29 | Ingeborg Andersen-Skjern/Skjern | (1-24) | Ghita Nørby Ghita Nørby Ghita Nørby is a popular Danish actress with 117 film credits to her name from 1956-2005, making her one of the most active Danish actresses ever. She was born in Copenhagen, Denmark to opera singer Einar Nørby... |
| 30 | Inger Jørgensen | (1-6,12,14,15,19-24) | Vera Gebuhr Vera Gebuhr Vera Gebuhr is a Danish film actress. She had appeared in 60 films from 1937 to 2005.She was born in Denmark.-Filmography:*Flådens blå matroser - 1937*Tag det som en mand - 1941*Frøken Vildkat - 1942... |
| 31 | Jenny | (13,14,16-18,22,23) | Lane Lind |
| 32 | Jim Donaldson | (21) | Nicholas Farrell Nicholas Farrell Nicholas Farrell is an English stage, film and television actor. His early screen career included the role of Aubrey Montague in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. In 1983, he starred as Edmund Bertram in a television adaptation of the Jane Austen novel, Mansfield Park... |
| 33 | Jørgen Varnæs | (1,3-8,10,13,14,16,18-23) | Bent Mejding Bent Mejding Bent Mejding is a Danish actor. He won the Robert Award in 1985 and 2007. He is married to the actress Susse Wold.-References:* The Danish film institute.... |
| 34 | Kathrine Larsen | (1-4,6-13,15-20,22,24) | Lily Broberg Lily Broberg Lily Broberg was a Danish stage and film actress.- Filmography :*Lev livet let - 1944*Bedstemor går amok - 1945*En ny dag gryer - 1945*Panik i familien - 1945*Diskret ophold - 1946... |
| 35 | Knud (Jensen) | (15),(19-21),(24) | Martin Bak, Sebastian Sørensen Sebastian Sørensen Sebastian Sørensen is a Danish cross country skier who has competed since 2002. He finished third in the 10 km qualification for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2009 in Liberec, Czech Republic.... , Sune Kristensen |
| 36 | Kristen Andersen-Skjern/Skjern | (4-24) | Jesper Langberg Jesper Langberg Jesper Langberg is a Danish film actor. He has appeared in over 50 films since 1965. He was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark.Jesper Langberg is the son of actor Sigurd Langberg and younger brother of actor Ebbe Langberg.... |
| 37 | Laura (Larsine Sørensen) | (1-10,12-24) | Elin Reimer |
| 38 | Lauritz "Red" Jensen | (1-5,7-17,21-24) | Kurt Ravn |
| 39 | Mads Andersen-Skjern/Skjern | (1-24) | Jørgen Buckhøj Jørgen Buckhøj Jørgen Buckhøj was a Danish actor, working on stage, TV and film. He is best known as the title character Mads Skjern in Matador... |
| 40 | Maja Ebbesen/Varnæs | (22-24) | Rikke Wølck |
| 41 | Marie Hansen | (8,9,11,15,16,18-23) | Kirsten Hansen-Møller |
| 42 | Mason (Jacob) Jessen | (22,23) | Poul Reichhardt Poul Reichhardt Poul David Reichhardt was a Danish actor, well known for his roles in Danish 1940s/50s comedies. Later on, he also played more serious and varied roles; he has also starred in Huset på Christianshavn, Matador and as various minor characters in the Olsen Gang films.For almost thirty years... |
| 43 | Maude Varnæs | (1-24) | Malene Schwartz Malene Schwartz Malene Schwartz is a Danish film actress. She has appeared in 38 films since 1955.She was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark.-Filmography:* Flammen & Citronen * Reconstruction * Dykkerdrengen... |
| 44 | Mayor Sejersen | (16) | Preben Harris Preben Harris Preben Harris is a Danish film and stage actor.Harris joined the Aarhus Theater in 1957 and worked in the Cinema of Denmark from 1964.-Selected filmography:*Måske i morgen - 1964*Blind makker - 1976... |
| 45 | Minna Varnæs | (1,3,5) | Ellen Winther Lembourn |
| 46 | Miss (Illona) Mikkelsen | (3,10,13-15,17) | Hanne Løye |
| 47 | Misse Møhge | (1-5,7-24) | Karin Nellemose Karin Nellemose Karin Nellemose , was a Danish actress in the theatre and in Danish cinema.-Filmography:*Du skal ære din hustru - 1925*Præsten i Vejlby - 1931*Kirke og orgel - 1932*Barken Margrethe af Danmark - 1934... |
| 48 | Mogens Lamborg | (17-23) | John Schelde |
| 49 | Mr. Stein | (1-9,12,13,15-18,21-24) | John Hahn-Petersen John Hahn-Petersen John Hahn-Petersen was a Danish theatre, TV and movie actor.He made his debut in 1955 and starred in a number of productions including:* Matador* Landsbyen* Taxa... |
