Secret of the Great Story-Teller

Karel Kachyňa, 1971

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Summary

In 1955, French author Andre Maurois published an eponymous biography of the life of 19th century French writer Alexandre Dumas. In 1971, this work was adapted for the screen by experienced Czech screenwriter Jaroslav Dietl. Directed by Karel Kachyňa, the film relates dramatic stories from the life of Alexandre Dumas, père. This prolific novelist, playwright and journalist lived a colourful life, offering the filmmakers plenty of opportunities to relate his passion and longing for excellence, amidst a society ill-tuned to this intense, unconventional man. Martin Štěpánek flexes his acting muscles in the title role. Brother Petr Štěpánek portrays Dumas’s son. Also performing in the film are actors Jana Hlaváčová and Otakar Brousek.
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Film data

About a film

Production year 1971
Countries Czechoslovakia
Categories film
Genres comedy, biography
Form feature
Duration 101 min
Director Karel Kachyňa
Cast Martin Štěpánek, Petr Štěpánek, Otakar Brousek, Jana Hlaváčová, Slávka Budínová
Director of photography Josef Illík
Screenplay Jaroslav Dietl, Karel Kachyňa
Editor Miroslav Hájek
Production designer Oldřich Okáč
Artist Zdeněk Rozkopal
Music Zdeněk Liška
Sound designer Jiří Lenoch