Der fesche Hubert

Although Ivo Novák joined Barrandov in the late 1930s, he allowed this imperfect retro film to be made, which unfortunately, apart from Heřmánek's excellent solo, boasts an absolutely useless remaining ensemble, including Keslerová's appalling dubbing. It is truly amazing that the performance of a single actor could hold up such a joyless affair. However, if I take into account the prison scene, I can accept the result as a standard attempt at a whimsical trip to the periphery of the First Republic inspired by the not-so-solid "Beggar's Opera." (02.03.2009)

The most interesting thing about this film is how long I avoided it, even though it is a title that appears in the TV stations' lineup three times a year. Director Novák used the visuals and atmosphere from Sequens's The Sinful People of Prague, but shifted them into a comedic tone. The second source of inspiration was the work of Karel Kachyňa, who often nostalgically returned to his childhood. However, compared to both famous sources, it is evident that the result is somewhat lacking. It feels more like a promenade of First Republic figures, sometimes interesting, sometimes more provincially uncle-like. Most of the sketches lack lightness and the script feels somewhat unfinished. The reliable performances of proven actors such as Heřmánek, Kostka, and Somr save the film overall. However, compared to Czech productions of the last two decades, I still lean toward giving it a tiny fourth star. Overall impression: 70%. (30.11.2015)