Robert Ritschel

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).

The young Prince Charles (Jaromír Hanzlík), the future King of his country Charles IV, is being educated at the French court in the company of his fiancée Blanche (Daniela Kolárová). One day he receives a summons from his father John of Luxembourg (Milos Kopecký) in Italy. He leaves for Italy accompanied by a deputation from Bohemia. On the way the prince's company fights a battle with armed Milanese against heavy odds. Thanks to Charles's perspicacity, the prince's almost naked soldiers win through. In Lucca in Italy Charles joins his father, and here he experiences an amorous adventure and escapes from the traps laid by the Italian rebels.

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 ...