| 50 | Mr.Town council secretary Godtfred Lund | (7-11) | Hardy Rafn Hardy Rafn Hardy Rafn was a Danish film actor. He appeared in 34 films between 1956 and 1997.He was born in Slagelse, Denmark and died in Denmark.-Selected filmography:* Father of Four in the City... |
| 51 | Mrs. Fernando Møhge | (1-5,7-18) | Karen Berg Karen Berg Karen Berg is the co-founder of the modern Kabbalah Centre, along with her husband, Philip Berg. She is the mother of Yehuda Berg and Michael Berg.-References:*Article by Daphne Merkin- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13kabbalah-t.html... |
| 52 | Mrs. Mason (Sofie) Jessen | (22,23) | Bodil Udsen Bodil Udsen Bodil Udsen was a Danish actress.She was a student at the Rysensteen Gymnasium in Copenhagen in 1944 and entered film in 1955... |
| 53 | Mrs.Town council secretary Lilli Lund | (7,8,11,12) | Tove Maës Tove Maës Tove Maës was a Danish actress of stage, television and film best known for her starring roles in the series of "Morten Korch" films, in particular The Red Horses. Maës was a three-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Actress, winning in 1954, 1971, and 1983.-Career:Maës was born in... |
| 54 | Musse Skjold Hansen | (7,8,10-13,15,16,18,19,21,23) | Birthe Backhausen |
| 55 | Oberst "colonel" (Ditlev) Hachel | (1,4-8,11-13,15) | Bjørn Watt-Boolsen Bjørn Watt-Boolsen Bjørn Watt-Boolsen was a Danish film actor. He appeared in 50 films between 1943 and 1998.He was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark and died in Denmark.-Selected filmography:* The Red Meadows... |
| 56 | Oluf Larsen | (1-24) | Buster Larsen Buster Larsen Buster Larsen , was a Danish comic film and TV actor.He began working in the Nørrebros Theater in 1932 aged 12 and entered film in 1933.-Filmography:*De blaa drenge - 1933*Frøken Kirkemus - 1941... |
| 57 | Oscar Andersen | (20,21) | Nis Bank-Mikkelsen |
| 58 | Head teacher (Frederik) Andersen | (13-15,17-20) | Helge Kjærulff Schmidt |
| 59 | Poul Kristensen | (13,15,17,20) | Christian Steffensen |
| 60 | Regitze Varnæs | (1-6),(8-13),(17,18,22) | Nicla Ursin, Elisabeth Danneskjold-Samsø, Camilla Hammerich |
| 61 | Sofus "Betjent" (Jensen) police officer Police officer A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force... |
(16-19,21,22,24) | Esben Pedersen |
| 62 | Ulla Jacobsen | (7-15,17,20,22) | Karen Lise Mynster |
| 63 | Ulrik Varnæs | (1-6),(8-13),(17,18,22-24) | Søren Bruun, Henrik Mortensen Henrik Mortensen Henrik Ejegod Mortensen is a former professional footballer.Mortensen was a striker who played for Aarhus_Gymnastikforening, Anderlecht, and Norwich City. During his early career, he was voted Danish young player of the year and was capped by Denmark under-21s... , Jens Arentzen |
| 64 | Vicki Arnesen/Halli/Hachel | (1-6,11-16,18-24) | Sonja Oppenhagen |
| 65 | Viggo Skjold Hansen | (7-13,15,16,19,21-23) | Axel Strøbye Axel Strøbye Axel Strøbye was a Danish film actor. He appeared in over 100 films between 1951 and 2000.He was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark and died in Copenhagen, Denmark.-Selected filmography:* I kongens klæ'r... |
| 66 | Violet Vinter | (3-12,14,15,17,19,20,22,24) | Lis Løwert Lis Løwert Lis Løwert was a Danish film actress. She appeared in 23 films between 1938 and 1971. She was best known for her parts in two TV series: Mrs. Clausen in Huset på Christianshavn and Violet Vinter in Matador. Matador has been heralded as one of the best in Danish television. It originally aired... |
| 67 | Waiter (Severin) Boldt | (1-5,7-20,22-24) | Per Pallesen Per Pallesen Per Pallesen is a Danish film actor. He has appeared in over 35 films since 1967.He was born in Denmark.-Selected filmography:* Girls at Sea * Girls at Arms * Onkel Joakims hemmelighed -External links:... |
| 68 | Aage Holmdal | (1-4,6) | Joen Bille |
The Skjern dynasty
- Mads (Andersen)-Skjern — (1:24) Jørgen BuckhøjJørgen BuckhøjJørgen Buckhøj was a Danish actor, working on stage, TV and film. He is best known as the title character Mads Skjern in Matador...
