Summary
Based on František Langre’s theatrical play Obrácení Ferdyše Pištory (Turning Ferdyš Pištora), this 1970 screen adaptation was directed by Vladimír Čech. Made as a musical comedy, the film is set in Prague’s Old Town during the 1920s. In what is Martin Štěpánek’s first major film role, the actor portrays a petty criminal who falls for Tereza (Kateřina Macháčková), a charming member of the Salvation Army. When Ferdyš saves the children of a wealthy banker (Martin Růžek) from a fire during a burglary attempt, he is rewarded with a job as a messenger boy. Henceforth, Ferdyš devotes his energies towards leading a model life. But such a transformation is not to the liking of former lover Irma (Alena Vránová); nor is Tereza too happy, wanting only to be part of a normal life at the side of her beloved Ferdyš. This light-hearted film sought to bring viewers some escapism amidst the real-life encroachment of the “normalisation” era. Musical numbers come by way of Pavel Kopta and Angelo Michajlov.
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