Zdeněk Podskalský

Directing

Zdeněk Podskalský

Born February 18, 1923 · Prague, Czech Republic

Died October 29, 1993 · aged 70

Zdeněk Podskalský (18 February 1923 – 29 October 1993) was a Czech film director and screenwriter. He directed 32 films between 1950 and 1987.

Known For

Ball LightningBall Lightning · 1979
Ball Lightning
7.31979
MovieComedy
A comedy about exchange of 12 apartments , which, its organizer, lawyer Radosta, rightly called Action Ball Lightning. To prepare, organize and execute the exchange of twelve apartments is a work worthy champions. Radosta, who was excellently played by Rudolf Hrušínský, solved all sudden difficulties and complications on the fly and with grace. To be sure that the on the D-day everything goes well he prepares a little rehearsal, which reveals many minor issues caused for example by wedding ordered to inappropriate term or hesitation of some participants. Last but not least a night exercise announced by drunk psychologist Knotků, creates a lot of confusion that nearly sabotaged the whole operation.
A Night at KarlsteinA Night at Karlstein · 1974
A Night at Karlstein
7.71974
MovieComedyHistory
No Woman is allowed into Karlstejn Castle! Yet the enamoured Daniele Kolářová and the equally enamoured Jana Brejchová manage to spend one night in disguise in the Castle despite the strict royal ban.
My Dear Aunt and MeMy Dear Aunt and Me · 1975
My Dear Aunt and Me
7.21975
MovieComedyCrime
Two kind but foolish sisters live together in their villa in a small town in South Bohemia. Fany (Natasa Gollová) has never married and Andelka (Eva Svobodová) is a widow. In the morning, the two sisters go into town. They need to buy fuel oil, put money in the bank and give plums to the teller. In the meantime an smallish orange Skoda MB car parks at their house, with Hermínka (Iva Janzurová), the old ladies' niece, and her fiancé Michal (Jirí Hrzán) in it. Michal has forgotten to bring flowers and has to go into town to fetch them. At the bank, Fany wants to deposit money but the minute the teller opens the safe, a thief arrives. He knocks the teller and Fany unconscious and runs away with the money. When Fany comes to her senses again, she sees Michal and accuses him of being the thief.
Jára Cimrman Lying, SleepingJára Cimrman Lying, Sleeping · 1983
Jára Cimrman Lying, Sleeping
8.11983
MovieComedy
Czechoslovak comedy film directed by Ladislav Smoljak, about the fictional national hero Jára Cimrman (universal genius, inventor, sportsman, criminalist, poet, writer and philosopher).
KasařiKasaři · 1958
Kasaři
4.41958
MovieCrimeComedy
A detective comedy about ex-cashiers who - except for one - have improved and lead a proper and peaceful life and mostly desperately resist the slightest reminder of their past. However, one of them, Josef Fiala, formerly known as Procházka, is one day asked to open a safe in the Sitex factory that has been slammed open with keys inside by careless employees. The operation goes well, but in time Fiala finds himself suspected of theft...
The HitThe Hit · 1981
The Hit
7.21981
MovieMusicComedy
Mr Jiš managed to give his first script at Barrandov. Already in the preparatory phase, he discovers with horror that the filmmakers have completely bypassed his intention - instead of a probe into the life of a contemporary village, they are preparing a spectacular musical show, which they are convinced will be a hit with the audience. The very first shots speak volumes. An elegiac arrives in the village of Lipovec and is greeted with singing and dancing by all the local officials and ordinary citizens, as this coveted expert is to help them increase their hectare yields with his progressive methods. The filming continues in a similar vein, and the newly minted screenwriter can't help but wonder...
The Great Movie RobberyThe Great Movie Robbery · 1987
The Great Movie Robbery
6.81987
MovieScience FictionComedy
The film is essentially a feature-length commercial for an exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the nationalisation of the Czechoslovak film industry, to be held at the Prague U Hybernu venue. The protagonists of the piece are comedians Oldrich Kaiser and Jirí Lábus, who are set to accept an award from Japanese television representatives at the exhibition. At the same time, five gangsters plot to seize a revolutionary invention devised by professor Suzuki - a super holograph, which enables any figure from television to be transported in the flesh into the real world, and vice-versa.
Cutting It ShortCutting It Short · 1981
Cutting It Short
7.11981
MovieComedy
Francin, manager of a small-town brewery, has a charming wife whose abundant blonde locks are an adornment to the town. Maryska looks ethereal but loves meat and beer, while Francin is an ascetic. The strict members of the brewery board of directors come to audit the accounts, but are diverted from concentrating on Francin's detailed reports by Maryska, who has organized a pig-killing feast and is ably assisting the butcher. When she invites the old curmudgeons on the board to enjoy the fresh pork, they are too happy to agree. Francin doesn't know whether he is going to get a permanent contract. To make things worse his brother Pepin - eccentric, noisy and garrulous - turns up on an indefinite visit.

