Summary
An East German-Czechoslovak co-production inspired by a tale from author Ladislav Dvorský. The film tells the story of three German boys, confronted at the end of the First World War with some fundamental truths about human nature. Overcoming their different social backgrounds, Paul, Willi and Heinrich have formed solid friendships. When the trio helps to hide two war deserters, Heinrich enters a world of conflict. At home, the youngster has been raised in a climate of strong patriotism and duty. Ultimately, he discovers that his strict, militant grandfather once played a major role in the fate of his family... This 1976 historical drama is a signature effort by director Jaromil Jireš, who during the “normalisation” era tended to focus more on detached, lyrical projects lacking a personal authorial stamp. Among the German-Czech cast, Vladimír Dlouhý excels as the deserter Tony. Eighteen-year-old Iva Bittová marks her film debut in the minor role of artiste Tereza.
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