Summary
The title of Ženy v ofsajdu (Women Offside, 1971), from veteran director Bořivoj Zeman, refers to the popular Czech novel Muži v offsidu (Men Offside) by Karel Poláček, adapted for the screen by director Svatopluk Innemann in 1931. Forty years after that film was made, this motion picture sees actor Lubomír Lipský playing merciless football referee Kastl. He’s despised by football fans, but viewed as strong husband material by countless women. Off the pitch, Kastl works as a barber. There he is chased by colleague Berta, but the vigilant Kastl manages to evade her advances, similarly to those coming from energetic fellow football referee Ema. This successful film offers the tried and tested formula of mixing comedy and sports. The diligent Ema is played to great effect by Jiřina Bohdalová. Barber Berta is portrayed by Stella Zázvorková. Zeman’s film also offers great performances from actors Vladimír Menšík, Zita Kabátová and Helena Růžičková.
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