Zdeněk Štěpánek

Marathon (1968)

It is 5 May 1945 and the uprising against the hated German occupiers has broken out in Prague. The Czech guards open the gate of the Pankrác prison to allow the prisoners to escape en masse. Many of them are shot dead by the German guards but young Ruda ( ...

Jegor Bulyčov (1968)

Lucerna (1967)

A host of actors in the classic national fairy tale by A. Jirásek. Jirásek's "Lucerna" is the best-known and most performed of his plays. It was also used by television producers. In the second half of the 1960s, a successful transcription was created wi ...

Marketa Lazarová (1967)

Mikolás and his brother Adam end up with a young German hostage of noble blood during a robbery. While their clan prepares for the wrath of the German king, Mikolás is sent to pressure his neighbor Lazar into a defense pact. Persuasion fails and he abduc ...

Na zapřenou (1967)

Pentos a Iola (1967)

Waterloo (1967)

In the tense dramatic situation of a June night in 1815, a few hours before a battle that seems lost in advance, Napoleon has a choice: either go into battle and risk not winning it, or not go into battle, which of course means abdicating. To give up absol ...

Sign of the Cancer (1967)

When Dr. Hahn is found murdered in the hospital's inspection room, investigators question several suspects: his colleague and longtime lover Dr. Marie Nováková (whom he cheated on with nurse Jiřina), the nurse herself, Dr. Petera (whose career he stymie ...

The Stolen Airship (1967)

Five young people take off in a lighter-than-air machine at the Prague Centennial Exhibition. A live-action/animated film based loosely on Jules Verne's novels Two Years' Vacation and The Mysterious Island. The film in Art Nouveau style consists of live-ac ...

Noc bez úsvitu (1967)

Princezna Pampeliška (1967)

The king is broke, so he welcomes when a rich Spanish king asks about his daughter, Dandelion. But Dandelion does not love the king and prefers to run away from home. On the run, she meets the son of a poor moneylender, Honza, and they set out into the wor ...

Lékař v rozpacích (1966)

Hände hoch oder ich schieße (1966)

Small town policeman Holms suffers from a rather unusual problem: Because of the low crime rate, there is simply not enough to do for him. Deadly bored, he sinks into the depths of depression and requests the help of a psychiatrist. But his imagination is ...

Mlha (1966)

The work of actors on a stage makes a dreamlike parallelism between artistic immagination and the concreteness of everyday life. ...

The Invisible (1965)

A young and ambitious engineer named Švajcar arrives at the family of a businessman as the fiancé of the factory owner's daughter. He meets his father-in-law's brother Cyril, who pretends to be invisible. The family plays this game with him so that they ...

A Star Named Wormwood (1965)

At the end of May 1918, released prisoners return to the Rumburk garrison from Russian captivity, hoping that the war is over for them. The only thing they want is to get their withheld ... ...

Horký vzduch (1965)

A tragicomedy set in a village where it depicts a diverse assemblage of old geezers spending the autumn of their lives in different ways. Some are amused by watching cars speeding around an obscure bend, but one agonises over both humiliating poverty (his ...

Bez svatozáře (1964)

An outdated fireclay factory is due to close, but its long-time employees can't imagine stopping what has fed them all their lives and what they do best... ...

A Face in the Window (1963)

A movie built up of three stories about life in a small Slovak town. The Prosecutor: the district attorney is a jazz orchestra soloist at the same time and that is much disliked by the local provincial society. The Defender: is about a young doctor's relat ...

Tři zlaté vlasy děda Vševěda (1963)

There are fairy tales that appear on TV screens every Christmas and there are fairy tales that have somewhat fallen into oblivion and few people remember them anymore. This is one of the lesser known ones. Its plot certainly needs no further introduction. ...

Ikarie XB 1 (1963)

The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a mission deep into space in search of alien life. During their perilous journey the crew confront the effects of a malignant dark star, the destructive legacy of the 20th century and, ultimately, the limi ...

Transport from Paradise (1963)

Czechoslovakian Zbynek Brynych directs this psychological drama set in World War II Terezin ghetto. A dark, visual portrayal of the trials and tribulations the Theresienstadt people faced on a daily basis presented in a series of memorable stories. Their h ...

Horoucí srdce (1963)

The years 1851-1856: events from the life of the writer Božena Němcová, who, because of her free-thinking views and strong patriotic feelings, comes into conflict with the society, the church and the Austrian authorities... A cold, too readable version ...

Smrt na Cukrovém ostrově (1962)

A Czech ship's doctor accidentally meets his fellow expatriates on a tropical island. Under his influence, a sympathetic young woman, who has gone abroad with her sickly old father and her selfish and unprincipled husband, decides to return to her homeland ...

Reportáž psaná na oprátce (1962)

Screen adaptation of Julius Fucik's story about communist fighters. ...

Pouta (1961)

A young veterinarian, Jiří Klimeš, returns to his native village after graduation. ...

Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová (1961)

The story of a Czech national revivalist, writer and author of a famous cookbook... The story takes us to Litomyšl in 1836. The local bourgeois society, which does not fail to interject a German word into their conversation as proof of good upbringing and ...

