Summary
An actual event – the bloodily suppressed rebellion at Rumburk military barracks in 1918 – provided the basis for this stylish historical drama made by veteran of the director’s chair Martin Frič. The film, released in 1964, follows the fates of several characters who become entangled in the ill-fated insubordination. Soldiers returning from captivity in Russia hope the barracks is merely a stopover on their way home. Once in Rumburk, they taste the free life of “civvy street” again and believe the war is over for them. But senseless military drills and the news that they are to return to the frontline ignite a revolt inspired by the Bolshevik revolution in Russia… Despite some ideological bias in the film, Frič created an impressive piece of art with an indisputably high-quality cast dominated by Jiřina Bohdalová's performance as bar singer Tonka. It is one of her rare but masterfully delivered serious roles.
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