Summary
Director Dušan Klein reaffirmed his reputation as skilled maker of crime films with this 1973 feature starring Regina Rázlová. Zatykač na královnu (A Warrant Against the Queen, 1973) is inspired by an eponymous novel from author Bedřich Skočdopole. The communist regime’s official stance that crime was virtually non-existent in the socialist utopia was also reflected in the cinema output of this era. Yet Klein’s film features a surprising number of illegal activities. The title character, murder victim Dagmar Králová (her surname referencing “regal” connections), is a drug addict of questionable morals, involved with a gang of bootleg alcohol producers… Actors Vladimír Menšík, Josef Somr, Jiří Kodet star as the crooks, with comedian Jiří Lábus offering a brilliant performance as mentally retarded driver Eda. Meanwhile, the long arm of the law is represented by second lieutenant Brabec (Rudolf Jelínek) and Major Vrána (Jaroslav Moučka).
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