by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Begar (Desire) was based on a novel by Hans Severinsen. In near-excruciating detail, the film details the decline and fall of a drunkard, played by Olof Winnerstrand. Hilda Borgstroem co-stars as the woman who does her best to remain faithful to the tosspot Winnerstrand, but she's fighting a losing battle. At the time of its release, the film was compared unfavorably to Hollywood's The Lost Weekend, though it might seem better if seen today. Begar was a major flop in Sweden, instantly killing any plans (if any) for an American release.
