Ivo Prokop

This historical film by Hynek Bočan touches upon the indecisiveness of the Czech nation, ready to bend the backbone in face of foreign rule. Situating the story at the close of the Thirty Year War enabled the depiction of the misery of the people that affects even an impoverished aristocratic milieu. Rudolf Hrušínský appears here in the role of an indecisive knight, persuaded for a long time and in vain to join the anti-Habsburg movement. The story does not only captivate through the depiction of manifold human characters, intrigues and sycophancy, but also through the circumstances ruling over the devastated farmstead, sunk in mud and crudeness. One of the best films with an updating tendency has come into being here, rightly being named along the such greats as Kladivo na čarodějnice (Witches' Hammer).

Le héros de ce conte de fées populaire est un jeune prince qui, après la mort de ses parents, part dans le monde. Au cours de ses voyages, il rencontre un cheval magique qui parle et tombe amoureux de la belle princesse Slavna. Sur les conseils de son cheval, il entre en service comme jardinier muet du château. Selon les sons qu'il émet, ils commencent à l'appeler Bajaja. Cependant, lorsque un dragon apparaît et demande à la princesse ou de détruire tout le royaume, Bajaja met son armure et sauve la princesse sur son cheval. Mais, il tient une promesse qu'il a faite au cheval et s'éloigne de l'endroit. Le chevalier noir en profite et sous la menace, il force la princesse à jurer que c'est lui qui l'a sauvée ...

No Woman is allowed into Karlstejn Castle! Yet the enamoured Daniele Kolářová and the equally enamoured Jana Brejchová manage to spend one night in disguise in the Castle despite the strict royal ban.

On 20th of April 1945 the Soviet army launches its attack on Berlin. The end has come for Nazi Germany and Hitler decides to commit suicide. In Prague K.H. Frank (Nazi Secretary of State and Chief of police in the Protectorate of Bohemia a Moravia) discusses with his commanders how to transform the city into an impregnable fortress, but the Praguers do not intend to wait any longer. From the early hours of 4th of May people start assembling in the streets and tearing down German signs. On the next day, the 5th of May, the uprising begins.