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Revolutionens datter (1918) Plot Summary & Timeline

Revolutionens datter (1918) movie poster

Revolutionens datter is a 1918 romance and comedy film directed by Ottar Gladvedt, running 52 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 375 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 11 key events in order, 6 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Revolutionens datter.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
11
characters profiled
6
themes explained
3
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Revolutionens datter (1918) movie poster
Released
Runtime
52 min
Director
Ottar Gladvedt
Genres
Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original language
Norwegian
No spoilers

What Is Revolutionens datter About?

The premise of Revolutionens datter in 262 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

Set against the industrial backdrop of a bustling shipyard, Revolutionens datter explores the friction between labor and management during a time of social unrest. The story centers on Albert Fjeld, a dedicated worker who steps forward to lead his mates in a demand for better wages. Their request, however, is met with cold resistance from Staalhammer, the shipyard’s uncompromising director. This rejection sparks a palpable tension that quickly spreads through the yard, threatening to upset the delicate balance of their daily lives.

As the atmosphere tightens, the narrative weaves in a deeply personal complication that bridges the class divide. Albert finds his loyalty torn between his fellow workers and his heart, having fallen for Claire Staalhammer, the director’s daughter. This romance places him in a precarious position, forcing him to navigate a minefield where professional grievances and personal desires collide. The film captures the difficulty of maintaining neutrality when the woman he loves belongs to the very household his comrades are marching against.

Billed as a four-act folk comedy with a distinct flair for drama, the film utilizes the stark contrast between the grit of the shipyard and the relative privilege of the manager’s estate. With Danish boxer Waldemar Holberg in the lead role, the story carries an undercurrent of physical resolve and determination, hinting that the conflicts brewing on the shop floor may eventually demand a more visceral form of resolution. The film sets the stage for a classic showdown, where social order hangs in the balance and the characters must find a way to bridge the chasm separating their worlds.

Full plot

What Happens in Revolutionens datter?

The complete story of Revolutionens datter, from the first scene to the last, in 375 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Albert Fjeld, a worker at a shipyard, stands at the head of his mates as they press for a pay rise. The demand is met with a firm rebuke from Staalhammer, the shipyard’s director, and the tension within the yard begins to spill over into open conflict. The workers, unable to accept the rejection, edge toward a broader confrontation as the atmosphere tightens with every passing day.

Amid the growing unrest, Albert’s personal life intertwines with the storm around him. He has fallen in love with Claire Staalhammer, the shipyard manager’s daughter, a relationship that adds a human stakes to the industrial strain. When the workers storm the manager’s residence, Albert acts quickly to safeguard Claire, and the two escape together to a neighboring country, seeking a safer ground away from the mounting chaos.

In this new setting, Claire lives with a friend of her father, Dalton, a powerful landowner who dominates the local landscape. Jack Dalton, Dalton’s son, makes his presence felt as he tries to win Claire’s attention, though she remains uninterested and focused on the precarious balance of their new life far from home. The separation from their homeland intensifies the sense of fate that haunts their decisions, as Claire gradually comes to terms with the upheaval that drove them abroad.

Eventually, word returns that order has been restored back home, and Claire discovers she has inherited almost a million kroner. The substantial windfall shifts the social dynamics around her, and Dalton’s son, who has stood as a potential match, is suddenly seen through a different lens. The inheritance also compels Claire to consider the social expectations that linger over her future, and the hospitality she received from the landowner weighs heavily on her choices.

To resolve the tangled obligations and desires, Claire proposes a bold solution: a boxing match between Albert Fjeld and the landowner’s son to decide who will win her hand. The bout is fierce and decisive, and Albert emerges victorious, turning the odds in his favor and sealing his future with Claire. The story then jumps forward five years, showing the couple living happily in their homeland, their earlier struggles replaced by a sense of quiet, earned contentment and a shared life shaped by resilience, loyalty, and love.

Timeline

Revolutionens datter Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

11 key events in the order they happen, from “Albert leads pay-rise demand at the shipyard” to “Five years later: Albert and Claire live happily”. 11 events name a place, across 6 locations.

  1. 1

    Albert leads pay-rise demand at the shipyard

    Albert Fjeld steps forward as spokesman for the workers, presenting a demand for a pay raise at the shipyard. The managers, led by Claire's father, resist, and the mood among the workers grows tense. The scene establishes the growing conflict between labor and management and hints at Albert's secret love for Claire.

