A tanú . The Witness
Banned for over a decade for its outspoken criticism of the post-WWII communist regime in Hungary, Péter Bacsó’s film has since then achieved unparalleled cult status. The Witness takes place during the height of the Rákosi Era in Hungary and follows the life of an ordinary dike keeper, József Pelik...
| Other Authors: | |
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| Institution: | Open Society Archives at Central European University |
| Language: | Hungarian |
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Stúdió 1
1969
Hungary |
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10891/osa:d4fe8d47-89e5-4ab8-8e0a-e5483324681e |
| Summary: | Banned for over a decade for its outspoken criticism of the post-WWII communist regime in Hungary, Péter Bacsó’s film has since then achieved unparalleled cult status. The Witness takes place during the height of the Rákosi Era in Hungary and follows the life of an ordinary dike keeper, József Pelikán, who is caught illegally slaughtering his pig, Dezsõ. Instead of doing hard time for his "heinous" crime, Pelikán is elevated into an important position, generally reserved for the communist elite. Of course, Pelikán is utterly clueless about his newfound luck, not to mention his new job. Even his new benefactor, the mysterious Comrade Virág, is reluctant to reveal the real reason behind Pelikán’s preferential treatment. Thus, begins Pelikán’s hilarious adventure deep within the communist society. One failure after another the incompetent Pelikán is elevated higher and higher on the communist echelon, all the while remaining completely clueless about his promotions. Until one day, when he gets called for to return the "favour" by falsely testifying against his long-time friend in a mock-up show trial. |
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| Published: | 1969 |