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COLLECTION · Series · 1978

Matador

Matador is a Danish TV series produced and shown between 1978 and 1982. It is set in the fictional Danish town of Korsbæk between 1929 and 1947. It follows the lives of a range of characters from across the social spectrum, focusing specifically on the rivalry between the families of two businessmen: The banker Hans Christian Varnæs, an established local worthy, and social climber Mads Skjern, who arrives in town as the series opens. The name Matador was taken from the localised edition of the boardgame Monopoly, also the series' tentative English title. In addition, in contemporary Danish a "matador" is often used to describe a business tycoon, in the series referring to the character of Mads Skjern and his craftiness as a self-made entrepreneur. Directed by famed Danish film maker Erik Balling, Matador was the idea of author Lise Nørgaard who wrote the bulk of the episodes alongside Karen Smith, Jens Louis Petersen and Paul Hammerich. The series is one of the most well-known and popular examples of Danish television and represents the peak of longtime development of Danish TV drama by the public service channel Danmarks Radio. The series has become part of the modern self-understanding of Danes, partly because of its successful mix of melodrama and a distinct warm Danish humour in the depiction of characters, which were portrayed by a wide range of the most popular Danish actors at the time; but also not least because of its accurate portrayal of a turbulent Denmark from around the start of the Great Depression and through Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark in World War II.

Source: TMDB
* 9.1 (30)DramaDenmark
Soundtrack
Google
Directors
Erik Balling
Creators
Lise Nørgaard · Erik Balling
Countries
Denmark
Studios
DR1 · Nordisk Film Denmark · DR TV
Runtime
60 min/ep
Release
11/11/1978
Score
9.1 / 10 (30)
Where to watch
Loading providers…
Seasons and episodes
Specials
Specials
5 episodes · 2006
Episode 1. When the province lost its innocence
2006-11-14 · 60 min

No synopsis

Episode 2. Matador remembers
2006-11-14 · 60 min

No synopsis

Episode 3. The music behind matador
2006-11-14 · 60 min

No synopsis

Episode 4. More Matador
2006-11-14 · 60 min

No synopsis

Episode 5. Fra Laura's køkkenskuffe
2006-11-14 · 60 min

No synopsis

Season 1
Season 1
6 episodes · 1978
The traveler
Episode 1. The traveler
1978-11-11 · 60 min

Traveling clothier salesman Mads Andersen-Skjern arrives in Korsbæk with his little boy Daniel and sees opportunities when faced with the inept draper Albert Arnesen and this small sleepy town where the old families define the pace and…

The Neighbour
Episode 2. The Neighbour
1978-11-18 · 60 min

The town's bourgeoisie watch with judging and disapproving eyes as Mads Skern opens his new clothing shop, in direct competition with Arnesen's. Oluf Larsen's daughter, Ingeborg, starts as a clerk in his store, much to Mads' pleasure.

Succession
Episode 3. Succession
1978-11-25 · 60 min

Arnesen's store is losing money hand over fist, so when he learns that his manager, Mr. Schwann, has inherited a large sum, he persuades him to become his partner; the snobby Mr. Schwann gleefully throws his entire inheritance into…

The Maiden Aunt
Episode 4. The Maiden Aunt
1978-12-02 · 60 min

Mads' business continues to thrive and he even begins issuing loans to the locals. His younger brother Kristen, a banker, arrives in Korsbæk to assist. Kristen is quickly smitten with Maude's sister Elisabeth, who otherwise lives in the…

One Man's Loss
Episode 5. One Man's Loss
1978-12-09 · 60 min

Arnesen is in the shambles, and even Varnæs cannot aid him financially any further.

Deployment
Episode 6. Deployment
1978-12-16 · 60 min

To the horror of the bourgeoisie employees of Arnesen's clothing store, Vicki, now a young widow, sells the store to Mads Andersen-Skjern and moves to Copenhagen, against her father's will.