- (born 1897) Scion of the Skjern dynasty.
Mads is a stranger who arrives in Korsbæk with his motherless son Daniel as a traveling salesman in 1929. Seeing that the local clothing shop caters only to the interests of the well-to-do, he decides to start his own business, Skjern's Magasin, to provide clothing for the common people.
Personality: Industrious; almost ruthless businessman who does not "forgive and forget"; a stern and overbearing father who expects much of his son Daniel. As time goes by he becomes increasingly sterner to his son, as he slowly realizes that he will never be ready to take over the family business. Instead he favors his adoptive daughter Ellen, who is doing good in school, unlike Daniel. Because of this, she can get away with almost everything.
When he accidentally finds out about his sons homosexuality, he banishes him from his home. This action almost cost him his marriage to Ingeborg.
As his business grows, Mads, who's originally honest and well-meaning, is corrupted by his growing power and occasionally engages in questionable business practices. Despite his religious upbringing he eventually assimilates into a more moderate lifestyle. His political views are conservative, particularly concerning morals, as he is a firm opponent of abortion, then illegal in Denmark.
- Ingeborg (Andersen)-Skjern — (1:24) Ghita NørbyGhita NørbyGhita Nørby is a popular Danish actress with 117 film credits to her name from 1956-2005, making her one of the most active Danish actresses ever. She was born in Copenhagen, Denmark to opera singer Einar Nørby...
- (born c. 1901)
Wife of Mads Andersen-Skjern and daughter of Oluf and Katrine Larsen. She is also the mother of Ellen from a previous marriage. She and Mads eventually have a child named Erik. Despite loving to work, Mads insists she tends the house in the style of a proper upper class wife.
Personality: Kind, loving, modern, intelligent; unlike Mads, she is far kinder to Daniel; still, she too turns a blind eye on Ellen's choices as she grows older.
- Kristen (Andersen)-Skjern — (4:24) Jesper LangbergJesper LangbergJesper Langberg is a Danish film actor. He has appeared in over 50 films since 1965. He was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark.Jesper Langberg is the son of actor Sigurd Langberg and younger brother of actor Ebbe Langberg....
- (born c.1899)
He is the younger brother of Mads Skjern and Anna Skjern. Kristen arrives in Korsbæk about a year after Mads, and eventually becomes director of Omegns Bank, a bank for the lower-class denizens of Korsbæk. When the Nazis occupy Denmark, he becomes active in the Danish resistance movement along with Dr. Louis Hansen.
Personality: An honest man; unlike his brother, he is more willing to overlook class differences and has few social ambitions. He has an on-and-off relationship with Elisabeth Friis, sister-in-law of Hans Christian Varnæs, but after a particularly grim falling-out between them, he marries Iben Skjold-Hansen, which turned out disastrious and they divorce. In episode 23 he finally marries Elisabeth Friis (Skjern).
- Daniel Skjern — (1-6) Kristian Steen Rem; (8-12) Jacob Dalgård, (15) Jim Erichsen; (17-19,21,22,24) Niels Martin Carlsen (born c. 1924)
He is the son of Mads Skjern and his first wife. His father wants him to join the family business, but he displays poor business skills and can't live up to his father's expectations. Instead he shows talent for design and fashion; a field where he later enjoys a certain success and becomes marginally involved in his fathers business. Daniel is a homosexual, which is near impossible for his father to accept though Ingeborg and Katrine readily accepts it.
- Ellen (Andersen)-Skjern — (1-6) Helle NielsenHelle Nielsen-Career:She won the bronze medal at the 2008 European Badminton Championships in mixed doubles with Carsten Mogensen.-External links:*...
; (8-12) Nynne Ubbe; (15) Christine Hermansen; (17-19,21-23) Benedikte Dahl (born c. 1924)
The daughter of Ingeborg Skjern and her former husband Holger Jørgensen. She is adopted by Mads Skjern. As a talented student, she is soon her father's favourite (Mads), whom he loves more than his own son Daniel. Under pressure from her father, she marries a wealthy businessman's son, because it is a good alliance.
Ulrik Varnæs is deeply in love with her, but due to unfortunate circumstances their relationship never develop. Eventually she divorces her husband, rejects her fathers offer to take over the business and goes off to study dentistry.
- Erik Skjern —(8-10) Kenneth Schmidt; (14) Nikolaj Harris; (21) Lari Hørsted; (24) Jens Christian Milbart (born 1933)
Mads and Ingeborg's youngest child. He is a talented student but despite (or because of) his skills in mathematics, a subject Mads values above anything else as it is a prerequisite for running a business, he also rejects his fathers offer to take over the business, as his two elder siblings. Instead he expresses a desire to go on to study nuclear physics.
