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Scenes from a Marriage

1973
star 8.1
layers 1 Seasons

Johan and Marianne appear to have a stable marriage, but their relationship begins to unravel when Johan reveals an affair. Over the course of several years, the series follows their separation, divorce, and continued interactions as they form new relationships while remaining emotionally bound to one another. Told across six episodes, the narrative traces the changing terms of their intimacy, conflict, and dependency. (Note: This entry covers the 1973 six-part Swedish television miniseries. A condensed theatrical feature assembled from the same material was released separately in 1974.)

Episodes

Innocence and Panic
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S1 E1

Innocence and Panic

The story begins around Marianne's and Johan's 10th anniversary, when a reporter for a women's magazine interviews them. Peter and Katarina visit later for dinner, and cruelly humiliate one another.

The Art of Sweeping Things Under the Rug
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S1 E2

The Art of Sweeping Things Under the Rug

Marianne tries to withdraw from a Sunday dinner with her parents but fails and realizes how difficult it is for her to let down other people's expectations. Johan flirts with another woman at work.

Paula
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S1 E3

Paula

Johan came home unexpectedly and told Marianne that he'd been in a love affair with someone named Paula. After his declaration of breaking away from the past, and Marianne's failing to detain him, Johan drove away.

The Vale of Tears
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S1 E4

The Vale of Tears

Johan is disillusioned with Paula and revisits Marianne. They discuss their current lives and Johan attempts to initiate sex, but Marianne is unwilling. He attempts to spend the night but cannot sleep and leaves.

The Illiterates
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S1 E5

The Illiterates

Marianne and Johan meet at his office to sign divorce papers, but Johan refuses. The two fight savagely. Johan declares that they are emotional illiterates. They sign the papers.

In the Middle of the Night in a Dark House Somewhere in the World
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S1 E6

In the Middle of the Night in a Dark House Somewhere in the World

Marianne and Johan have married other people, but are unhappy. Having met coincidentally in a theatre some time earlier, they have begun secretly seeing each other again. On the 20th anniversary of their wedding, they decide to spend time together at their country house. Finding that too strange, they go to a friend's country house instead. There they discuss how much they have changed, with Marianne more self-conscious and Johan accepting his real abilities. When Marianne awakes panicking from a nightmare, Johan comforts her.

Top Cast

Liv Ullmann

Liv Ullmann

Marianne

Erland Josephson

Erland Josephson

Johan

Bibi Andersson

Bibi Andersson

Katarina

Jan Malmsjö

Jan Malmsjö

Peter

Gunnel Lindblom

Gunnel Lindblom

Eva

Wenche Foss

Wenche Foss

Modern

Bertil Norström

Bertil Norström

Arne

Anita Wall

Anita Wall

Fru Palm, journalist

person

Rossana Mariano

Eva

person

Lena Bergman

Karin

Ingmar Bergman

Ingmar Bergman

Press photographer (uncredited)

Barbro Hiort af Ornäs

Barbro Hiort af Ornäs

Fru Jacobi (uncredited)

apartment Production Companies

business Cinematograph AB

public Production Countries

Sweden