Mandragora (1979)

A television production of a Renaissance comedy by N. Machiavelli. A sharp criticism of society, a sharp satire on the wickedness of the clergy and human stupidity that causes the breakdown of marriage. The old lawyer Calfacci, husband of the young and beautiful Lucrezia, is unable to father a child. Callimaco, in love with Lucrezia, convinces him to give his wife a decoction of mandrake. At the same time, he warns him that anyone who comes into physical contact with Lucrezia for the first time will die from the effects of the poison. Therefore, the first villain (whom Callimaco himself is) must be caught and sacrificed for a good cause. However, he must convince Lucrezia's mother and the virtuous Lucrezia, and thus bribe the confessor Timoteo. The monk approves this intention with his casuistic interpretation and blesses him.

Director: Pavol Haspra
Genre: Comedy
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Pavol Hammel
Cinematography: Jozef Brezanský
Editing: Helena Hartmannová
Production: Československá televízia Bratislava
Country: Czechoslovakia
Language: Slovenčina
Original Language: sk

Keywords

based on play or musical

More Films by Director: Pavol Haspra
More Films in Genre: Comedy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mandragora about?
A television production of a Renaissance comedy by N. Machiavelli. A sharp criticism of society, a sharp satire on the wickedness of the clergy and human stupidity that causes the breakdown of marriage. The old lawyer Calfacci, husband of the young and beautiful Lucrezia, is unable to father a child. Callimaco, in love with Lucrezia, convinces him to give his wife a decoction of mandrake. At the same time, he warns him that anyone who comes into physical contact with Lucrezia for the first time will die from the effects of the poison. Therefore, the first villain (whom Callimaco himself is) must be caught and sacrificed for a good cause. However, he must convince Lucrezia's mother and the virtuous Lucrezia, and thus bribe the confessor Timoteo. The monk approves this intention with his casuistic interpretation and blesses him.
Who directed Mandragora?
Mandragora was directed by Pavol Haspra.
Who stars in Mandragora?
Mandragora stars Milan Kňažko, Marián Labuda, Dušan Blaškovič, Oldo Hlaváček, Katarína Orbánová, Magda Paveleková.
What genre is Mandragora?
Mandragora is a Comedy film.
Where was Mandragora produced?
Mandragora was produced in Czechoslovakia.