Also Directed by Ivan Balaďa
The primary aim of this short movie was celebration of Moscow’s underground. It was produced by Czechoslovak Army Film, so there were hopings for some kind of propagandistic film. But the director Balada made dark ballad showing crowds of sorrowful people going on the stairs of underground labyrinth seconded by orthodox chorales. The movie was banned shortly after the invasion of soviet army to Czechoslovakia in august ’68.
A poetic melodramatic documentary inspired by the death of Jan Palach. The footage from the funeral is accompanied by the words of Maxim Gorky's Old Woman Izergil (On the Flaming Danek's Heart), sung by Kühn's mixed choir, solos by Milada Sýkorová and Jiří Němeček. The apotheosis of a leader who sacrificed himself to save his people, warning of the cowardice of the crowd.
It was autumn 1939, shortly after the attack on Poland by the German army. The military component of the Slovak State are allies of the Nazis, and with them came on Polish territory. They're alongside the mighty army of Hitler's occupation force. In the decimated Polish town the Commander of the Slovak company Major Valenta issues orders that all residents surrender weapons if they own any. Insubordination will be punishable by death. Shortly after, the charming young Polish lady Žofie reports Valenta about: Professor Klosowski, who is Professor of Botany at the local high school, said to be hiding out at home in the library of the gun. Valenta reluctantly executes search warrant and weapon is found, but it is immediately clear that the old Professor became the victim of misunderstandings or possible fraud. To his surprise, he soon discovers that Sophie has a close relationship with Klosowski. But just before he fathoms the mystery, the occupation machinery executes havoc.
A king was dying. An old man told his sons that only the water of life would save him.
