Quiet American in Prague

Josef Mach, Štěpán Skalský, 1977

Film at Filmový přehled

Summary

The events of February 1948, and a contemporary spying affair (allegedly inspired by true events) provide the basis for this 1977 motion picture drama, jointly directed by Štěpán Skalský and Josef Mach. A simple view of a complicated period revolves around the title character, scheming American diplomat Barton. He turns to blackmailing undesirable political opponents with the use of compromising photos. Employing his contacts at the interior ministry, Barton even attempts a coup d'état. The American’s cunning plan eventually fails when the working classes gain control under the leadership of the communist party… Although events in the film are clearly depicted through a heavy post “normalisation” era propagandistic lens, Tichý Američan v Praze (The Quiet American in Prague) is nonetheless regarded as a well-crafted film, whose appeal to audiences includes a strong cast led by Josef Langmiler and Polish actress Barbara Brylska.
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Film data

About a film

Production year 1977
Countries Czechoslovakia
Categories film
Genres drama
Form feature
Duration 93 min
Director Josef Mach, Štěpán Skalský
Cast Barbara Brylska, Josef Langmiler, Miroslav Zounar, Miroslav Moravec, Vladimír Ráž
Director of photography Josef Vaniš
Screenplay Čestmír Mlíkovský, Josef Mach, Štěpán Skalský
Editor Jiří Brožek
Production designer Milan Nejedlý
Music Karel Svoboda
Sound designer Milan R. Novotný