Summary
Erwin Stranka predominantly directed films in the former East Germany, although he was born in the Czech town of Kadaň and studied at Prague’s FAMU film school. In 1972, Stranka wrote and directed this historical comedy that resulted from a Czech-East German coproduction – the Czech-dubbed version features the voice of Ludvík Žáček. The story is set during the time of the 18th century Seven Years’ War. Prussian King Frederick II (Herwart Grosse) and the thief Käsebier (Manfred Krug) serve as the film’s two main protagonists. The seasoned crook convinces the Prussian leader to use his troops to help force open the gates of the besieged city of Prague. But Käsebier ultimately joins forces with the defenders of the city, led by Maria Theresa’s brother-in-law Karel Lotrinský (Josef Kemr) and his wife Anna Marie (Helena Růžičková). This entertaining film, which naturally ignores historical authenticity in favour of goofball fun, is modelled on French and Italian historical comedies.
Read more
