Discover the fascinating life and work of Hollywood icon and beloved Swede Ingrid Bergman, in this podcast episode commissioned by Dash Arts and recording during Lockdown 1 2020.
Taking a journey through Bergman’s life, I look at how her strength, determination and Swedishness made her into one of the world’s most famous movie stars. In the face of sexism, scandals and tragedy, Bergman’s strident independence and ambition saw her carve out a career led by passion and creativity.
I speak to Swedish actor Anna Lindgren, writers and academics Dr Ellen Wright and Dr Hannah Yelin and Stig Björkman, director of the brilliant documentary Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words (2015), which features Ingrid's own home footage, appearances from Isabella Rossellini and a voiceover by Alicia Vikander.
Watch Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words (2015) on MUBI here or rent it on Netflix here
Watch test shots of Ingrid for Intermezzo, as mentioned by Stig and Ellen, here
Pre-order Hannah Yelin’s book Celebrity Memoir: from Ghostwriting to Gender Politics here
Music Credits and notes:
A Song of Pompei by Renzo Rossellini and featured in the film a Journey to Italy which is a truly exceptional film and captures the subtle brilliance of Bergman’s skills.
Movie Magic by Eddie Waltman, from the album And the Oscar Goes To: Award Ceremonies & Red Carpet Music.
As Time Goes By written by Herman Hupfeld and performed by Dooley Wilson in the film. Dooley was actually a drummer so the piano was overdubbed by pianist Jean Plummer. This song has perhaps become as iconic as the film's stars.
Ingrid Bergman lyrics by Woody Guthrie and performed by Billy Bragg and Wilco. Apparently Woody Guthrie had a huge crush on Bergman and wrote this steamy song just for her. He never recorded it and Bragg found the lyrics in the Guthrie archive.