Directing
Bořivoj Zeman
Born — Died
1912-03-06 — 1991-12-23
Place of birth
Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary [now Czech Republic]
Known for
Directing
Credits
40 titles
Bořivoj Zeman was a Czech film director and screenwriter, celebrated for his contributions to Czech cinema, particularly in the comedy and fairy tale genres. Originally a clerk by profession, he began his career by writing short film scripts for himself. Zeman directed several notable films, including The Proud Princess (1952), Holiday with Angel (1952), and The Incredibly Sad Princess (1968). His films are known for their humor, charm, and imaginative storytelling, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Czech cinema. Zeman's work continues to be celebrated for its enduring appeal and influence on the genre.
Known for
7.0Inspector Brumpby (Jaroslav Marvan) and the young crime reporter Allan Pinkerton (Vít Olmer) attend wedding of Sir Hannibal Morris (Oldrich Nový) with beautiful Clarence (Kveta Fialová). After the ceremony, Clarence's ex-husband, criminal Manuel Diaz (Waldemar Matuska), who was believed dead, shows up in her room. He wants to get his hands on Clarence and, most importantly, on the money she would inherit in the eventuality of her new husband's death. Diaz makes attempts on Hannibal's life. He knows his way about an underground labyrinth in the château and the traps he sets up for Hannibal seem to work, since Hannibal is apparently found dead after an explosion in the labyrinth, after which his body vanishes. The inspector tries to solve the countless mysteries. In this, he is joined by Allan, always ahead of the man of the law in his estimation and judgment of the situation.
The Phantom of Morrisville
1966
8.0A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. When one of them says, "more than salt", he banishes her from the kingdom. Not understanding what she meant the King assumes love can only be measured by precious metals or one's own talent, the 'correct' answers from his other two daughters. The arrogance of the King leads him to gather all the salt in the kingdom and destroy it. Of course, this backfires as he slowly learns the universal value of the substance, and of course, the essence of his daughter's reply. With the help of the wise and magical old 'herb woman', the King also learns what it means to be a true and wise ruler.
Once Upon a Time, There Was a King...
1955
7.5Like a fairy tale, King Henry and King Good-thought decided long ago that their only children should marry and so prevent war arising between their kingdoms ever again. But the young prince is wary of marrying anyone he doesn’t know.
The Terribly Sad Princess
1968
7.5Although the emancipated editor of a women's magazine proclaims that grandparents in particular should not be abused by their adult children, she accepts without scruple the fact that her mother, still a sprightly pensioner, works in her household as a jack-of-all-trades without receiving not only any pay but also no recognition. However, the grandmother learns from an article written by her daughter - and rebels.
Páté kolo u vozu
1958
No synopsis available yet.
Malá historie
1946
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Bolek i Lolek Zimowe Wakacje
1963
Behind the camera
7.0Inspector Brumpby (Jaroslav Marvan) and the young crime reporter Allan Pinkerton (Vít Olmer) attend wedding of Sir Hannibal Morris (Oldrich Nový) with beautiful Clarence (Kveta Fialová). After the ceremony, Clarence's ex-husband, criminal Manuel Diaz (Waldemar Matuska), who was believed dead, shows up in her room. He wants to get his hands on Clarence and, most importantly, on the money she would inherit in the eventuality of her new husband's death. Diaz makes attempts on Hannibal's life. He knows his way about an underground labyrinth in the château and the traps he sets up for Hannibal seem to work, since Hannibal is apparently found dead after an explosion in the labyrinth, after which his body vanishes. The inspector tries to solve the countless mysteries. In this, he is joined by Allan, always ahead of the man of the law in his estimation and judgment of the situation.
The Phantom of Morrisville
1966
8.0A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. When one of them says, "more than salt", he banishes her from the kingdom. Not understanding what she meant the King assumes love can only be measured by precious metals or one's own talent, the 'correct' answers from his other two daughters. The arrogance of the King leads him to gather all the salt in the kingdom and destroy it. Of course, this backfires as he slowly learns the universal value of the substance, and of course, the essence of his daughter's reply. With the help of the wise and magical old 'herb woman', the King also learns what it means to be a true and wise ruler.
Once Upon a Time, There Was a King...
