Návštěva staré dámy

This could also be called The Chronicle of a Foretold Death. The city as a corpse, prosperity for murder. A wealthy businesswoman carries out an interesting social experiment. Will the residents of a provincial town be willing to execute one of their own for a billion crowns? She herself has no doubts about it at all, and as she remarks to her staff, she certainly won't stay in the local hotel for long. Friedrich Dürrenmatt agrees with her, and the initial situation is the basis for a lot of biting sarcasm and plenty of dark humor. In the 1990s, Zdeněk Zelenka still drew from the treasure trove of the very best that world literature and theater offered, so his television productions of that time had undeniable value. Especially when he could rely on the top actors of the time. Jiřina Bohdalová plays her Nemesis and a woman who has long been accustomed to manipulating and ordering without restrictions reliably, but the fascinating performances come primarily from Alois Švehlík, František Němec, and others. And in the miniature of the weary woman from the neighborhood, Simona Stašová proves that there are no small roles. Overall impression: 80%. (03.05.2014)