Summary
In 1978, director Václav Matějka filmed this adaptation of the novel Rychlík z Normiberka (Nuremberg Express) by author Valja Stýblová. This psychological drama served as actress Jiřina Šejbalová’s last on-screen appearance. The 73-year-old plays a Czech women, who married a German man shortly before the start of World War II. After three decades abroad, the ageing Marie Hahnová returns home, but does not find the serenity she had been seeking. Former neighbours and distant relatives have not forgotten that her husband hated the Czechs – and moreover, accuse her family of being Gestapo informers. For Marie, unaware of anything of the kind, such accusations represent a huge shock… Director Matějka emphasises the shallower, and more ideologically acceptable aspects of the story, making his feature an excellent example of hardcore “normalization” era propaganda. The fact that he was provided with expensive, widescreen colour film stock, shows that those in charge at Barrandov film studios in Prague during these times very much rewarded directors willing to tow the party line.
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