1955
8.0A selfish self-centered widowed ruler, barely tolerated by his subjects and called appropriately enough, 'King Myself, First' asks his three daughters to name the measure of their love for him. When one of them says, "more than salt", he banishes her from the kingdom. Not understanding what she meant the King assumes love can only be measured by precious metals or one's own talent, the 'correct' answers from his other two daughters. The arrogance of the King leads him to gather all the salt in the kingdom and destroy it. Of course, this backfires as he slowly learns the universal value of the substance, and of course, the essence of his daughter's reply. With the help of the wise and magical old 'herb woman', the King also learns what it means to be a true and wise ruler.
Once Upon a Time, There Was a King...
1955
7.5Like a fairy tale, King Henry and King Good-thought decided long ago that their only children should marry and so prevent war arising between their kingdoms ever again. But the young prince is wary of marrying anyone he doesn’t know.
The Terribly Sad Princess
1968
7.5Like a fairy tale, King Henry and King Good-thought decided long ago that their only children should marry and so prevent war arising between their kingdoms ever again. But the young prince is wary of marrying anyone he doesn’t know.
The Terribly Sad Princess
1968
7.5Although the emancipated editor of a women's magazine proclaims that grandparents in particular should not be abused by their adult children, she accepts without scruple the fact that her mother, still a sprightly pensioner, works in her household as a jack-of-all-trades without receiving not only any pay but also no recognition. However, the grandmother learns from an article written by her daughter - and rebels.
Páté kolo u vozu
1958
7.5Although the emancipated editor of a women's magazine proclaims that grandparents in particular should not be abused by their adult children, she accepts without scruple the fact that her mother, still a sprightly pensioner, works in her household as a jack-of-all-trades without receiving not only any pay but also no recognition. However, the grandmother learns from an article written by her daughter - and rebels.
Páté kolo u vozu
1958
No synopsis available yet.
Malá historie
1946
No synopsis available yet.
Malá historie
1946
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Bolek i Lolek Zimowe Wakacje
1963
7.0Human bravery can take many forms, just as ideas about it can. Small-town public opinion begins to despise a postal clerk because he gave cash to robbers who didn't hesitate to shoot. The result is a successful study of a man whose previous certainties begin to crumble due to a fateful event.
A Dead Man among the Living
1947
7.0Human bravery can take many forms, just as ideas about it can. Small-town public opinion begins to despise a postal clerk because he gave cash to robbers who didn't hesitate to shoot. The result is a successful study of a man whose previous certainties begin to crumble due to a fateful event.
A Dead Man among the Living
1947
7.6Strict and always dissatisfied grumbler Mr. Angel gets a voucher for summer recreation. He rejects it at first but he eventually decides to use it and spend 14 days in unionist hut Jezerka together with other merited co-workers.
Holiday with Angel
1953
7.6Strict and always dissatisfied grumbler Mr. Angel gets a voucher for summer recreation. He rejects it at first but he eventually decides to use it and spend 14 days in unionist hut Jezerka together with other merited co-workers.
Holiday with Angel
1953
No synopsis available yet.
Všední událost
1943
No synopsis available yet.
Všední událost
1943
6.9Mr. Angel goes winter sporting and at the same time investigates his son's fiancee.
Angel in the Mountains
1955
No synopsis available yet.
Nastupte, prosím!
1960
No synopsis available yet.
Nastupte, prosím!
1960
6.2A fairy tale about how those who have a heart and are not stingy will not fail. The most popular hero of Czech fairy tales, besides the brave prince and the beautiful princess, is undoubtedly Honza, who is often not stupid at all, but on the contrary brave, clever, handsome and cheerful.
Almost King
1977
6.2A fairy tale about how those who have a heart and are not stingy will not fail. The most popular hero of Czech fairy tales, besides the brave prince and the beautiful princess, is undoubtedly Honza, who is often not stupid at all, but on the contrary brave, clever, handsome and cheerful.
Almost King
1977
5.8Christmas has arrived. As a little girl and her parents enter the room, the little girl finds all kinds of toys under the Christmas Tree. She immediately throws her old doll aside and starts playing with her new dolls. But that night she has a dream. Or maybe it isn't a dream?
A Christmas Dream
1945
5.8Christmas has arrived. As a little girl and her parents enter the room, the little girl finds all kinds of toys under the Christmas Tree. She immediately throws her old doll aside and starts playing with her new dolls. But that night she has a dream. Or maybe it isn't a dream?
A Christmas Dream
1945
NRMr. Novák, an insurance company clerk, only cares about his job, nothing else interests him. Even the social changes in February 1948 leave him indifferent. He only becomes aware of them when the insurance company is closed down. He has to make a decision: either retire or go to work in a factory. Neither of these options appeals to Mr. Novák...