Movies

Ball LightningBall Lightning · 1979
Ball Lightning
7.31979
MovieComedy
A comedy about exchange of 12 apartments , which, its organizer, lawyer Radosta, rightly called Action Ball Lightning. To prepare, organize and execute the exchange of twelve apartments is a work worthy champions. Radosta, who was excellently played by Rudolf Hrušínský, solved all sudden difficulties and complications on the fly and with grace. To be sure that the on the D-day everything goes well he prepares a little rehearsal, which reveals many minor issues caused for example by wedding ordered to inappropriate term or hesitation of some participants. Last but not least a night exercise announced by drunk psychologist Knotků, creates a lot of confusion that nearly sabotaged the whole operation.
A Night at KarlsteinA Night at Karlstein · 1974
A Night at Karlstein
7.71974
MovieComedyHistory
No Woman is allowed into Karlstejn Castle! Yet the enamoured Daniele Kolářová and the equally enamoured Jana Brejchová manage to spend one night in disguise in the Castle despite the strict royal ban.
My Dear Aunt and MeMy Dear Aunt and Me · 1975
My Dear Aunt and Me
7.21975
MovieComedyCrime
Two kind but foolish sisters live together in their villa in a small town in South Bohemia. Fany (Natasa Gollová) has never married and Andelka (Eva Svobodová) is a widow. In the morning, the two sisters go into town. They need to buy fuel oil, put money in the bank and give plums to the teller. In the meantime an smallish orange Skoda MB car parks at their house, with Hermínka (Iva Janzurová), the old ladies' niece, and her fiancé Michal (Jirí Hrzán) in it. Michal has forgotten to bring flowers and has to go into town to fetch them. At the bank, Fany wants to deposit money but the minute the teller opens the safe, a thief arrives. He knocks the teller and Fany unconscious and runs away with the money. When Fany comes to her senses again, she sees Michal and accuses him of being the thief.
Jára Cimrman Lying, SleepingJára Cimrman Lying, Sleeping · 1983
Jára Cimrman Lying, Sleeping
8.11983
MovieComedy
Czechoslovak comedy film directed by Ladislav Smoljak, about the fictional national hero Jára Cimrman (universal genius, inventor, sportsman, criminalist, poet, writer and philosopher).
KasařiKasaři · 1958
Kasaři
4.41958
MovieCrimeComedy
A detective comedy about ex-cashiers who - except for one - have improved and lead a proper and peaceful life and mostly desperately resist the slightest reminder of their past. However, one of them, Josef Fiala, formerly known as Procházka, is one day asked to open a safe in the Sitex factory that has been slammed open with keys inside by careless employees. The operation goes well, but in time Fiala finds himself suspected of theft...
The HitThe Hit · 1981
The Hit
7.21981
MovieMusicComedy
Mr Jiš managed to give his first script at Barrandov. Already in the preparatory phase, he discovers with horror that the filmmakers have completely bypassed his intention - instead of a probe into the life of a contemporary village, they are preparing a spectacular musical show, which they are convinced will be a hit with the audience. The very first shots speak volumes. An elegiac arrives in the village of Lipovec and is greeted with singing and dancing by all the local officials and ordinary citizens, as this coveted expert is to help them increase their hectare yields with his progressive methods. The filming continues in a similar vein, and the newly minted screenwriter can't help but wonder...
The Great Movie RobberyThe Great Movie Robbery · 1987
The Great Movie Robbery
6.81987
MovieScience FictionComedy
The film is essentially a feature-length commercial for an exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the nationalisation of the Czechoslovak film industry, to be held at the Prague U Hybernu venue. The protagonists of the piece are comedians Oldrich Kaiser and Jirí Lábus, who are set to accept an award from Japanese television representatives at the exhibition. At the same time, five gangsters plot to seize a revolutionary invention devised by professor Suzuki - a super holograph, which enables any figure from television to be transported in the flesh into the real world, and vice-versa.
Cutting It ShortCutting It Short · 1981
Cutting It Short
7.11981
MovieComedy
