Thief of Hearts

Plot

The famous dancer Elva Marja finds herself relentlessly pursued by the wealthy and persistent Henry Corner, who follows her from city to city in an obsessive campaign to win her affection. Henry employs increasingly desperate tactics, including buying out entire theatre performances to force Elva to dance solely for him and surrounding her home with his constant presence. Despite his unwavering devotion and elaborate gestures, Elva consistently rejects his advances, maintaining her independence and professional dignity. The dramatic tension reaches its climax when Elva discovers a burglar in her house during a vulnerable moment, creating an unexpected opportunity for Henry to prove himself as her protector rather than her pursuer. This crisis forces both characters to confront their true feelings and motivations, potentially transforming Henry's obsessive pursuit into genuine love and Elva's resistance into reluctant acceptance.

Historical Background

The year 1917 was a crucial moment in world history, marked by the third year of World War I, which had dramatically reshaped European society and culture. Denmark's neutrality during the conflict positioned its film industry for unprecedented international success, as Danish films could be distributed globally without the political restrictions affecting films from belligerent nations. This period saw Danish cinema, particularly Nordisk Film, competing with Hollywood and European powers for international markets. The film's themes of obsessive love and personal freedom reflected broader societal tensions as traditional gender roles and romantic conventions were being questioned during the war years. The entertainment industry was also experiencing significant technological changes, with longer feature films becoming the standard and more sophisticated narrative techniques being developed. Copenhagen, where the film was produced, was a vibrant cultural center that attracted artists and intellectuals from across Europe, creating an environment ripe for cinematic innovation.

Making Of

The production of 'Thief of Hearts' took place during a pivotal period in Danish cinema history when the country's film industry was at its international peak. Director Lau Lauritzen Sr., working for the prestigious Nordisk Film, employed sophisticated filming techniques that were advanced for 1917, including location shooting in Copenhagen and elaborate studio sets for the theatre sequences. The casting of Carl Schenstrøm as the obsessive Henry Corner was particularly significant, as it showcased his dramatic range before he became typecast in comedy roles. The film's production design reflected the opulent world of early 20th century European high society, with detailed attention to period costumes and authentic theatre settings. The burglar scene required careful choreography and timing to create suspense while maintaining the romantic undertones of the story. The production team utilized Nordisk Film's state-of-the-art lighting equipment to create dramatic shadows and highlights that enhanced the film's emotional intensity.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Thief of Hearts' exemplifies the sophisticated visual style that Danish cinema had developed by 1917. The film employs dramatic lighting techniques to enhance emotional scenes, particularly in the sequences where Henry Corner watches Elva perform or waits outside her home. The theatre scenes utilize grand, sweeping shots that capture the scale of the performance venues and the isolation of Elva dancing for an audience of one. Close-up shots are used strategically to highlight the emotional states of the characters, particularly during moments of confrontation and revelation. The camera work during the burglar scene creates tension through careful framing and movement that follows the action while maintaining suspense. The film's visual composition reflects the influence of German Expressionist cinema that was beginning to emerge during this period, with its emphasis on shadow and dramatic angles.

Innovations

While 'Thief of Hearts' does not represent a major technical breakthrough in cinema history, it demonstrates the high level of technical sophistication that Danish cinema had achieved by 1917. The film makes effective use of location shooting combined with studio work, creating a seamless visual narrative. The lighting techniques employed, particularly in the night scenes and interior sequences, show advanced understanding of how light and shadow could be used to create mood and emphasize emotional content. The film's editing demonstrates sophisticated narrative pacing, with smooth transitions between scenes and effective use of cross-cutting to build tension during the climactic burglar sequence. The production design and set construction for the theatre scenes reflect the advanced studio facilities available at Nordisk Film. The film also demonstrates effective use of camera movement and positioning to enhance dramatic moments, particularly in scenes involving pursuit and confrontation.

Music

As a silent film, 'Thief of Hearts' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical Danish cinema of 1917 would have employed either a piano player or small orchestra to provide musical accompaniment that enhanced the emotional content of the film. The score would have likely included popular classical pieces of the era, romantic waltzes for the dance sequences, and dramatic, suspenseful music for the confrontation scenes. The theatre performances in the film would have been accompanied by appropriate dance music that reflected the style of early 20th century European performance art. The burglar scene would have featured tense, percussive music to build suspense, while the romantic moments would have been underscored with sweeping, emotional melodies. The original musical cues and score sheets have not survived, but contemporary accounts suggest that Nordisk Film provided detailed musical direction for their theatrical releases.

Memorable Scenes

• The sequence where Henry Corner buys out an entire theatre performance, forcing Elva to dance solely for him, showcasing both his wealth and obsessive nature. The tense burglar scene where Elva is surprised in her home, creating the dramatic climax that allows Henry to transform from pursuer to protector. The various theatre performance scenes that showcase Elva's talent and independence while emphasizing Henry's increasingly desperate attempts to capture her attention.

What Critics Said

Contemporary Danish critics praised the film for its emotional intensity and the strong performances of its lead actors, particularly Carl Schenstrøm's portrayal of the obsessive Henry Corner. Reviews in Danish newspapers of the time highlighted the film's sophisticated narrative structure and its effective use of suspense and romance. International critics, when the film was exported, noted the quality of Danish production values and the film's psychological depth. Modern film historians have recognized 'Thief of Hearts' as an important example of early Danish melodrama and a significant work in Lau Lauritzen Sr.'s early directorial career. The film is often cited in scholarly works about Nordic cinema's golden age and its influence on European film development. Critics have also noted how the film prefigured later cinematic treatments of obsessive love and the stalker trope in romantic dramas.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by Danish audiences upon its release in October 1917, who appreciated its dramatic storyline and the performances of the popular cast members. Theatre-goers were particularly drawn to the film's exploration of romantic obsession and the glamorous world of professional dance, which resonated with contemporary audiences' fascination with celebrity culture. The movie's success in Denmark contributed to its distribution in other European countries, where it found similar audience appreciation for its emotional storytelling. The chemistry between the lead actors was frequently mentioned in audience reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. The film's box office performance in Denmark was solid, though exact figures are not available. The burglar scene was particularly noted by audiences as a highlight of the film's dramatic tension and narrative cleverness.

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