    When:Early in the revolt Where:Shipyard

  2. 2

    Management rejects wage rise; revolt begins

    Staalhammer outright rejects the workers' demand for higher pay, triggering mounting resentment. The workers organize protests that threaten to spill over into more drastic action. The conflict foreshadows the looming clash between the workers and the management.

    When:During protests Where:Shipyard

  3. 3

    Revolt storms the manager's residence

    The revolt reaches the manager's residence, where emotions flare and the situation becomes dangerous for everyone inside. The workers push for change while Claire's safety becomes a concern for all observers. The atmosphere is chaotic and tense as the household braces for impact.

    When:During siege Where:Manager's residence

  4. 4

    Albert saves Claire; they flee

    During the assault, Albert intervenes to protect Claire and guides her to safety. He risks his own life to ensure her escape amid the unrest. The act deepens their bond and marks a turning point in their relationship.

    When:Immediate escape Where:Manager's residence

  5. 5

    Escape to a neighboring country

    Albert and Claire flee across the border into a neighboring country to seek refuge from the upheaval. In exile, they are forced to rely on each other and navigate uncertain circumstances. Their bond grows stronger as they confront an unfamiliar landscape together.

    When:In exile Where:Neighboring country

  6. 6

    Claire in exile with Dalton; his son pursues her

    Claire settles at Dalton's estate in exile, while Dalton's son tries to win her affection with charm and privilege. Claire remains uninterested in him, holding onto her memories of home and the man who saved her. The social dynamics of exile add complexity to her choices.

    When:In exile Where:Dalton's estate, exile

  7. 7

    Order restored; Claire learns of inheritance

    Back in her homeland, news arrives that order has been restored after the revolt. Claire learns that she will inherit almost a million kroner, a fortune that redefines her options and status. The windfall influences how others perceive her and the possibilities ahead.

    When:After order is restored Where:Homeland

  8. 8

    Dalton hopes for his son to marry Claire

    Dalton is eager for his son to marry Claire, seeing the inheritance as a way to strengthen his own family's position. He offers hospitality and approval as part of managing the alliance. Claire weighs her options in light of the wealth and the arrangements around marriage.

    When:Post-inheritance discussions Where:Dalton's estate

  9. 9

    Claire proposes a boxing match to decide her husband

    To avoid seeming ungrateful, Claire proposes a boxing match between Albert and Dalton's son to determine who will win her hand. The match introduces a physical, decisive contest that shifts the power dynamic. The unusual method of choosing a husband creates a dramatic centerpiece for the story.

    When:Boxing match setup Where:Dalton's estate

  10. 10

    Albert defeats Dalton's son in the ring

    Albert accepts the challenge and defeats Dalton's son in the ring, proving his courage and devotion to Claire. The victory ends the arranged dynastic tension and legitimizes their relationship through merit rather than money. The crowd's reaction underscores the emotional stakes of their choice.

    When:During the boxing match Where:Dalton's estate

  11. 11

    Five years later: Albert and Claire live happily

    Five years later, Albert and Claire are living happily in their homeland, their partnership sealed by the trials they endured. They enjoy a stable life and mutual respect, with the scars of the past ultimately giving way to contentment. The film closes on a note of enduring love and domestic peace.

    When:Five years later Where:Homeland

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Revolutionens datter?

6 characters, among them Albert Fjeld (Waldemar Holberg), Jack Dalton (Fred Boston) and Claire Staalhammer (Solveig Gladvedt): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • AF

    Albert Fjeld (Waldemar Holberg)

    Played by Waldemar Holberg

    A dedicated shipyard worker who acts as the workers' spokesman when pay raises are demanded. He is brave, principled, and willing to risk danger to protect those around him, including Claire. His love for Claire drives him to confront authority and orchestrate a daring escape during the revolt.

    • 🛠️ Worker
    • 💡 Leader
    • ❤️ Romance
  • JD

    Jack Dalton (Fred Boston)

    Played by Fred Boston

    Dalton’s son, a landowner’s heir who initially tries to court Claire. He represents the old order and social ease, but his ambitions are tempered by the evolving power dynamics after the workers' revolt.

    • 💼 Aristocrat
    • 🥊 Rival
    • 🧭 Social dynamics
  • CS

    Claire Staalhammer (Solveig Gladvedt)

    Played by Solveig Gladvedt

    Daughter of the shipyard manager, torn between her family’s world and her love for Albert. She navigates hospitality from the Dalton estate and the consequences of a fortune that could seal a political alliance as well as a marriage.

