Edith Carlmar

Norwegian actress who became Norway's first female film director with her directorial debut in 1949 of "Døden er et kjærtegn" ('Death is a caress'), which is also considered Norway's first film noir. From 1949 to 1959 she directed a total of 10 feature films. Her last one, "Ung flukt," starred Liv Ullmann in her first leading film role. Carlmar came from a poor family in the working class districts of East Oslo and was born out of wedlock to a mother (born 17 May 1889) who was unable to support her working as a seamstress. For six years Edith lived with a foster family before returning to her mother who had acquired enough money to afford a flat where there was enough room for both of them. Her mother fell ill and died when Edith was 17. Carlmar attended dance classes and had her debut on stage aged 15. In connection with the theatre, she met film producer and script writer Otto Carlmar whom she married in 1930 at the age of 18. She worked as an actress at various theatres and became acquainted with actress Lillebil Ibsen and her husband, film director Tancred Ibsen who introduced her to the world of cinema. Ibsen invited Carlmar to work with him as a producer on his films Gjest Baardsen and Tørres Snørtevold. In 1949 Edith and her husband set up the film production company Carlmar Film A/S and started to write scripts, direct, and produce. From 1949 to 1959 Carlmar directed 10 films, including both dark dramas and comedies. Her movies was well received by the public and critics, but several of them generated moral indignation. Her directorial debut narrated love out of wedlock, while her last film featured a skinny dipping Liv Ullmann and created a whole lot of commotion and was even debated in the Norwegian parliament. After her 10 feaure films Carlmar retired as a director and only took the occasional work as an actress in small roles. In 1994 she received the Norwegian International Film Festival honorary award and in 2010 the Edith Carlmar award was created. Carlmar died on 17 May 2003 in Oslo, Norway. She was 91. Link to Wikipedia biography