Dollar

This mature Swedish romantic comedy of manners does indeed star a pre-Hollywood Ingrid Bergman, and she is one of the highlights here, but this film is more than just a curio. A refreshingly adult look at infidelity, lust, and greed that leaves American films of the period in the dust, Dollar also features a remarkable performance by Elsa Burnett as Mary Johnstone, a Chicago-based know it all whose blunt, hack and slash faith in the power of the almighty dollar brings trouble to the ski resort where three well-heeled couples are spending the weekend. The Stockholm born Burnett is barely credible as an American, but her performance encapsulates the brash, take no prisoners qualities of her (adopted?) country's crony capitalism. Stina Bergman's screenplay is perceptive and intelligent, and Ake Dahlqvist's cinematography hints at a debt to Jean Renoir.