The Firemen's Ball

A colorful comedy, in which people dance, steal and extinguish the fire.

7.0
19671h 13m

Production

Logo for Filmové studio Barrandov

The firemen of a provincial Czechoslovakian town throw a ball in honor of the old chief's retirement. There will be music and dancing, a beauty pageant and a raffle. The whole town will be in attendance. However, the proceedings are dogged by difficulty at every step. Workplace injuries, stolen prizes, a shortage of pretty girls... and fire.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: LET'S CEE presents THE FIREMEN'S BALL (ČSSR | Italy 1967)

LET'S CEE presents THE FIREMEN'S BALL (ČSSR | Italy 1967)

Thumbnail for video: Hori, ma panenko

Hori, ma panenko

Cast

Photo of Jan Vostrčil

Jan Vostrčil

Head of Committee

Photo of František Debelka

František Debelka

Committee Member

Photo of Josef Valnoha

Josef Valnoha

Committee Member

Photo of Milada Ježková

Milada Ježková

Josef's Wife

Photo of Jan Stöckl

Jan Stöckl

Retired Fire Chief

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Reviews

D

deepkino

7/10

Miloš Forman's final film in the Czech language is a pure critique of bureaucracy. Set entirely at a banquet honoring a dying, 86-year-old former fire chief, it masterfully depicts the event's descent into fiasco. The film exposes the decay of Czechoslovak society and its so-called socialism, making the audience smile and even laugh, all without ever compromising its sharp comedic edge. It is a rare work that brilliantly critiques authority through humor.

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