“The film The Abyss gained her a reputation as an erotic actress, and in the next two films she fostered that talent. In The Black Dream she plays a circus rider who is loved by two men. She looks marvellous in this film, both performing in the circus ring in the tight black tricot, and later in the black low-cut evening dress. She could not be more beautiful. There are two scenes worthy of special mention in this film. The first is when she commits theft so as to help her lover, who is in financial difficulties. You can see the disgust she feels for herself because she is about to commit a crime, while at the same time it is clear from her decisive appearance that she is willing to do anything for the one she loves. This scene is particularly remarkable because of the fact that it is the first time we get a close-up of Asta Nielsen. The second great scene in the film takes place in the artiste’s dressing-room, where her lover unfairly accuses her of infidelity and she is unable to persuade him that her behaviour, which he does not understand, is dictated by her love for him”.

Marguerite Engberg, Asta Nielsen, Bad Ems, Verband der Deutschen Filmclubs e., 1967