Good Old Czech Tunes

While the Prague songs of Karel Hašler (1879–1941) attained their greatest popularity during the early 20th century, their inherently timeless nature is underscored by this 1967 musical showcase film from director Zdeňek Podskalský. The story sees maiden Veronika (Jiřina Bohdalová) relating the romantic escapades of Malá Strana beauty Stázi (Pavlína Filipovská). Following an unhappy imbroglio with student Tadeáš (Václav Neckář) Stázi has immediately developed an interest in three different men. Subsequently, after an unhappy marriage to a landlord (Josef Beyvl) she ultimately returns to one of her former loves (Josef Zíma). This mosaic-like story is only loosely connected by Hašler’s songs, performed in the film by 29 assorted acting and singing stars of the time. Vít Olmer’s tragicomedy Ta naše písnička česká II (Our Czech Song II, 1990) is entirety unrelated to this film.