Summary
Director Veljko Bulajić, a Croatian of Montenegrin descent, is perhaps best known for the big-budget picture Bitka na Neretvi (The Battle of Neretva, 1969). He also directed this ambitious Czech-Yugoslav production based on the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir presumptive Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the event which triggered the First World War. Sarajevský atentát (An Sarajevo Assassination, 1975) is a historical drama that follows the political dynamics of the troubled Austro-Hungarian Empire and its attempts to ease tensions in the Balkans. As the film begins, Anti-Hapsburg sentiments are gaining momentum in the region and insurgent nationalist movements are intent on violent secession from the hated monarchy… The large, international cast features a number of Czech actors in prominent roles, including Libuše Šafránková as the girlfriend of the assassin Gavrilo Princip. The royal couple whose journey ends tragically in Sarajevo are portrayed by two established screen stars – American actor of Canadian descent Christopher Plummer and Italian actress of Brazilian ancestry Florinda Bolkan.
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