    • ❤️ Romantic lead
    • 🕊️ Loyal
    • 🗝️ Social tension
  • S(

    Staalhammer (Fredrik Andersen)

    Played by Fredrik Andersen

    The shipyard’s director, a firm figure of authority who rejects worker demands and embodies the stiff upper class. His stance triggers the revolt and tests the loyalties of those around him.

    • 🏛️ Authority
    • 💼 Boss
    • 🧱 Rigid rules
  • D(

    Dalton (Joh. Price)

    Played by Joh. Price

    A generous landowner who hosts Claire when she flees with Albert. He is pleased by his own wealth and the idea of his son marrying Claire, but his hospitality also underscores the social advantages that wealth can confer.

    • 🏰 Landowner
    • 💰 Wealth
    • 🥂 Social power
  • TF

    Tommy Fjeld (Thomas Boston)

    Played by Thomas Boston

    Albert and Claire’s son, born after the upheaval. He embodies the continuity of the couple’s life and the new stability in their homeland five years later.

    • 👶 Offspring
    • 🕊️ Hope
    • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family
Setting

Where and When Is Revolutionens datter Set?

Revolutionens datter is set in Home country, Neighboring country and Dalton's estate (Industrial era). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Industrial era

The events unfold during an industrial era marked by labor conflicts at a shipyard. The revolt is followed by a period of rebuilding and adjustment as Albert and Claire start a new life together. Five years pass, showing return to stability and a hopeful future.

Where

Home country, Neighboring country, Dalton's estate

The story centers on a bustling shipyard town, defined by heavy labor and industrial pride. Tensions rise as workers demand a pay raise, sparking a revolt that tests the manager's authority. After the upheaval, Albert and Claire flee to a neighboring country and later return to a life shaped by new fortunes at the Dalton estate.

  • ⚒️ Shipyard
  • 🗺️ Industrial town
  • 🏰 Estate
Themes

What Are the Themes of Revolutionens datter?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Class Struggle, Romance Across Barriers and Power and Inheritance.

  1. 01

    Class Struggle

    The film threads economic disparity through Albert’s leadership of the workers and Staalhammer’s rejection of wage demands, highlighting how labor conflicts challenge authority. The revolt exposes the power dynamics between factory workers, managers, and landowners, shaping the characters’ choices. It also asks what justice means when the cost of progress is collective sacrifice.

  2. 02

    Romance Across Barriers

    Albert’s love for Claire crosses social lines, driving the narrative as personal attachment collides with employer-employee divisions. Claire’s loyalty to her family’s world is tested by her feelings for Albert and the upheaval around them. The eventual boxing match to decide marriage emboldens love against rigid social expectations.

  3. 03

    Power and Inheritance

    The inheritance of nearly a million kroner shifts the balance of power, making social mobility a central theme. The landowner Dalton’s hospitality and his son’s courtship complicate the path to marriage, suggesting money can both enable security and complicate genuine affection. The resolution implies a new social order built on love, resilience, and shared hardship.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Revolutionens datter?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A charming and optimistic silent romance that blends social conflict with classic fairytale elements and a dramatic boxing match finale.

  • romantic
  • hopeful
  • playful
  • optimistic
  • class conflict
  • worker's struggle
  • romantic competition
  • boxing
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Movies Like Revolutionens datter With a Plot Summary

3 films close to Revolutionens datter in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Children of the Revolution (1997), Pelle the Conqueror (1987) and Der brænder en ild (1962).

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FAQ

Revolutionens datter Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Revolutionens datter, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Revolutionens datter about?

Set against the industrial backdrop of a bustling shipyard, Revolutionens datter explores the friction between labor and management during a time of social unrest. The story centers on Albert Fjeld, a dedicated worker who steps forward to lead his mates in a demand for better wages.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Revolutionens datter take place?

Revolutionens datter is set in Home country, Neighboring country and Dalton's estate (Industrial era). The events unfold during an industrial era marked by labor conflicts at a shipyard. The revolt is followed by a period of rebuilding and adjustment as Albert and Claire start a new life together.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Revolutionens datter?

The story follows Albert Fjeld (Waldemar Holberg) (played by Waldemar Holberg), Jack Dalton (Fred Boston) (played by Fred Boston), Claire Staalhammer (Solveig Gladvedt) (played by Solveig Gladvedt) and Staalhammer (Fredrik Andersen) (played by Fredrik Andersen); the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Revolutionens datter?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Class Struggle, Romance Across Barriers and Power and Inheritance.

The themes explained

Who directed Revolutionens datter?

Revolutionens datter (1918) was directed by Ottar Gladvedt and runs 52 minutes.

Ottar Gladvedt’s films

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