Irca's Romance

In 1921, the first purely Czech sequel to a film story was a pair of adaptations of Josef Roden’s book Irčin and románek. The first part of the later pentalogy was published in 1915, so it was a very topical affair. Both film versions featured the new couple Truda Grosslichtová and František Paul, who, like Theodor Pištěk and Antonia Nedošinská, casually switched from role to role in supporting roles. However, Mary Norrová made an exemplary debut for the first time in a Czech film. Audiences were able to enjoy the very original relationship between Irca and Lexa in their time. Hašler's direction is often very imaginative and I find that he could have made many more films with guaranteed success. The likable Rolf Wanka is of course a safe bet. His acting is measured in precise doses, his delivery has magical effects and he also presents his statuesque figure on rare occasions. Jiřina Steimarová blossoms next to him and also has some charming acting moments. Czech cinema of the 1930s and 1940s should definitely have used her more. (06/07/2010)