Smiles of a Summer Night (1955)

In the twilight of the 19th century, the tranquility of Swedish society is elegantly disrupted by the delicate dance of love and desire. Fredrik Egerman, a distinguished, middle-aged lawyer, finds his heart divided between his cherubic 19-year-old wife, Anne, and his former paramour, the enchanting actress, Desirée Armfeldt. Despite the two-year matrimony, Anne and Fredrik's marital bond remains unsealed, as Fredrik patiently awaits Anne's readiness to fully embrace their union. However, a spark of forbidden attraction flickers between Anne and Fredrik's introspective son, Henrik, a seminary student grappling with his own unexplored desires. In this intricate web of relationships, the Egermans' spirited maid, Petra, adds a touch of intrigue as she playfully engages with the inexperienced Henrik. Meanwhile, Desirée, despite her lingering affection for Fredrik, finds herself entangled in a passionate affair with the possessive Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm, a man who covets all women yet paradoxically allows his young wife, Countess Charlotte Malcolm, the liberty of extramarital dalliances. As fate would have it, the Countess and Anne share a bond of friendship, further complicating this tangled array of relationships. Underneath the enchanting Swedish summer sky, Desirée masterfully orchestrates a grand overnight social gathering at her mother's lavish estate. The invitation extends to both her suitors and their unsuspecting wives, promising an unforgettable cocktail of tension, rivalry, and the uncertain promise of love. With the mix further stirred by the addition of Henrik and the flirtatious Petra, this summer night teeters on the brink of joy and potential tragedy. As the sun sets, the smiles of a summer night promise to change many lives, weaving a compelling tale that explores the labyrinth of love, desire, and the unexpected turns of the human heart.

Smiles of a Summer Night is a comedy movie featuring Gunnar Björnstrand.

Smiles of a Summer Night is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Smiles of a Summer Night on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.