Season 2
Season 2
6 episodes · 1979
The Birthday
Episode 1. The Birthday
1979-11-17 · 60 min

While Mads Skjern continues to expand his businesses, Hans Christian Varnæs battles a new dynamic force in the board of his bank, the state lawyer Viggo Skjold Hansen, who has obtained his shares and board seat from the spiraling Jørgen…

The stranger in town
Episode 2. The stranger in town
1979-11-24 · 60 min

The internationally renowned painter Professor Ernst Nyborg lands in Korsbæk. He is a former art teacher and romantic interest of Maude Varnæs. Also arriving to witness Nyborg's exhibit is Gitte Graae, Jørgen Varnæs' home-wrecking and…

What about the dresser
Episode 3. What about the dresser
1979-12-01 · 60 min

The Varnæsses' maid, Agnes Jensen, quits her job to get married to railway employee and local communist, Lauritz "Red" Jensen, but to her dismay, Red quickly invites a German refugee, the poet Herbert Schmidt, to live with them in the…

Nowadays
Episode 4. Nowadays
1979-12-08 · 60 min

Mads' building project is well under way, but Mrs. Møhge supported by Skjold Hansen continues to fight him. Skjold Hansen's daughter Iben arrives in town, having cancelled an upcoming wedding in Germany, and begins flirting with Kristen…

In a Pinch
Episode 5. In a Pinch
1979-12-15 · 60 min

Agnes delivers a boy, while Vicki, widow of Arnesen, returns to Korsbæk as a traveling vaudeville actress and reconciles with her father, the Colonel. Via Oluf Larsen she meets Herbert Schmidt, who now lives with the Larsens. Hans…

For better and for worse
Episode 6. For better and for worse
1979-12-22 · 60 min

Herbert Schmidt and Lauritz "Red" Jensen embark for Spain to fight the fascists in the Spanish Civil War, but Red changes his mind en route, while Herbert continues on. Elisabeth relays an offer from Hans Christian Varnæs to Kristen…

Season 3
Season 3
6 episodes · 1980
A new life
Episode 1. A new life
1980-12-06 · 60 min

Mads is back in business and expands on all fronts and moves his family to a large villa outside of Korsbæk. The Varnæs couple returns from a trip to Paris, envigourated and with Maude bringing back something extra. The Varnæs home is to…

The pieces of the puzzle
Episode 2. The pieces of the puzzle
1980-12-13 · 60 min

Jørgen Varnæs feels Mads' hand when Jørgen has taken an early Christmas vacation (on December 7) and has traveled to Switzerland. Upon his return a month later, Mads de facto reduces Jørgen's salary by half. Jørgen seeks help from his…

To think and to believe
Episode 3. To think and to believe
1980-12-20 · 60 min

As Oluf Larsen is arranging pictures of assorted fascists in his outhouse, he's surprised by Herbert Schmidt, returned from Spain. He's reunited with Vicki, who'd become a teacher at the private school (replacing teacher Andersen). World…

Laura's big day
Episode 4. Laura's big day
1980-12-27 · 60 min

Laura, having served the Varnæs family for 25 years, are going with Maude to Copenhagen to receive a medal for "loyal service". There, Maude, through a childhood friend meet a German who presents himself as a banker. Agnes, coming to see…

The adult ranks
Episode 5. The adult ranks
1981-01-03 · 60 min

Sofus Jensen, Korsbæk's beat policeman, seeks out Lauritz along with a police lieutenant early in the morning of June 22, 1941, the day Hitler declares war against the Soviet Union. The good nurtured officer feigns a story that Lauritz…

Hr. Stein
Episode 6. Hr. Stein
1981-01-10 · 60 min

Skjern's business is thriving despite the war and in part due to Daniel's help. The local resistance group launch sabotage missions, and the pictures of dictators in Larsen's outhouse has him thrown in jail, which puts the entire…

Season 4
Season 4
6 episodes · 1981
Wheeling and dealing
Episode 1. Wheeling and dealing
1981-11-28 · 60 min

Doctor Hansen seeks out Agnes Jensen and offers her to flee with her children to Sweden, where her husband Lauriz is. But her business is thriving, and she refuses. For business, Agnes seeks out Mads Skjern, who is impressed by her…

The eleventh hour
Episode 2. The eleventh hour
1981-12-05 · 60 min

The war makes it increasingly difficult to secure heat even for the Varnæs family, who send their children to the public bath house. Misse Møhge wishes to arrange her financial plans with the Varnæs brothers before her wedding, but the…

Peace on earth and goodwill toward men
Episode 3. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men
1981-12-12 · 60 min