- Aunt Anna (Skjern) — (15) Kirsten RolffesKirsten RolffesKirsten Rolffes was a Danish actress, internationally mostly recognized for her role in The Kingdom and Matador...
- Mads' and Kristen's older sister. She arrives in Korsbæk to attend Daniel's conformation. She is a member of the Inner Mission (a Danish puritan movement), like Mads was. She heavily disapproves Mads's new lifestyle, and his choice of wife. This leads to a confrontation with Mads, where he banishes her from his house.
- Oluf Larsen — (1-24) Buster LarsenBuster LarsenBuster Larsen , was a Danish comic film and TV actor.He began working in the Nørrebros Theater in 1932 aged 12 and entered film in 1933.-Filmography:*De blaa drenge - 1933*Frøken Kirkemus - 1941...
- Father of Ingeborg. He is a pig's merchant and very good-natured. He helped finance Mads' business after Hans Christian Varnæs refused to lend him money, alongside the backing Mads got from relatives at home in Jutland. Oluf Larsen and his wife Katrine are certainly wealthy, perhaps richer than anyone else in town, yet they still belong to the "working class" and is looked down upon by the bourgeoisie. He is friends with Røde, Fede and waiter Bolt.
- Kathrine Larsen — (1-4,6-13,15-20,22,24) Lily BrobergLily BrobergLily Broberg was a Danish stage and film actress.- Filmography :*Lev livet let - 1944*Bedstemor går amok - 1945*En ny dag gryer - 1945*Panik i familien - 1945*Diskret ophold - 1946...
- She is Oluf's wife and is both kind and wise. She manages the majority of the money that Oluf brings home. She invests it in various lands and property, but is very distrustful towards investing in stocks. When Mads ask her to invest in his new bank she refuses but instead offers to give 10’000 kr. to him, his wife and each of his children. (In present prices this will probably be around 400’000 $.)
When Agnes is planning to buy the building in which she has created her home and business from Katrine, she tricks Mads into betting 500 kr. that Katrine will never sell. When Agnes ask, Kathrine predictably refuses to sell; but when Agnes says that she made a bet with Mads, who didn't think she would sell, and in fact was "dead certain" of that, she is persuaded. Thus Mads loses his first and only bet.
The Varnæs dynasty
- Hans Christian Varnæs — Holger Juul HansenHolger Juul HansenHolger Juul Hansen is a Danish actor.Holger Juul Hansen has starred in a large number of Danish movies and television shows. His most prominent roles was as banker Hans Christian Varnæs, head of one of the two rival families in Matador, and as Doctor Moesgaard in The Kingdom.-References:...
- (born c.1894) The director of Korsbæk Bank and husband of Maude Varnæs (née Friis), and the father of three children, Ulrik, Regitze, and Helle. He is the elder brother of Jørgen Varnæs.
Personality: Kind, loving and to some extent care-free. For the most part, a competent bank director although his bank tends to look down its nose at those who are not members of high society; though usually a devoted husband, he once had an affair with his much-younger secretary Ulla Jacobsen.
- Maude Varnæs — Malene SchwartzMalene SchwartzMalene Schwartz is a Danish film actress. She has appeared in 38 films since 1955.She was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark.-Filmography:* Flammen & Citronen * Reconstruction * Dykkerdrengen...
- The wife of Hans Christian Varnæs. Spoiled by her husband. She uses her time as hostess of visits from other high society persona in Korsbæk. It is hinted that she tricked Hans Christian Varnæs into marrying her by getting pregnant with their first child Ulrik. During the war, and especially while rescuing the Jewish banker Mr. Stein, who works in her husband's bank, from the Nazi Jew-huntRescue of the Danish JewsThe rescue of the Danish Jews occurred during Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark during World War II. On October 1st 1943 Nazi leader Adolf Hitler ordered Danish Jews to be arrested and deported...
, her character changes into a brave woman of action that starts seeing people for who they are instead of through upper class eyes.
- Jørgen Varnæs — Bent MejdingBent MejdingBent Mejding is a Danish actor. He won the Robert Award in 1985 and 2007. He is married to the actress Susse Wold.-References:* The Danish film institute....
Younger brother of Hans Christian Varnæs. He is a slick lawyer and would-be MP living in the fast lane. His wife leaves him when she learns about his affair with Gitte Graa and eventually his life takes a turn for the worse not least due to his alcoholism and utter inability to live within his means.
- Elisabeth Friis — Helle VirknerHelle VirknerHelle Genie Virkner was a Danish actress. She was married three times, including to then Danish Prime Minister Jens Otto Krag....