Francin, manager of a small-town brewery, has a charming wife whose abundant blonde locks are an adornment to the town. Maryska looks ethereal but loves meat and beer, while Francin is an ascetic. The strict members of the brewery board of directors come to audit the accounts, but are diverted from concentrating on Francin's detailed reports by Maryska, who has organized a pig-killing feast and is ably assisting the butcher. When she invites the old curmudgeons on the board to enjoy the fresh pork, they are too happy to agree. Francin doesn't know whether he is going to get a permanent contract. To make things worse his brother Pepin - eccentric, noisy and garrulous - turns up on an indefinite visit.
When the Woman Butts InWhen the Woman Butts In · 1960
When the Woman Butts In
6.81960
MovieComedy
Miroslav Hornicek is a deluded young man who is convinced he is Faust incarnate. This turn of mind leads to some ludicrous situations, such as when he believes a woman is really a cat. Before he can be rounded up and interned wherever they keep people with this type of a problem, love enters his life and the clouds that obscured his vision begin to dissipate.
Ohnivé ženyOhnivé ženy · 1984
Ohnivé ženy
7.51984
MovieComedyFantasy
When he didn't want her, a stick or a charmer was used, in more serious cases the love stone helped. When he wanted her too much, an extract of wormwood, comfrey and anise, slightly sharpened with brandy, was slipped to the young man. The marriage recipes were simple at first glance and apparently very effective, judging by the punishments of those who secretly engaged in witchcraft alchemy. Even three hundred years ago, association with unclean forces and possession by the devil meant being sent to the stockade or sentenced to death by burning. This was exactly the fate that befell Magdalena, the parish cook, and Marta, the widow of a wigmaker. As witches, they were condemned to have their souls wander forever without consolation. Three hundred and thirteen years later, Magdalene and Martina's souls managed to "incarnate" into the bodies of two modern women.
Profíci aneb Když nejsou lidiProfíci aneb Když nejsou lidi · 1985
Profíci aneb Když nejsou lidi
1985
MovieComedy
Ohnivé ženy mezi námiOhnivé ženy mezi námi · 1988
Ohnivé ženy mezi námi
6.01988
MovieComedyFantasy
The final part of the ghost triptych will take Marta, Magdalena and Janko to the world of television. The 700th anniversary of the town of Milotín is being celebrated, there is a pilgrimage on the square, an improvised stage, prepared for the jubilee variety show, which will be broadcast on television. The director faints from this and so Marta's ghost has a body. The emcee arrives, and at the right moment the ghost of Magdalena takes possession of her body. It takes a while for the "fiery women" to settle into their new roles. The entire television crew helps them. The librarian Holoubek, who will act as an expert, knowledgeable about ancient chronicles and the history of two burned witches - Marta and Magdalena, will contribute mainly to their success.
The White LadyThe White Lady · 1965
The White Lady
5.91965
MovieComedyFantasy
This castle has its own ghost - a mysterious White lady. She emerges from the painting on the wall when someone speaks out magic formula. White lady is good ghost, she can make someone's wishes true. Even if it is a new duct. But a miracle is not the thing that Communist leaders want in the town.
ChristeningChristening · 1981
Christening
5.11981
MovieComedy
Deputy of cartography enterprise Mr. Ciruvka tries to seduce the colleague's assistant to destabilize his confident in a run for the director's chair. But things can go wrong.
Spanilá jízdaSpanilá jízda · 1963
Spanilá jízda
7.01963
MovieDramaHistory
In the Hussite times, religious truth was sifted even on the tips of weapons. When in 1430 the Hussites set out on a raid to Nuremberg, the so-called Spanila Cavalry, to defend their doctrine, the young commander of the cavalry, the landowner Keřský, whose bride had once been kidnapped by a vicious crusader, saw it as an opportunity for personal revenge. Although Oldřich Daněk has tried to establish a distinctive interpretation of historical events, he reflects on where the blinded desire to punish a bad deed with further cruelty leads, but his version seems too thesis-like and lifeless, it does not rise above the descriptively illustrated scenes from old Czech chronicles...
Spadla s měsíceSpadla s měsíce · 1961
Spadla s měsíce
10.01961
MovieComedy
