Description
Based on a Jules Verne novel, this cult Czech mystery mixes Gothic fiction, steampunk gadgetry, opera and slapstick comedy.
THE MYSTERIOUS CASTLE IN THE CARPATHIANS (TAJEMSTVÍ HRADU V KARPATECH), 1981, Czechoslovakia, 97 min. A unique and almost indescribable mix of Gothic fiction, steampunk gadgetry (designed by Czech animation wizard Jan Švankmajer), slapstick comedy and romantic opera, director Oldřich Lipský's wonderfully bonkers delight has elements of THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, Terry Gilliam, Mel Brooks and 'The Benny Hill Show.' Based on an 1892 Jules Verne novel The Carpathian Castle (which partially inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula), the film follows Count Teleke of Tölökö (Michal Dočolomanský) on the trail of the count's lost lover, opera singer Salsa Verde (Evelyna Steimarová) - only to discover she's been abducted by fiendish Baron Gorc of Gorceny (Miloš Kopecký), whose castle home is filled with the bizarre inventions of mad scientist Orfanik (Rudolf Hrušínský). Littered with puns, sight gags and non-sequiturs - 'Later, in Werewolfston', an invented dialect, a detached golden ear for eavesdropping, a staff topped by an enormous TV eyeball - MYSTERIOUS CASTLE was the third fantastical film from the team of director Lipský and writer Jiří Brdečka after their much-loved musical western spoof LEMONADE JOE (1966) and their detective/horror satire ADELA HAS NOT HAD SUPPER YET (1977), both major Czech cult hits. (Note that actor Miloš Kopecký and Jiří Brdečka worked on the supernatural anthology PRAGUE NIGHTS, also released by the Národní filmový archív, Deaf Crocodile and Comeback Company.) In Czech with English subtitles.
Media
Bonus Materials
- Feature length documentary on writer Jiří Brdečka, UNIVERSUM BRDEČKA (84 min.) + Two rare Jiří Brdečka animated short films + video interview with Brdečka's daughter + audio commentary
Cast & Crew
Actors:- Evelyna Steimarová
- Michal Dočolomanský
- Miloš Kopecký
- Rudolf Hrušínský
Director: Jan Svankmajer
Director: Oldřich Lipský
Additional Details
Label: Deaf Crocodile
Genre: Comedy
Language: Czech
Run Time: 97 mins
Region: 1
Release Date: 03/11/25
UPC: 850066568040
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