- Sister of Maude Varnæs - (born c.1894). Lives with (and in the shadow of) Maude and Hans Christian and tends to their two children Ulrik and Regitze as well as looking after the house. Falls in love with Mads Skjern's brother Kristen when he arrives in Korsbæk. The relationship is broken due to the bad relationship between the Skjern and Varnæs families. During the war she enters the Danish resistance movement together with Doctor Louis Hansen and Kristen Skjern and through that re-enters the relationship with Kristen. Eventually marries Kristen and moves away from Korsbæk and their respective families.
- Ulrik Varnæs — Søren Bruun (child), Jens Arentzen (adult) - (born c.1923) A spoiled child. In love with Ellen Skjern. Impregnates a servant girl while studying at the university and eventually marries her, much to his mother's regret. Is destined to take over the bank from his father.
- Regitze Varnæs — Camilla Hammerich A spoiled child that's well behaved in her younger years, and becomes an independent freedom-seeking woman. While in her tweens she all but rejects her mother due to being denied a puppy because of Maudes pregnancy with Helle. This creates a permanent rift between Regitze and her mother than never fully heals. Becomes rebellous and is said to be involved with a married man in Germany where she moves to work as a censor of German letters.
- Helle Varnæs — Ditte Maria Norup - (born c.1938) A "late arrival" of Maude and Hans Christian Varnæs. Little is known of her fate. She becomes the primary reason for a permanent rift between Regitze Varnæs and her mother.
- Minna Varnæs — Ellen Winther Lembourn - Wife to Jørgen Varnes. Divorces him and destroys his political career, as her father is highly placed in the conservative party.
- Gustav Friis — Finn Storgaard - Elizabeth and Maudes younger brother. Infrequent occurrences in the series. He has political ambitions and takes an interest in Vicki Hackel.
Friends of Varnæs
- Doctor Hansen (Louis Hansen), MDPhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
— Ove SprogøeOve SprogøeOve Wendelboe Sprogøe Petersen was a Danish actor. Born in Odense, his parents were Arthur and Inger Sprogøe. He married Eva Rasmussen in 1945, with whom he had three children. One of these is actor Henning Sprogøe....
- Doctor of medicine, moved to Korsbæk from Funen (speaks a dialect). Is, like Laura, a person that evolves only a little, and is also a de facto centre of the series. He attends all walks of life (being a doctor) and is anything but a snob. He is in love with Elizabeth Friis, which is made obvious later in the series, and once it is mentioned that he may have been divorced and has a child.
- Mrs. Fernando Møhge (born 1843) — Karen BergKaren BergKaren Berg is the co-founder of the modern Kabbalah Centre, along with her husband, Philip Berg. She is the mother of Yehuda Berg and Michael Berg.-References:*Article by Daphne Merkin- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13kabbalah-t.html...
- A 100 year old lady (really just 90) that's the town original. Despite having no money (is actually rather wealthy but extremely cheap) she's counted among the leading citizens of Korsbæk (because the family hasn't moved away from the area in 200 years or so, according to Laura). Is deaf (at times), greedy and borderline senile.
- Misse Møhge (born 1869) — Karin NellemoseKarin NellemoseKarin Nellemose , was a Danish actress in the theatre and in Danish cinema.-Filmography:*Du skal ære din hustru - 1925*Præsten i Vejlby - 1931*Kirke og orgel - 1932*Barken Margrethe af Danmark - 1934...
- The chaste, spinster daughter of Mrs. Fernando Møghe. Is tyrannized by her mother whom she pushes around town in a wheelchair, despite her mothers ability to walk (which Misse claims is a miraculous act of will). Eventually marries Teacher Andersen.
- Oberst Hackel (Danish for Colonel) — Bjørn Watt Boolsen Pompous and gruff army officer who is rarely seen out of uniform. He belongs to local high society and is the father of Vicki Hackel.
- Consul Emmanuel Holm — Karl SteggerKarl SteggerKarl Stegger was a Danish actor, who appeared in 157 films which makes him the most used Danish actor....
Background character. President of the board at Korsbæk Bank and, along with his wife, a frequent guest at the Varnæs family. Along with Skjold-Hansen he campaigns against Mads Skjern. - Mrs. Consul Holm — Else Marie Juul Hansen - Wife of the Consul. Conservative to the bone.
- Master Jessen (Bricklayer) — Poul ReichhardtPoul ReichhardtPoul David Reichhardt was a Danish actor, well known for his roles in Danish 1940s/50s comedies. Later on, he also played more serious and varied roles; he has also starred in Huset på Christianshavn, Matador and as various minor characters in the Olsen Gang films.For almost thirty years...
- Upper middle class eventual chairman of Korsbæk Banks board. - Mrs. Jessen — Bodil UdsenBodil UdsenBodil Udsen was a Danish actress.She was a student at the Rysensteen Gymnasium in Copenhagen in 1944 and entered film in 1955...
- the very direct wife of Master Bricklayer Jessen. A horrible person who has it in for Jørgen Varnæs and provides, through her husband, Jørgens downfall.
