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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