Amalie Skram

Film about a woman's struggle in a male-dominated society in the late 1800s. Amalie Skram was one of our first female writers who fought woman liberation cause. In a society that did not accept that a woman could have its own independent work, it was difficult for a woman to work as a creative artist, wife and mother. The author's autobiographical novels "Professor Hieronimus" and "On St. Jorgen" underlies this film.

The painter Else Kant is in crisis – both artistically and personally. She is dissatisfied with her work and suffers from severe hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. She therefore voluntarily admits herself to a psychiatric ward, where the renowned Professor Cornelius reigns with great authority.

The late 19th century Christiania (Oslo) could offer a rich variety of entertainment. There were several variety theatres and brothels, and poor women could earn money based on their looks. The beautiful variety actress Lucie has met a lawyer by the name Gerner, a refined gentleman. Flowers and encounters outside the theatre develops into an erotic relationship. Lucie knows how to play on Gerner's jealousy and masculine pride, and finally she reaches her goal: becoming Mrs Gerner. For Lucie this means climbing the social ladder, but she'll soon notice the problems. Living in the upperclass society keeps reminding her of her poor background and her lack of etiquette. All this affects Gerner in a negative way, who is plagued by jealousy regarding people from Lucie's past. The relationship between the married couple keeps getting worse.