Servants at Varnæs
- Laura Sørensen — Elin Reimar Faithful servant of the Varnæs family through many years. Laura is the de facto centre of the series, as all things somehow passes through her kitchen, the only real place where high and low both appear. She is also the only character that doesn't evolve throughout the series, insisting on maintaining a divide between the classes (she refuses to sit at the table in the last episode, where the Varnæs couple celebrate their 25th anniversary).
- Agnes Jensen — Kirsten Olesen Becomes the matriarch of "the third family".
Originally she was a mere housemaid at the Varnæs house. She marries Røde (Red) and settles for a traditional nuclear family, but keeps working odd jobs. She eventually becomes an entrepreneur, starts her own business with great success. Towards the end of the series she starts working for Mads Skjern, and it's hinted at that she might one day take over that business, as Skjern's own children want nothing to do with it, and she has insisted on obtaining stocks in the company as part of her promotion.
- Miss Hollenberg — Christiane Rohde - A troublesome maid at Varnæs' house at some point during the war.
- Esther — Birgitte Bruun - A maid at the Varnæs' house. Finds employment at the Skjern's much to Laura's dismay.
- Mr. Stein — John Hahn-PetersenJohn Hahn-PetersenJohn Hahn-Petersen was a Danish theatre, TV and movie actor.He made his debut in 1955 and starred in a number of productions including:* Matador* Landsbyen* Taxa...
- Manager in "Korsbæk Bank" and Hans Christian's right hand man. Very competent yet subtle. He is of Jewish descent and the catalyst of Maudes most significant development, as she is a vital factor in his escape to neutral Sweden during 1943's rescue of the Danish JewsRescue of the Danish JewsThe rescue of the Danish Jews occurred during Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark during World War II. On October 1st 1943 Nazi leader Adolf Hitler ordered Danish Jews to be arrested and deported...
. Much like Laura he doesn't evolve much throughout the series.
- Ulla Jacobsen — Karen-Lise Mynster - Trainee at Korsbæk Bank. Engages in an affair with Hans Christian that ends very unhappily.
Working class characters
- Fede (born 1893) — Benny Hansen - The good-hearted painter, whose actual name is Frede Hansen (Fede, meaning fat, is a play on Frede). A very corpulent man who is seen eating in almost every scene he's in. He is a friend of Røde and Oluf with whom he shares a table at the local restaurant. To his friends amusement it is revealed upon Mrs. Fernando Møghes death, that he is the bastard child of the late Fernando Møghe and thus half-brother to Misse Møghe.
- Marie Hansen (Fede's wife) — Kirsten Hansen-Møller - Neutral person who is a friend and eventual employee of Agnes Jensen.
- Lauritz "Røde" (Red) Jensen — Kurt Ravn Communist railroad worker and later husband to Agnes Jensen. He is often too preoccupied with political work and not spending time with his family. This lack of responsibility towards his family once nearly cost him his son's life, and his marriage. It was during Daniel Skjern's confirmation where Agnes served as a temporary maid that she relied upon him to look after the children. He failed at doing so as visitors from important party members kept him away from home, and in the meantime their oldest son fell in the nearby pond, almost drowning.
Later, he is forced to flee to Sweden upon the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.
- Waiter Boldt — Per PallesenPer PallesenPer Pallesen is a Danish film actor. He has appeared in over 35 films since 1967.He was born in Denmark.-Selected filmography:* Girls at Sea * Girls at Arms * Onkel Joakims hemmelighed -External links:...
Background character who serves mostly as comic relief and an incurable gossip, which at times turns out to be decisive information for other characters' actions.
Characters in Damernes Magasin
- Albert Arnesen — Preben MahrtPreben MahrtPreben Mahrt was a Danish film actor. He appeared in 68 films between 1941 and 1976.He was born in Hellebæk, Denmark.-Filmography:*Tante Cramers testamente - 1941*Regnen holdt op - 1942...
- The owner of "Damernes Magasin", who is married to Vicki Hackel. Old money. He dies early on from a heart attack, but is widely reported to have killed himself with either a duelling gun or gas. The fate of Albert initiates the long-running feud between the Varnæs and Skjern families.
- Mr. Schwann — Arthur JensenArthur Jensen (actor)Arthur Jensen was a Danish actor whose career lasted for almost 60 years. He made his début on stage at the Royal Danish Theatre in 1923, and he had his big screen début in the silent film Pas på pigerne in 1930....
- He has worked his entire life at "Damernes Magasin" and is utterly incapable of adapting to any new situation. He is an extremely proxy snob, who ends up living at Mrs. Vinther's and working as a debt collector until his death. Even though it is never revealed in the series, he may be a closeted homosexual as he never shows any interest in women and clearly doesn't have a physical relationship with Violet Vinther.
