DUST ON THE BRAIN

Director Oyvind Vennerod / 1959 / Norway

A housing estate in one of Oslo's suburbs is the setting for this domestic comedy. In a spotless new apartment building lives Mrs. Randi Svendsen — comparatively young, comparatively happy — with her husband and two sons. Her diligence is prompted by the fear that her neighbours will have cleaner windows, whiter washing, and more highly polished floors. We also meet Randi's friend, Edna. who is of the opinion that there are more values in life than that of being a perfect housewife.

However, Randi revolts when her husband looks for a change from the woman who is eternally baking, cooking, and cleaning. So to hell with Monday's laundry and Tuesday's dishpan hands. She joins the Radical Housewives' Association and works at becoming a femme fatale.

Although the characters emerge as lovable types and there are many endearing moments in the story, it is evident that there is also some subtle social observation of a small contemporary Scan¬dinavian community. In essence, the film has much of the "Ealing Comedy" zest and liveliness. Edinburgh Film Festival 1960. Norwegian Filmfeslival in Moscow 1960.

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