To Joy

Victor Sjöström (the great director later cast in Wild Strawberries) plays a conductor overseeing the tempestuous relationship between two violinists under his tutelage, in this early romance from Ingmar Bergman.

The currents of courtship and marriage as navigated by two orchestral violinists; he (Olin) more insecure and selfish as he dreams of a solo career, she (Nilsson) more mature and supportive. Overseeing their ups and downs (and directing the Beethoven finale that gives the film its title) is their tetchy conductor, played by Bergman’s mentor Sjöström, the actor and director later cast in Wild Strawberries.