- Miss (Inger) Jørgensen — Vera GebuhrVera GebuhrVera Gebuhr is a Danish film actress. She had appeared in 60 films from 1937 to 2005.She was born in Denmark.-Filmography:*Flådens blå matroser - 1937*Tag det som en mand - 1941*Frøken Vildkat - 1942...
- Employee at "Damernes Magasin". She is an old maid who is secretly in love with Albert Arnesen, but because she is of a lower class, never acted on her feelings. She despises Albert Arnesen's young wife, Vicki Hackel. She lives a meagre existence for some years, not adapting to any change until she finds a place as a housekeeper for Agnes Jensen.
- Arnold Vinther — Esper Hagen - Modern person who rebels against the society's norms, but not an anarchist. Early on, he changes workplace from "Damernes Magasin" to Mads Skjern's business, much to his mother's (Violet Vinther) dismay. He is a symbol of the transition between old and new. He has high ambitions and is disappointed when Mads promotes him to manager of a minor subsidiary of his business, but learns to see it as an opportunity. He ends up settling nicely with his annoying longtime girlfriend as his wife and their son (conceived out of wedlock).
- Vicki Hackel — Sonja Oppenhagen - A young girl who married the much older businessman Albert Arnesen in order to escape from a strict home. She is a bit of a tease and rather a spoiled brat in the beginning. However, she is the character that evolves the most throughout the series. At the end of the series, it is suggested that she finds a romantic interest in Gustav Friis, Maude and Elizabeth's younger brother.
Characters relating to the Skjern family
- Gudrun — Anne Jensen - Maid and later employed as a saleswoman at Skjerns Magasin (A very large step up in society in then-Denmark).
- Baron von Rydtger — Bent Rothe - Local nobility and a friend of the Skjern Family. He provides the Skjern family with backing both socially and financially. It is suggested that he has a mental, if not a physical relationship with Ingeborg, especially towards the end of the series.
- Baroness von Rydtger — Birgitte FederspielBirgitte FederspielBirgitte Federspiel was a Danish film, theater, and TV actress. As a younger woman she won two Bodil Awards for film with the first win in 1951....
- Wife of the Baron. Eventually goes mad (upon the German invasion of Denmark). She is of noble German descent.
- Godtfred Lund — Hardy RafnHardy RafnHardy Rafn was a Danish film actor. He appeared in 34 films between 1956 and 1997.He was born in Slagelse, Denmark and died in Denmark.-Selected filmography:* Father of Four in the City...
- Municipal director (administrator - non-political). Has a burdened economy and illegally helps Mads get a building approvement for a factory through bribery and deceit.
Other important characters
- Gitte Graa — Susse WoldSusse WoldSusse Wold is a stage and screen actress whose career has spanned five decades. Born Lise Wold in Denmark, she is the daughter of actress Marguerite Viby. She quickly became a leading lady at the Det Kongelige Teater . In addition to her many TV, film and stage roles, Wold has toured the world...
– An heiress to the Graa family fortune. She is a loose woman, who likes nothing better than to drink champagne every day, and party the night away. Although she is a wealthy member of the upper class, she primarily uses men to pay for her expensive lifestyle. Quoting Ernst Nyeborg "She is like a carousel, bringing joy to all around her. No one should expect to get all the rides, this is Jørgen's problem."
She is the ultimate object of Jørgen's fascination which leads to his ultimate ruin.
- Viggo Skjold-Hansen — Axel StrøbyeAxel StrøbyeAxel Strøbye was a Danish film actor. He appeared in over 100 films between 1951 and 2000.He was born in Frederiksberg, Denmark and died in Copenhagen, Denmark.-Selected filmography:* I kongens klæ'r...
Uninhibited local lawyer who buys Jørgen Varnæs' stock in Korsbæk Bank and thus a seat on the board. He finds his way into local high society, where his direct hell-raising approach is met with disapproval - not least by the Varnæs family. During the war he engages in businesses with the German occupiers and makes a lot of money. Immediately after the war he is falsely accused of being an informant to the Germans. During the liberation of Denmark he suffers a stroke that changes his personality to the exact opposite. He is saved by the intervention of Elisabeth Friis and the doctor who carries a lot of weight within the resistance movement. He is married to Musse Skjold-Hansen (the mother of his daughter Iben Skjold-Hansen).
- Musse Skjold-Hansen — Birthe Backhausen Wife of Viggo and source of Viggo's economic resources. She is Nouveau richeNouveau richeThe nouveau riche , or new money, comprise those who have acquired considerable wealth within their own generation...
through her late father.
- Iben Skjold-Hansen — Ulla Henningsen Daughter of Viggo and Musse Skjold Hansen. Independent, restless young woman. Marries (unhappily) Kristen Skjern. Divorces him at the end of the war. She is hinted at being a lesbian.
