Ballad of the Masterthief Ole Hoiland (1970)

Ballad of the Masterthief Ole Hoiland Poster
Original Title: Balladen om mestertyven Ole Høiland

Ballad of the Masterthief Ole Hoiland (Norwegian: Balladen om mestertyven Ole Høiland) is a 1970 Norwegian drama film directed by Knut Andersen, and starring a broad cast of notable Norwegian actors, headed by Per Jansen as Ole Høiland. Ole Høiland was an actual Norwegian Robin Hood-figure in the early 19th century. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor, enjoying numerous affairs with attractive women along the way. The story culminates in the ambitious burglary of Norges Bank, Norway's central bank.

Intro
"Ballad of the Master thief Ole Hoiland" is a 1970 Norwegian historic film directed by Knut Andersen. The movie is a biopic, illustrating the life and exploits of notorious 19th century Norwegian thief, Ole Hoiland.

Plot Summary
The movie "Ballad of the Master burglar Ole Hoiland" informs the story of Ole Hoiland, a famous Norwegian robber who, in the 1830s, became a type of Norwegian Robin Hood. Born into poverty, young Ole as soon as endured a near-drowning occurrence which was believed to have actually offered him special, nearly supernatural powers. As he grew up, these so-called powers become manifest in his amazing abilities as a burglar.

The storyline evolves with genuine historical occasions mingling with folk tales, as Ole develops from a trickster into an advanced thief, robbing from the abundant to help the poor. His infamous burglary of the Norwegian bank of 1835 forms a crucial point in the movie when he manages to steal a massive sum of 64,000 speciedaler.

Characters and Portrayal
The protagonist of the motion picture, Ole Hoiland, was played by Norwegian star, Per Christensen, whose compact body and nimble movements supplied a fitting portrayal. Christensen embodied the beauty, wit, and boldness quality of Hoiland, winning the audience's compassion for the thief. Other considerable characters like bank officials, government authorities, and the typical people who were victims or beneficiaries of Ole's activities, were played by a robust supporting cast.

Production and Reception
The film was shot mainly on location in Oslo, Norway. The genuine representation of 19th century Norwegian society and the recreated occasion of the 1835 bank robbery were some of the greatest points of the movie. However, it wasn't devoid of dramatic elements and mythical decorations, tracing back to the folklore associated with Hoiland.

Upon release, "Ballad of the Master thief Ole Hoiland" was consulted with favorable evaluations for its mix of historical facts with folklore, supplying a lens into 19th century Norwegian society. However, some critiques also existed, especially concerning narrative consistency and the glamorizing of a criminal.

Conclusion
"Ballad of the Master burglar Ole Hoiland" effectively provides the story of a criminal whose audacity and exploits gained him a legendary status. Mixing components of history and folklore, the film paints a remarkable portrait of 19th century Norway and a character that lived beyond his time. Regardless of mixed reactions concerning the romantic rendition of a burglar's life, the film is a substantial cinematic milestone in Norwegian movie theater's history.

Top Cast

  • Per Jansen (small)
    Per Jansen
    Ole Høiland
  • Sverre Hansen (small)
    Sverre Hansen
    Peder Olsen Høiland
  • Aud Schønemann (small)
    Aud Schønemann
    Gjertrud Gullivsdatter
  • Anne Marit Jacobsen (small)
    Anne Marit Jacobsen
    Gunvor, Oles søster
  • Ola Isene (small)
    Ola Isene
    Lasson, prest
  • Kjersti Døvigen
    Ingeborg
  • Harald Heide-Steen Jr. (small)
    Harald Heide-Steen Jr.
    Jacob Tengsereid
  • Leif Juster (small)
    Leif Juster
    Hauge, fengselsforvalter
  • Sølvi Wang
    Hilda Hauge
  • Alf Malland (small)
    Alf Malland
    Løvdahl, kjøpmann
  • Gisle Straume
    Lahn, politimester