I Kantonnement: A Quirky Dive into 1930s Danish Army Shenanigans

"I Kantonnement" is absolutely one of those old Danish films that probably only true enthusiasts of 1930s European comedy will really dig into. If you're looking for something light, charmingly chaotic, and a bit daft, then yeah, give it a shot, especially if you like the famous duo Fyrtårnet og Bivognen. Anyone expecting high drama or a perfectly polished narrative, well, you're going to have a time with this one, and probably not in a good way.

The premise is simple enough: a bunch of soldiers, mostly reservists, get billeted in a quiet village. Immediately, you know what’s coming. It’s the classic fish-out-of-water setup, but with a distinct, gentle Danish touch. The opening shot, all these dusty boots marching down a perfectly clean cobblestone street, it just tells you everything.

Carl Schenstrøm and Harald Madsen, the famous 'tall one, short one' duo, are here, naturally. Their antics are pretty much the glue holding the whole thing together. There’s this one scene where they're trying to set up a field kitchen, and the smoke just billows out into the main square. It’s so over-the-top, but it made me chuckle. You can almost smell the burnt porridge.

Mona Mårtenson plays the local girl who catches the eye of a few of the soldiers. She’s got this wonderfully subtle way of reacting to all the male silliness, a slight eye-roll or a barely-there smile. It's a nice counterpoint to the broader comedy.

The pacing, for the most part, is pretty relaxed. There are stretches where it feels like not much is happening, just people milling about or having very mild conversations. Then suddenly, something ridiculous happens, like a soldier accidentally swapping uniforms with a scarecrow. You almost don’t see it coming. 🤷‍♂️

One of my favorite bits is when Asbjørn Andersen’s character, who fancies himself a poet, tries to recite verses to Mårtenson. He trips over a chicken, of all things. The scene just goes on a little too long, the way he flails, but it really nails that clumsy charm. It’s not elegant, but it’s real.

The whole ‘discipline versus country life’ theme is hammered home a few times. The officers, particularly Alex Suhr’s stern Captain, spend most of their time looking utterly bewildered. There’s a shot of him just staring at a pig that’s somehow gotten into the barracks. His face is priceless. He just can’t compute it.

And the sound! The fife and drum music often feels just a *little* off-key, especially during the morning drills. It’s a small thing, but it adds to the whole ramshackle vibe. It makes you feel like you’re actually there, hearing this slightly incompetent military band.

It’s not a film that’s trying to be profound. It’s more like a series of sketches strung together, showing what happens when formality meets everyday life. There’s a dance scene towards the end, everyone stepping on everyone else’s feet, and the camera just pans across the chaos. No big resolution, just a good time.

I found myself wondering about the extras sometimes. Like, there's a quick shot of an old woman in the background just slowly shaking her head, and it lingers for a beat. What's her story? She clearly thinks these soldiers are a bunch of goofs. That kind of small detail, it really sticks with you.

For a film from this era, it manages to feel quite lively, even with its slower moments. It probably won't be topping any 'must-see' lists for general audiences, but for those who appreciate cinema history or just a good, simple laugh, it’s worth digging out. Don’t go in expecting a Hollywood blockbuster, obviously. Just enjoy the gentle mayhem.

Didja Notice?

• The sheer number of chickens wandering through the background of every outdoor scene. They're practically co-stars! 🐔
• The way the soldiers' uniforms always look slightly rumpled, even after they've supposedly cleaned up.
• A dog briefly steals a sausage during a picnic scene and nobody even notices. 🐶
• One officer's mustache is just perfectly trimmed, a stark contrast to everyone else.
• The innkeeper always wiping the same spot on the counter.