capricious

Pavel Andreevich Fedotow (The capricious bride) Art Poster Print - 11" X 17"
$2.99
Pavel Andreevich Fedotow (The capricious bride) Art Poster Print - 11" X 17"

Haendel: Saul [Hybrid SACD]
$47.98
Pillow - Roll (Scribbles)

Capricious Summer [VHS]
$29.95
I watched this film, hoping for some of the humor, warmth and wisdom that mark so many of the Czech films of the era. I kept waiting to be charmed and it never happened. In the opening scene, four middle aged people sit by a river and complain to each other about what a louzy summer it has been. Perhaps if I identified with any of them or found any of them likable I might have become involved.

Things perked up when a travelling magician and his pretty assistant hit the town. The magician reminded me of John Lennon---tall and lanky with a top hat and wire rim glasses. Here was a charming and interesting character and if the plot had focused on him the film would have been much more enjoyable. It goes back to the three old guys, though. Each one falls for the girl and the older woman falls for the magician. Each gets his just rewards, the magic couple leaves town and the film ends with the same group of men drinking at the same riverside, commenting on what a louzy summer it has been.

I really tried to like the film and stuck with it till the end. I was then greatly surprised when I read that it was directed by the same man, Jiri Menzel, who made "Closely Watched Trains" and "I Served the King of England." I absolutely loved both of those films; what happened here I don't know.

I was also surprised to learn that the only character in the film I found interesting, the Magician, was played by Menzel. Hmm. Perhaps others will find it more entertaining than I did.

Capricious
$0.99