The Firemen's Ball ( Horí, má panenko )

The Firemen's Ball (DVD) (*)

Out of Stock

Original Title: Horí, má panenko
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Oscar Academy Awards

Language Selections:
Czech ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
Czech ( Mono )
English ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Australia ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
73 min

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Commentary
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Trailer(s)

Movie filmed in 1967 and produced in:
Czech Republic ( Russia, Eastern Europe )
Italy ( Italy, Greece )

Directed By:
Milos Forman

Written By:
Milos Forman
Jaroslav Papousek

Actors:
Jan Vostrcil ..... Head of Committee
Josef Sebánek ..... Committee Member #2
Josef Valnoha ..... Committee Member
Frantisek Debelka ..... Committee Member #1
Josef Kolb ..... Josef
Jan Stöckl ..... Retired Fire Chief
Vratislav Cermák ..... Committee Member
Josef Rehorek ..... Committee Member #4
Václav Novotný ..... Committee Member
Frantisek Reinstein ..... Committee Member
Frantisek Paska ..... Committee Member
Stanislav Holubec ..... Karel
Josef Kutálek ..... Ludva
Frantisek Svet ..... Old Man
Ladislav Adam ..... Committee Member

Synopsis:

Milos Forman, celebrated director of One Who Flew over The Cuckoos Nest and Amadeus, began life as the defining director of Czech New Wave cinema in the 1960s. His first colour film, The Firemen's Ball (Horí, má panenko), was arguably his best, drawing the ire of the censors for its provocative portrayal of bumbling Soviet-era firemen, satirical symbols of a crumbling state. A hilarious portrayal of well-intentioned provincial firemen determined to celebrate the 86th birthday of their retired chief, the story builds to a dizzying climax as reluctant beauty queens, petty pilfers and drunk officials spoil the party at the vaunted Fireman's Ball. Described as an allegory for the floundering Czech leadership on the eve of the Prague Spring, the film was "banned forever" following the Russian invasion, prompting Milos Forman's flight to America.

The fire department in a small town is having a big party when the ex-boss of the department celebrates his 86th birthday. The whole town is invited but things don't go as planned. Someone is stealing the prizes to the lottery and the candidates for the Miss Fire-Department beauty contest are neither willing nor particularly beautiful.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 23 May, 2016.