Diary of a Half Virgin (1969)

 

(Original Title: Eva - Den utstötta) There's nudity and problematic scenes, but this isn't exactly what you'd call a sexploitation film. It's actually a thoughtful and artistic drama - but with enough sleaze to make it worth our while.  The story involves a girl who comes from a poor foster family.  She develops early and becomes sexually active at a young age - which lands her in trouble with the law.  However, it turns out that much of the town - both high and low caste - have had unbecoming dalliances with her that would prove embarrassing in court.

The trouble begins when Eva Blom (Solveig Andersson) exposes herself on a field trip to local  'Järla-Bana' Karlsson (Arne Ragneborn).

Eva has poverty stricken foster parents, and is really an outcast at her school.

The other girls have fun sneaking a smoke; Eva is never included 

Eva fools around with a gas station attendant, Kenneth Somelius (Conny Ling)

Kenneth is actually a respectable lad, from a respectable family.

Mr. Somelius (Börje Nyberg) is an upstanding member of the community.

Sis expresses some concern, pulling him into the kitchen - he shouldn't be cavorting around with that low class Eva.

But Eva and Kenneth stay in their winter cottage.

After a sauna, they roll naked in the snow.  (Yes, the director did some artsy tint to this scene).

Eva comes to Kenneth's room wearing a see-through nightie.

But Kenneth isn't the only guy getting Eva action in this town.

At the laundry service where Eva works...

Her co-workers talk shit about her.

Eva is just mistreated everywhere she goes.

She acts out by letting the boss have his way with her.

The incident with the public exposure has landed Eva in trouble.

Eva demonstrates no modesty or self-awareness

Maria Svenningson (Siw Mattson) reads about the scandal in the paper

Lennart Svenningson (Hans Wahlgren) will have to testify

The whole Somelius family is disappointed in Kenneth when word hits that he's been with Eva

The Somelius family at the courthouse. 

Eva has to testify in court

Maria and Lennart - who ultimately does the right thing

Perhaps the most disgraced is Mrs. Svensson (Karin Miller) about her daughter, Berit (Inger Sundh)

We learn that Berit Svensson played naughty dress-up with Eva

Perhaps the saddest scene has all the girls being greeted by parents... except Eva who stands all alone.

She's bullied by the boys at the theater

Eva's life is total shit

Tripped in the cafeteria' the bullying is merciless

It's no wonder Eva seeks acceptance where she can find it.

At a boutique, Eva is eyed by the salesladies - they know she can't afford it.

After the court hearing, Eva is put on a train and gets the hell out of town.

There is perhaps a glimpse of hope as someone finally takes a real interest in Eva's well being. THE END

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 No doubt there was a lot lost in translation, but it's clear this is a well made, well acted film.  Genuinely sad at times, and a rather compelling story.  Unfortunately, this is not my cup of tea.  I can appreciate this is a quality movie, I just didn't enjoy it much.  The sleaze was too sparse, and the glum atmosphere and cheerless vibe gets tiring; a bit of levity would've been nice.

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆5/10