Hrdinové okamžiku (1961)

Lucerna (1960)

Všude žijí lidé (1960)

Even if a person grumbles about difficulties, he should realize that he will find a place where he did not want to go at all. Such an exemplary realization is also reached by a budding doctor who was assigned a remote border village as his first posting - ...

Národní umělec Zdeněk Štěpánek (1960)

A film medallion of actor Zdenek Stepanek. ...

Zkouška pokračuje (1960)

As a young actor František Lukávec and his teacher Vladimir Tuma became enemies. František insisted that Tuma was dismissed from the school as a reactionary and hostile to the new government. Many years passed, and here they met again on the stage of a ...

První a poslední (1959)

The film responds to the housing shortage that young couples in particular have had to deal with. This problem is also addressed by the couple Slávka and Olda. The girl gets a sublet on Hradčanské náměstí, in the large flat of the widowed pensioner B ...

Občan Brych (1959)

František Brych, a principled lawyer, refuses to back the new Communist regime at his factory and grows increasingly alienated, even as his former love Irena, unhappily married to factory owner Ondřej Ráž, seeks his understanding. When he helps plan a ...

Today for the Last Time (1958)

Concert master Karel Mašek is a drunk, as well as engineer Danda and other regular guests of the pub U Kroců. Mašek returns from the pub in the morning and promises the woman that he will stop drinking. But he failed again, and the orchestra players ref ...

Bitter Love (1958)

The elder son of the farmer Marunáč dies of a work accident. His wife and younger brother fall in love and try to break free from their despotic father. ...

Povodeň (1958)

The construction of the new dam deprived the ferryman Ryba of his trade. The new dam replaced the ferry. However, Ryba's ancestors were ferrymen and the old man would have liked his two sons to take up the same profession. But Joseph is an indecisive weakl ...

Bomba (1958)

The discovery of an unexploded aerial bomb on a construction site brings a shock to the peaceful existence of a small town: the sudden threat makes at least some people rethink their previous attitudes. ...

Against All (1957)

After the battle of Sudoměř the Hussite teaching spreads through the whole country and people start leaving their homes to help build the fortification of Tábor. Prague citizens request help against the army of Zikmund. The Hussite army with Jan Žižka ...

Legend of Love (1957)

A spring is hidden in the Iron Mountain but the people of Arzen cannot get to it and they are suffering from thirst. ...

Spartakiáda (1956)

Documentary by Jan Kadar ...

Jan Žižka (1956)

The second part of the revolutionary Hussite trilogy takes place in the years 1419-1420. ...

Jan Hus (1955)

The first part of the "Hussite Revolutionary Trilogy", completed with Jan Žižka (1955) and Proti všem (Against All Odds, 1957). The film captures the period from May 1412 to the summer of 1415, a turbulent time in the Czech Kingdom, during which there w ...

Dog's Heads (1955)

The history of the rebellion of the brave Chody, led by Jan Sladký Kozina and Matěj Přibek, against the violent tyranny of the foreign nobleman Maximilian Lamminger of Albenreuth. Based on the novel of the same name by Alois Jirásek. ...

Krejčovská povídka (1954)

Kutná Hora (1954)

Jenský kodex (1954)

The Secret of Blood (1953)

A biographical film about a Czech doctor, Dr. Jánský. The athletically inclined medic Jánský successfully completes his studies. He wants to become a surgeon, but finds himself in Professor Kuffner's psychiatric clinic, where, together with his colleag ...

Old Czech Legends (1953)

A monumental piece of art bringing the heroes of the ancient Czech myths back to life. The picture consists of seven parts: Cech the Forefather, Bivoj, Libuse, Premysl, Girls War, Horymir, Lucka War. ...

Moon Over the River (1953)

A look back at old classmates at a high school reunion, discovering how life has fruitlessly slipped through their fingers. And they don't even have a chance to break free from the small-town grip. ...

Nástup (1953)

"The Rally" is based on a communist writer Vaclav Řezáč's well-written novel of the same name ...

Early Days (1953)

Early Days follows the early life of famous Czech writer Alois Jirásek. Jirásek had already developed his own view of the history of the Czech nation while he was at grammar school in Broumov. When he becomes the supply teach in Litomyšl, he has already ...

Mikoláš Aleš (1952)

A biographical film about the famous Czech painter Mikoláš Aleš, portrayed as part of the vanguard of the working class and a spokesman for the oppressed, who asserts himself despite the opposing bourgeoisie and reactionaries of all kinds. The film focu ...

The Emperor and the Golem (1952)

The Emperor's mismanagement of his country is provoking some in his court to plot to overthrow him. He feels successful, at least, when he discovers the legendary Golem, which he believes can protect him and even cure his imaginary illnesses but, when he ...

Rok stalinské epochy (1951)

Year of the Revolution 1848 (1949)

The Czech revival movement is divided at the end of the first half of the 19th century. While the older generation, such as František Palacký, urges restraint, students lean towards radical positions. A report on the revolutionary events in Paris prompts ...

Lost in the Suburbs (1949)

Czechoslovak drama film about soldiers returning from World War II ...