Pan Novák
1949
NRMr. Novák, an insurance company clerk, only cares about his job, nothing else interests him. Even the social changes in February 1948 leave him indifferent. He only becomes aware of them when the insurance company is closed down. He has to make a decision: either retire or go to work in a factory. Neither of these options appeals to Mr. Novák...
Pan Novák
1949
7.2It's very human and nice story about lofty princess (her father is amiable but incapable - unforgettable performance of S. Neumann) and good, nice, kind and well-principled young king (prince) who tries to make tender her calm heart to get married with her. After being refused (she's very capricious), he conclude to make her better. He start to work as a gardener at her castle (in secret) and successively bring she to her senses...The story continues when already reformed princess and the young king (she learn about his real identity later) have to take refuge from troops, that princess father (old king) has sent (of course he took a bad and mean counsellors advice). They have to take shelter by several ordinary and poor families, which are always very friendly and give them a help... Of course the tale has happy end.
The Proud Princess
1952
7.2It's very human and nice story about lofty princess (her father is amiable but incapable - unforgettable performance of S. Neumann) and good, nice, kind and well-principled young king (prince) who tries to make tender her calm heart to get married with her. After being refused (she's very capricious), he conclude to make her better. He start to work as a gardener at her castle (in secret) and successively bring she to her senses...The story continues when already reformed princess and the young king (she learn about his real identity later) have to take refuge from troops, that princess father (old king) has sent (of course he took a bad and mean counsellors advice). They have to take shelter by several ordinary and poor families, which are always very friendly and give them a help... Of course the tale has happy end.
The Proud Princess
1952
No synopsis available yet.
Nejvýnosnější prodej
1942
No synopsis available yet.
Nejvýnosnější prodej
1942
8.5The young worker Helena Pokorná and her widowed father are employed in the same factory. The father is spending his holidays at home in Prague and is looking forward to work. Helena is to go to the seaside for a rewarding holiday. On a hot July day, the girl rides to work in a crowded tram. On the embankment, the crowd pushes her out and Helena fails to get into several other cars. Tempted by the river, the girl calls in sick to work. She takes a steamer to Modřany. There she meets a young man who wants to sleep by the river after his night shift. Helena is drawn into the strange pastimes by a group of notorious loafers and water girls.
The Young Lady from the Riverside
1959
8.5The young worker Helena Pokorná and her widowed father are employed in the same factory. The father is spending his holidays at home in Prague and is looking forward to work. Helena is to go to the seaside for a rewarding holiday. On a hot July day, the girl rides to work in a crowded tram. On the embankment, the crowd pushes her out and Helena fails to get into several other cars. Tempted by the river, the girl calls in sick to work. She takes a steamer to Modřany. There she meets a young man who wants to sleep by the river after his night shift. Helena is drawn into the strange pastimes by a group of notorious loafers and water girls.
The Young Lady from the Riverside
1959
No synopsis available yet.
The colorful world of Otakar Nejedly
1954
7.0A comedy about the post-war housing crisis in Prague, which several young people are struggling with. The young puppeteer Josef lives in a sublet with the singer Šimůnek, who is currently missing. After returning from a trip, Josef discovers that a demobilized member of the foreign army, a Slovak woman named Elena, has been given a decree for the apartment. And she does not want a sublet. The couple starts looking for a new sublet, but is unsuccessful due to the housing crisis. However, since the two young people have fallen in love in the meantime, the solution seems obvious...
Nevíte o bytě?
1947
7.0A comedy about the post-war housing crisis in Prague, which several young people are struggling with. The young puppeteer Josef lives in a sublet with the singer Šimůnek, who is currently missing. After returning from a trip, Josef discovers that a demobilized member of the foreign army, a Slovak woman named Elena, has been given a decree for the apartment. And she does not want a sublet. The couple starts looking for a new sublet, but is unsuccessful due to the housing crisis. However, since the two young people have fallen in love in the meantime, the solution seems obvious...
Nevíte o bytě?
1947
7.0Kastl is a hairdresser but his real passion is his second job as football referee. This job takes all his free time and makes his wife very nervous.
Women Offside
1971
No synopsis available yet.
Kozie mlieko
1951
A mother is looking for her missing child, with whom she lost contact while in a concentration camp. The film was completed in 1948, but it was banned from distribution by the government, until finally releasing in 1991.
Powrót
1991
No synopsis available yet.
Kdo je vinen?
1946
No synopsis available yet.
Kdo je vinen?
1946
No synopsis available yet.
Tři knoflíky
1945
