Cinema
The Emperor and the Golem
Císařův pekař – Pekařův císař
Martin Frič · 1951
Synopsis
In Prague, the court of Rudolf II lives to the rhythm of the alchemists: the ageing emperor seeks the elixir of youth and wants to awaken the Golem, the clay giant who would make him master of the world. Matěj, an honest and stubborn baker, is thrown into prison for his uprightness; he escapes, and since he looks exactly like the emperor, only younger, a mistake makes him take the sovereign's place, while the courtiers plot with Matthias, Rudolf's brother.
Context
The film takes up a project by Jan Werich and Jiří Voskovec, whose characters had already appeared in their Golem revue at the Liberated Theatre; Voskovec having emigrated to the United States, Werich took it up again in 1949 with the screenwriter Jiří Brdečka. Shooting began under the direction of Jiří Krejčík, who was removed after disagreements with Werich and a political intervention. Shot in colour with export in mind, the film exists in two parts and in a short export version, from which the most ideological passages, notably songs, were removed.
Who it is for
Two parts in the Czech version, about one hundred and ten minutes in the export version. Jan Werich plays both leading roles; the costumes are by Jiří Trnka.
Prizes and reception
One of the most famous historical comedies of Czech cinema, carried by Jan Werich's double role.