A story about the uproar caused by the arrival of a new, young and, by local standards, too energetic zookeeper in a village JZD. Her name is Maya Četná and one evening she arrives like a tornado on a motorbike in the semi-truck of a typical Czech village. The chairman, leaving the next day for a long-term training, has no time to get to know the girl properly, so it's no wonder he can't help wondering when she returns.
Devilish HoneymoonDevilish Honeymoon · 1970
Devilish Honeymoon
5.51970
MovieDramaComedy
Black comedy about a genius inventor and two young, smart and beautiful women. Both of them putting all their effort into getting the one man. This will inevitable lead to all sorts of mischief, crime and even a murder. This murder-comedy, shot at the dawn of normalization has intentionally broke off from any connection to the reality of its time. The director Zdeněk Podskalský has focused on creating intriguing story lines, revolving around the two endeavouring female characters who are fighting for the same man. Two competing parties are not only ready to kill the other, but also (if necessary) the potential groom. This film has enabled the members of the cast, composed mainly of the brightest stars of the Czech acting scene of that time, to show an incredible acting range, from the lightest comedy to the darkest cynical morbidity.
Goodbye, MedeoGoodbye, Medeo · 1982
Goodbye, Medeo
9.01982
MovieMusicComedy
The director and choreographer from Prague are preparing a show performance "Oriental Fairy Tale" - a ballet on ice with the participation of vocal and instrumental ensembles and pop singers. They are shooting their picture in Kazakhstan at the Medeo high-altitude skating rink.
Men About TownMen About Town · 1969
Men About Town
6.71969
MovieComedy
Three blue collar workers have a night out in big city Prague.
Never Strike A Woman... Even with A FlowerNever Strike A Woman... Even with A Flower · 1967
Never Strike A Woman... Even with A Flower
7.01967
MovieComedy
Shortish forty-year old Ludvík Podzimek, lute and flute player in a Prague orchestra, is far from being an attractive man. He is nevertheless generally considered a great 'Don Juan'. Women take up with him out of a certain motherly compassion and Ludvík's tender heart does not allow him to split with any of them. His lovers thus accumulate and cause him numerous troubles.
To byla svatba, strýčkuTo byla svatba, strýčku · 1977
To byla svatba, strýčku
1977
MovieMusicComedy
Alfons is invited by his brother-in-law to his niece's wedding. The uncle arrives in his luxury car. However, the wedding guests ignore his anxious worries about the car and send him here for beer, there for cement. The uncle objects, but the energetic bridesmaid acts. The car suffers, and so does the uncle. When the wedding guests finally decide to go to the town hall, the car is almost impassable. However, the confusion is far from over...
Poslední leč Alfonse KaráskaPoslední leč Alfonse Karáska · 1987
Poslední leč Alfonse Karáska
2.71987
MovieComedyMusic
Alfons Karásek has an important task ahead of him – to introduce his young protégé, who is still very inexperienced in this field, to the art of seducing girls. The opportunity arises on a hunting trip…
Ta naše písnička českáTa naše písnička česká · 1967
Ta naše písnička česká
8.51967
MovieMusicRomance
The Haszler songs of Prague, so popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, have not aged. They are still sung in pubs and on construction sites, in short, everywhere. They also have their place in the love stories from old Prague, so beautifully told by Miss Veronika. Their heroine is Miss Stázi, who at first had no luck in love with the student Tadeáš. But then she fell in love with three gentlemen at once. The shy Mr. Alois, the cheerful Mr. France and Mr. Johannes, who seduced her behind the Horse Gate. But in the end she preferred the old but rich landlord. Three abandoned gentlemen nearly took their own lives under the Stone Bridge. But grief overcame them and the gentlemen settled down to marriages richly blessed with adorable children. And Miss Stasi? She ran away from the old man and returned to Mr. Franco when he came home from the army.
A Man Who Rose in PriceA Man Who Rose in Price · 1968
A Man Who Rose in Price
9.01968
MovieComedyDrama
Mr. Benda, a married father of two children, works for a company that liquidates old banknotes. After one drunken party, he is visited by a painter who tattooed his back in drunkenness the previous night. The image tattooed on Benda’s back is considered the painter’s best work by the professionals.

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