Das Mädchen vom Moorhof (1935)
Directed by Douglas Sirk

Film Review

Mädchen vom Moorhof is an early work by the highly regarded auteur filmmaker Douglas Sirk.  It was made for UFA during the early phase of Sirk's career in Germany, two years before his flight from the country.  The film is based on a popular Swedish romantic novel by Selma Lagerlof and has the austere realist style that was typical of Scandinavian cinema at the time.  There are also some of the distinctive stylistic and thematic elements that would distinguish Sirk's films during his time in Hollywood.  Whilst far from being the director's best work, it is an engaging film that brings a stark sense of realism to what is otherwise a fairly anodyne piece of melodrama.

Film Synopsis

When Helga, a pretty young housemaid, becomes pregnant by her employer, a prosperous landowner, she becomes a virtual pariah in the rural community where she lives.   Hearing of the poor woman's plight, another farmer named Karsten takes pity on her and hires her as his housemaid.  For a time, it looks as if Helga's fortunes are improving.  She has a comfortable home, a job she enjoys and a good master who shows her respect.  But Karsten is about to get married and his future wife, Gertrud, is adamant that she will not have Helga in her house.  Karsten has no choice but to dismiss Helga, not knowing that she has fallen madly in love with him...