Sign of the Anchor (1947)

The mysterious story of a young girl Pavla, who mysteriously disappeared from her mother five years ago, takes place in the dark corners of the Bratislava port. The girl was kidnapped by the hypnotist Lascani, who performs in a variety show and has just ar ...

The Adventurous Bachelor (1946)

Even the pre-Blohemian times were not idyllic. Even a bachelor, invited by the consuls to Rakovník to elevate the local education system, finds out. But the stingy and proud townspeople soon grow to dislike him, and even love does not develop according to ...

Rozina the Love Child (1945)

Prague, the beginning of the 17th century. Rozina falls in love with Italian glass worker Nikolo, but after returning home, she gets a message that will never come to Prague. She falls for the promise of an older man to marry her, but when Nikolo does re ...

X. slet všesokolský (1945)

Mist on the Moors (1944)

Mist on the Moors examines fates of just about a few people. Their stories are outlined in a short space of time and are a symbolic representation of the drama of life, struggle for justice, human cognizance and the healing power of love. One of the most i ...

Experiment (1943)

Preludium (1941)

Theater props maker Karel Vajgant has a young wife, Magda, and two children, seven-year-old Pavlík and eleven-year-old Pepička. Magda is a caring mother, but she feels that her husband prioritizes work and his comfort. In a weak moment, Magda becomes unf ...

The Incendiary's Daughter (1941)

The fiddler Valenta has troubled his wife with his drinking and disorderly life. His daughter Rozárka and her younger sisters go to their aunt's in Prague, and their father sets fire to the abandoned house. Rozárka is suspected... ...

Druhá směna (1940)

Man from the Unknown (1939)

While in Bohemia, an American industrialist named Craigs goes missing. In Prague, the police have arrested a man without identification, who bears a striking resemblance to Craigs. The doctor, the secretary, and the hotel staff all claim that he is the ind ...

The Magic House (1939)

When Vilem appears in the road with an unconscious young woman, it disturbs the peaceful life of three generations of the Balvínova family. ...

Její hřích (1939)

Lola Holm, a medical student, is studying for her final exams. She rejects the courtship of psychiatrist Associate Professor Linn. Bank cashier Goll lives extravagantly and his salary is not enough for his excesses. He is in need and has mental problems. H ...

Neporažená armáda (1938)

A young farmer, Jan Aleš, is drafted from his native Pošumaví to join the army. Since he likes his new environment, he stays with the army as a long-term serviceman. He even successfully passes the exams for the military academy. There he becomes friend ...

The Merry Wives (1938)

A morally questionable lord comes to the aid of a working class man who is to be executed for speaking out about thieving rich scoundrels sticking it to the poor. ...

The Way of the Cross (1938)

In a small village in the Chodsko region, people live with daily worries about making a living. Many are dependent on work on the estate. Only the priest Jiří is able to stand up against the undignified conditions here, but he receives no gratitude, beca ...

The Illusion Factory (1938)

In this reportage, film professionals offer the viewers a peek behind the scenes at the Barrandov studios. We see how sets are constructed and we find out what sorts of things are stored in the prop department. The friendly commentary describes the journey ...

Jan Výrava (1938)

The White Disease (1937)

In a country whose people have just been successfully persuaded of their superiority and the justification for military expansion by the fiery speeches of a dictator, the bacillus of a highly destructive form of leprosy has spread. It is called morbus Tshe ...

Virginity (1937)

The doomed love of a city girl caught in the vise of poverty is detailed in Vavra's fluid, romantic work, one of the most elegant creations of the Czech Modernist era... The film lingers over its characters' habitats and haunts, finding psychological truth ...

The World Belongs to Us (1937)

One of the few European films of the 30s to criticize the Nazis, even if they couldn't be directly named due to censorship: Gangsters with gray hats stir up trouble in what is obviously the Sudetenland. ...

Žena na rozcestí (1937)

Vojnarka (1936)

Passage in the Paradise (1936)

Orphan Petr lives with his dog Puntja with his aunt. His uncle Gustav wants to get rid of Peter and puts him in an orphanage. Peter escapes from there and looks for his Punt. He finds him with the cool Tobias, but he doesn't want to give him back to Peter. ...

Jízdní hlídka (1936)

The war drama The Horse Patrol is an adaptation of the play of the same name by writer and military doctor František Langer. It takes place in 1919 in Russia and depicts the conflict between members of the Czechoslovak legions and Soviet agitators who are ...

Jana (1935)

Conversion of Ferdys Pistora (1932)

Cashier Ferdyš Pištora goes to rob the villa of banker Rosenštok. At that moment, a fire breaks out and Ferdyš saves the banker's two young children. He is hailed as a hero by everyone and Rosenštok makes him a messenger in the bank. This changes Ferd ...

Third Company (1931)

The Adventurous Bachelor (1946)

Even the pre-Blohemian times were not idyllic. Even a bachelor, invited by the consuls to Rakovník to elevate the local education system, finds out. But the stingy and proud townspeople soon grow to dislike him, and even love does not develop according to ...

The Merry Wives (1938)

A morally questionable lord comes to the aid of a working class man who is to be executed for speaking out about thieving rich scoundrels sticking it to the poor. ...