Catalogue of Czech Television Programmes
A television fairy-tale based on the theme of a Hanah region fable about king Ječmínek.A young squire, Jan, is in love with the miller´s daughter, Marína, and she reciprocates his love. But the evil fairie Plevelice does not like this, as she has been thinking of having the squire for herself. A messenger disturbs the wedding of Jan and Marína with the news that Jan has been appointed as the new margrave of Moravia. Jan must defend the land against the Turks. At this time, Plevelice comes to Jan and promises to help him in his struggle against the enemy in exchange for a single sacrifice. Jan agrees, not suspecting that he has now come under the power of an evil fairy. While he is away at war, Marína reigns over the land. She is fair and aids wherever she can. Jan beats the Turks and returns home. No one welcomes him, however, because everyone is working. Jan becomes angry, puts executioners to work, raise taxes, invites his friends from the war to the chateau and, lastly, even expels Marína, despite the fact that she is carrying his child. Marína gives birth to a baby boy in a field. She gives him the name Ječmínek (Little Barley). Two good fairies take Marína and the child under their protection. They give Ječmínek a magic mantle. Life for the people gets worse and worse under Jan´s rule. A rumor spreads among them of good king Ječmínek; that he is able to be invisible, has a good heart and punishes the dishonest. Ječmínek longs for his father and sets out for the chateau. Plevelice tries to prevent the meeting by snatching Ječmínek away. But, just as in every fairy-tale, good prevails over evil.
SD | 61´ | © 2003
director(s): Milan Cieslar
producer(s): Czech Television
scriptwriter(s): Jan Jílek
director of photography: Martin Kubala
cast: Ester Geislerová, Petr Vondráček, Radim Drexler, Linda Rybová, Kamila Magálová and others
rights available: TV, Video, Internet
original language: Czech
subtitles available: English