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For the Freedom of the Nation
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Wikipedia article
'For the Freedom of the Nation' is a 1920 Czechoslovak romantic war drama film directed by Vclav Binovec. The film, set during World War I, stars V. Ch. Vladimrov and Suzanne Marwille. Several leading Czech politicians of the period made cameo appearances as themselves in the film, including Karel Kram. The film premiered on 28 October 1920.
Plot
After the announcement of conscription in 1914, student Ji Voldn is drafted into the Austro-Hungarian army to fight against Russia. He switches allegiance to the Russians and is wounded in battle. While recovering at a hospital in Kiev he meets the Slovak nurse Marya, who has fled from the Hungarian authorities, and they fall in love. He recovers and joins the Czechoslovak legions. He fights in Italy and France before being arrested by the Austrians and is sentenced to death, but is freed by friends.
Cast
*V. Ch. Vladimrov as Jir Voldn
*Suzanne Marwille as Marya
*Evzen Georgij Jevgenev as 1st Lieutenant Szabo
*Marie Ptkov as Jir's Mother
*Vclav Vydra as von Bhren
*Ladislav H. Struna as Misko
*Jan W. Speerger as Miner / Jan Hus
*Vclav Kubsek as Kubk
*Zanka as a Russian commandant
*Alois Tich as a volunteer
*Vclav Zatranda as a volunteer
*Frantisek Marek as a volunteer
*Jaroslav Svra as a volunteer
*Karel Votruba as a volunteer
*Vclav Rapp as a volunteer
Release and reception
The film premiered on October 28, 1920. The author Adolf Branald describes the film as "a patriotic montage about the legionnaires' struggles for freedom", stating that the director was particularly fond of the script and the romance that develops between the characters of Voldn and Marya. Gian Piero Brunetta cites the film as one of the notable films of the era documenting the Czech experience of World War I, including Rudolf Mestk's 'Legion' ('Legionnaire') (1920), Antonn Vojtchovsk's 'Jmnem jeho Velienstva' ('In the Name of His Majesty') (1928), and Svatopluk Innemann's 'Plukovnk Svec' ('Colonel Svec') (1930). The film was described as being an "authentic" one. One Czech film history book notes a scene in which several prominent historic Czech figures appear before the soldiers on Christmas Day, including Jan Hus and Jan ika. Another publication notes a scene in which a Jewish housekeeper from Hali is crucified.
References
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