The funeral dinner for Frederik Andersen is progressing at the Varnæs house when the radio suddenly broadcasts the news that the Germans have surrendered in Denmark. Amidst general rejoicing, Dr. Hansen and Kristen Skjern reappear and pay…

All's well
Episode 4. All's well
1981-12-19 · 60 min

Skjold Hansen has announced his retirement from the Korsbæk Bank Board. Bank President Jessen suggests that Jørgen Varnæs return to the board as Skjold Hansen's replacement, but he wishes to meet with him first. Hans Christian Varnæs…

Among brothers
Episode 5. Among brothers
1981-12-26 · 60 min

Ulrik reveals to Ellen that he is to marry Maja, prompting Ellen to sever all relations. Misse, now a widow, reveals to the leading ladies of the town that she's attracting men, even the pious Provost Meyer, who she claims to have seen on…

New look
Episode 6. New look
1982-01-02 · 60 min

Mads comes home from a trip to USA bringing with him new business ideas. Despite Daniel not having completed his exams, Mads calls on Daniel to help implement the ideas. Mads is yet again disappointed when Daniel declines, and opts to go…

Cast by season
Jørgen Buckhøj
Jørgen Buckhøj
Mads Andersen-Skjern
Ghita Nørby
Ghita Nørby
Ingeborg Skjern
Holger Juul Hansen
Holger Juul Hansen
Hans Christian Varnæs
Malene Schwartz
Malene Schwartz
Maude Varnæs
Jesper Langberg
Jesper Langberg
Kristen Andersen-Skjern
Helle Virkner
Helle Virkner
Elisabeth Friis
Buster Larsen
Buster Larsen
Grisehandler Oluf Larsen
Lily Broberg
Lily Broberg
Katrine Larsen
Kirsten Olesen
Kirsten Olesen
Agnes Jensen
Elin Reimer
Elin Reimer
Laura Larsine Sørensen
Karin Nellemose
Karin Nellemose
Misse Møhge
Karen Berg
Karen Berg
Fru Fernando Møhge
Ove Sprogøe
Ove Sprogøe
Dr. Louis Hansen
Bjørn Watt-Boolsen
Bjørn Watt-Boolsen
Oberst Ditlev Hachel
Sonja Oppenhagen
Sonja Oppenhagen
Vicki Hachel
Karl Stegger
Karl Stegger
Konsul Holm
Else-Marie Juul Hansen
Else-Marie Juul Hansen
Konsulinde Holm
Per Pallesen
Per Pallesen
Severin Boldt
Kurt Ravn
Kurt Ravn
Lauritz 'Røde' Jensen
Benny Hansen
Benny Hansen
Frede 'Fede' Hansen
Arthur Jensen
Arthur Jensen
Rudolf Schwann
Esper Hagen
Esper Hagen
Arnold Vinter
Lis Løwert
Lis Løwert
Violet Vinter
Karen-Lise Mynster
Karen-Lise Mynster
Ulla Jacobsen
John Hahn-Petersen
John Hahn-Petersen
Hr Stein
Bent Mejding
Bent Mejding
Jørgen Varnæs
Anne Jensen
Anne Jensen
Gudrun
Vera Gebuhr
Vera Gebuhr
Inger Jørgensen
Kirsten Hansen-Møller
Kirsten Hansen-Møller
Marie Hansen
Ann Margrethe Schou
Ann Margrethe Schou
Frk. Mortensen
Holger Perfort
Holger Perfort
Tjener Olsen
Ulla Henningsen
Ulla Henningsen
Iben Skjold Hansen / Iben Skjern
Axel Strøbye
Axel Strøbye
Viggo Skjold-Hansen
Birthe Backhausen
Birthe Backhausen
Musse Skjold-Hansen
Holger Vistisen
Holger Vistisen
Bogholder Christiansen, Omegnsbanken
Bendt Rothe
Bendt Rothe
Baron Carl von Rytger
Preben Mahrt
Preben Mahrt
Albert Arnesen
Birgitte Federspiel
Birgitte Federspiel
Baronesse Arense von Rytger
Birgitte Bruun
Birgitte Bruun
Esther
Susse Wold
Susse Wold
Birgitte 'Gitte' Graa
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Keywords
denmarkbourgeoisieworking classbusinesshistorical fictionresistance fighter1940sfamily saga1930sprovincial life
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