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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The Firemen's Ball
"A colorful comedy, in which people dance, steal and extinguish the fire."
1967 • 1h 13m • ★ 7.0 (243 votes) Released
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.
Director
Miloš Forman
Screenplay
Ivan Passer
Screenplay
Miloš Forman
Screenplay
Jaroslav Papoušek
Rating
7.0
Runtime
73 min
Production
Filmové studio Barrandov Carlo Ponti Cinematografica
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D
deepkino
★ 7/10 • Sep 26, 2025
Keywords
small towndark comedyczechoslovakiapolitical satireczech new wavecommunist erajoyful






