The Master and His Servants

The Master and His Servants
Directed by	Arne Skouen
Produced by	Arild Brinchmann
Written by	Arne Skouen Axel Kielland
Starring	Claes Gill
Cinematography	Finn Bergan
Release date	19 February 1959
Running time	83 minutes
Country	Norway
Language	Norwegian

The Master and His Servants (Norwegian: Herren og hans tjenere) is a 1959 Norwegian drama film directed by Arne Skouen. The film is based on a 1955 play by Axel Kielland, who also plays a minor character in the film. The play and the film is based on a true story from Sweden. The Master and his Servants was entered into the 9th Berlin International Film Festival.

Just after Sigurd Helmer (Claes Hill) is ordained a bishop, his archrival Tornkvist (Georg Løkkeberg) hands over a letter to the police claiming Helmer obtained his position through foul play. A power struggle between the two ensues which has serious implications for Helmer. The letter proves that Helmer has slandered his competitor Tornkvist in anonymous letters.

Tornkvist reveals his accusations at the inaugural dinner at the bishop's home. At the same time he announces his engagement to the bishop's daughter, Agnes (Anne-Lise Tangstad), who then sides with him against her own father. Tornkvist and Agnes leave and the party breaks up in bewilderment. Helmer is left with his wife who is torn between her love for her husband and her Christian faith. She wants him to accept responsibility like a true Christian. Eventually it emerges that it was Helmer's secretary who had written the letters. The secretary writes a confession and tries to commit suicide.

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