Product Review

Karel Zeman, creator of such fantasies as 'The Fabulous Baron Munchausen' and 'Off On A Comet' creates incredible another universe with a sharp political edge to it in 'The Jester's Tale'.

'The Jester's Tale' brings to life this live-action story of the Thirty Years War and the young soldier who gets caught up in it. Zeman's viewpoint results in a satirical comedy that combines engravings, cartoons, montages, special effects and film to create a cinematic treat.

Petr is a young peasant who is forced to join the cause and is swiftly captured by the enemy. The lovely Lenka manages to disguise herself as a jester in order to appear neutral. It's from this position that she is able to comment about the futility of both sides' position. And Matej is the cynical older fighter who can quickly change sides by using his reversible cloak, each side of which has the coat of arms of a different army. Together they survive many visually brilliant adventures, all the while delineating the lunacy and arrogance of war.

'The Jester's Tale' won "Best Picture' and 'Best Director' at the 1964 San Francisco International Film Festival and received three mentions at the Cannes Film Festival.

DVD EXTRA
A Christmas Eve - Karel Zeman's first film, co-directed with his brother. With Christmas on its way, a young girl happily plays with her toys and that night has a strange dream. Or is it?. Original Czech version - (B&W, English Subtitles, 11 Min.).