Birger Malmsten was born on December 23, 1920, in Gräsö, Sweden, and became a notable figure in Swedish film during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He appeared in One Swedish Summer (1968), where his performance captured the essence of the era's exploration of youth and freedom. In Ann and Eve (1970), Malmsten further showcased his versatility, embodying complex characters that resonated with audiences. His contributions to these films reflect the cultural shifts in Swedish cinema, making him a significant actor in the realm of cult and exploitation films.
Ann and Eve
Ann, a Swedish film critic in her early 30's, and Eve, an 18-year-old bride-to-be, vacation for 2 weeks along the Adriatic coast of Yugoslavia. Eve rhapsodizes about her fiancé, while, Ann, cynical about love and determined to prevent Eve from achieving marital happiness, denigrates any type of lasting relationship. Eve eventually allows herself to be seduced by Walter, a fisherman hired by Ann to handle their boat, while Ann makes love to another fisherman in front of Eve. The following morning, Walter's mistress kills him in a jealous rage. Eve temporarily loses interest in the prospect of marriage and abandons herself to sexual pleasure. The two women vie for the hotel porter, who willingly satisfies both women. Eve then becomes involved with a lesbian nightclub singer. Ann meets Italian movie director Francesco at a party, but he rejects her when he senses her destructive nature. (It becomes apparent that Ann drove her film director husband to suicide by professionally criticizing his films.) The women quarrel, and Eve hitchhikes back to her fiancé in Stockholm, but on the way she is raped by four truckdrivers. She finally marries her fiancé, however, and Ann follows Francesco to the Venice Film Festival for a screening of his latest film--which bears the same title as her late husband's last unfinished work.
