Summary
Based on a novel by Josef Věromír Pleva first published in 1931, and which remained popular for many decades (it was still required reading at Czechoslovak schools in the 1970s). The book and 1961 film tell the story of a six-year-old boy, living in pre-WWII Czechoslovakia. His ideal childhood is disturbed by tough socio-economic circumstances. Directed by the experienced Jan Valášek, the film sees Josef Janouš (nicknamed Bobeš) living out a carefree existence in his home village. But a shadow falls over the happy family when the father is injured during his forestry work. The Janouš family is forced to move to the city, where they hope to establish a new, better life. These experiences were afterwards conveyed via a sequel film released one year later, also directed by Valášek. In Malý Bobeš ve městě (Little Bobeš in Town, 1962) young Jirka Lukeš reprises his role alongside parents Dana Medřická and Radovan Lukavský.
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