- Herbert Schmidt — Paul HüttelPaul HüttelPaul Hüttel is a Danish actor. He has appeared in over 50 films and television shows since 1960. He starred in the 1969 film Ballad of Carl-Henning, which was entered into the 19th Berlin International Film Festival....
- German poet and refugee who arrives in Korsbæk. He lives with Lauritz and Agnes Jensen for some time before he escapes the German invasion. Vicki Hackel and he are dating for a while, and she remains in love with him for the entire series. He is close to Katrine and Oluf Larsen who takes him in when he can't stay with Agnes and Lauritz Jensen anymore. The character Herbert Schmidt may have been based on Berthold Brecht who actually did flee the Nazi regime and settled down in Denmark for some time.
- Violet Vinther — Lis LøwertLis LøwertLis Løwert was a Danish film actress. She appeared in 23 films between 1938 and 1971. She was best known for her parts in two TV series: Mrs. Clausen in Huset på Christianshavn and Violet Vinter in Matador. Matador has been heralded as one of the best in Danish television. It originally aired...
- Dance instructor and widowed mother of Arnold Vinther. At first she keeps the company of Mr. Schwann and later Frederik Andersen for a while. She, like Laura, is a character that "connects the dots" and doesn't evolve throughout the series. Late in the series she develops a fondness for alcohol and loose relationship with businessmen.
- Ernst Nyeborg — Morten GrunwaldMorten GrunwaldMorten Grunwald is a Danish actor and theatre manager.He was born in Odense, Denmark, and attended Odense Theatrical School in 1958, and graduated from The Royal Theater of Denmark's Theatrical School in 1962...
Artist who briefly visits Korsbæk. He was once Maude Varnæs' art teacher and attempts to seduce her and start an affair with her while he is in Korsbæk. The affair never occur as he turns to Gitte Graa, but Maude's feelings were mutual and she acted on them. This experience provides her with a moral excuse for forgiving Hans Christian's affair with an employee.
- Teacher Frederik Andersen — Helge Kjærulff-SchmidtHelge Kjærulff-SchmidtHelge Kjærulff-Schmidt was a Danish stage and film actor. He was father to Palle Kjærulff-Schmidt.- Filmography :*Komtessen på Stenholt - 1939*En lille tilfældighed - 1939*Sommerglæder - 1940...
- An older, strict teacher and widower that is freeloading off the single (widowed or spinster) women of Korsbæk and an absolutely unappealing character. He has it in for Mads Skjern's son Daniel. Eventually, he marries Misse Møhge for her money.
Smaller characters
- Oscar Andersen — Nis Bank-Mikkelsen - Nephew to Frederik Andersen. Minor role.
- Waiter at Postgaarden Olsen — Holger Perfort
- Miss Mikkelsen — Hanne Løye - Headmistress of the private school in Korsbæk.
- Lily Lund — Tove MaësTove MaësTove Maës was a Danish actress of stage, television and film best known for her starring roles in the series of "Morten Korch" films, in particular The Red Horses. Maës was a three-time recipient of the Bodil Award for Best Actress, winning in 1954, 1971, and 1983.-Career:Maës was born in...
- Distressed, helpless wife of Godtfred Lund.
Trivia
- Matador is also the Danish name for the game MonopolyMonopoly (game)Marvin Gardens, the leading yellow property on the board shown, is actually a misspelling of the original location name, Marven Gardens. The misspelling was said to be introduced by Charles Todd and passed on when his home-made Monopoly board was copied by Charles Darrow and thence to Parker...
. A group of characters play this game in episode 11. - Matador was broadcast on Bosnian TV during the 1990s Yugoslav warsYugoslav warsThe Yugoslav Wars were a series of wars, fought throughout the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The wars were complex: characterized by bitter ethnic conflicts among the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, mostly between Serbs on the one side and Croats and Bosniaks on the other; but also...
, allegedly because the theme of a war-struck Denmark related to the Bosnians' situation. - Matador was shot entirely on 16mm film, as opposed to video. Prior to its release on DVD in 2001, all the master negatives and magnetic sound tapes had to undergo a thorough physical and digital restoration. Technicians spend months restoring the sound score, physically removing dust and dirt from the image negatives with the use of ultrasound, while digitally correcting light, color, contrast, a reddish tint, and holes and tears in the picture.
- Karin Nellemose (Misse Møghe) was actually nearly a year older than her on-screen mother Karen Berg (Mrs. Fernando Møghe).
- When teater comes to town, Fede says he prefers more wellknown actors like Arthur Jensen, the actor who plays Mr. Schwann.
External links
- Matador Online with episode guide, character bios and more
- Matador shooting locations
- The Danish film database
- Sheet music for the Matador theme by Bent Fabricius-Bjerre