Summary
Karel Štorkán's novel Milión (Million) was inspired by a real event, namely the collapse of an unfinished house in Prague's Na poříčí street in October 1928. In 1976, director Jiří Svoboda shot a drama based on the book with the main character being that of young engineer Vondrák, who is accused of causing the tragedy. The young architect has sketched the project for a modern, steel and concrete building in a hurry and under pressure. The fate of the construction is shadowed by sharp practices when it comes to materials and the violation of safety regulations and norms. The collapse takes human lives and triggers a strike among Prague construction workers. The real culprits, however, escape punishment... Josef Šebek appears in the not very psychologically deep role of the hero, whereas the character of entrepreneur Vladimír Podrouška, who gives priority to women and amusements over the construction work, is excellently portrayed by the ironic Jiří Kodet.
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