3x Peter Solan
d. Peter Solan, Czechoslovakia, 1956, 1962, 1965, 95 + 102 + 86 min.
The Devil Never Sleeps (1956)
This film is composed of three separate satirical stories written by Slovak playwright Peter Karvaš – The Sad Cadre, An Exemplary Case, and Generous Campaign. In a very humorous and poignant way, it reveals and challenges the shortcomings of contemporary society. The three parts are connected by the motive of an approval committee that watches the film in order to issue its eventual approval or, on the contrary, its disapproval of the film´s distribution in cinemas. The committee members, who recognize themselves in the characters on the screen, voice their comments during the intermissions between the screenings.
The Boxer and Death (1962)
Concentration camp commander Kraft finds out that prisoner Komínek is a former professional boxer. The prisoner is made Kraft´s exercise partner and unwillingly rises to a privileged position at the camp. His anger over the death of his friend and co-prisoner leads to open revolt.
Before Tonight Is Over (1965)
The female clerks enjoying a few carefree days, two plumbers looking for an erotic advanture, a building contractor spending his workers´ wages and an alcoholic, a former major, meet in a bar. A single night reveals the illusion and disappointments of "average" people.
Synopsis
A colorful story between fantasy and reality about the need for miracles in life. The story is composed as a mosaic. One of the lead characters is Maria, an inn keeper; always a bride, never a wife. The lead male character is Pierre, who disturbs the peace of the small village and teaches the locals how to enjoy life. Havetta´s debut was inspired by naive art, French impressionism, and silent slap-stick as well as Western Slovakian folk traditions.
Directed by
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Screenplay
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Director of Photography
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Music
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Editor
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Cast
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Technical information