105 % alibi
Directed by:
Vladimír ČechCinematography:
Josef StřechaComposer:
Štěpán LuckýCast:
Karel Höger, Josef Bek, Otto Lackovič, Josef Vinklář, Vladimír Menšík, František Vnouček, Eva Kubešová, Miloš Vavruška, Dagmar Zikánová, Jana Štěpánková (more)Plots(1)
105% Alibi, the first of a trio of crime films featuring the investigator duo Tůma – Líbal, represented a breakthrough at a time when the detective genre in Czechoslovakia was in crisis, trapped in the templates of period-appropriate themes. In addition to depicting the systematic work of the socialist police apparatus, the story of the search for the murderer of a lottery winner brought successfully built tension with noirish touches, thanks to Josef Střecha’s cinematography and Štěpán Lucký’s music. The casting of the central pair (Karel Höger, Josef Bek), the complementarity of the contrasting characters of the police officers and the organic element of humor, often based on their interaction, are an integral part of the success. Positive audience and critical reception gave other filmmakers the opportunity to develop the detective story in Czechoslovakia and enabled the creation of a trio of films with Major Kalaš between 1963 and 1969, which represent the pinnacle of the genre. (Noir Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (1)
"So, they've killed Ferdinand, Mr. Batysta..." Those were tough times when rum was only served with tea and coffee and aspiring youths trained under the smoking factory chimneys. The suspects are clearly defined, false leads are set, and it's just a matter of time before the culprit, under the drum solo, falls victim to the detective duo’s tactic of "the more you ask, the more you learn." In my opinion, the most work was done by the cleaning lady, who had to clear cigarette butts and scattered ash from the floor at the station. After all, those two Sherlocks were even smoking in their own "CSI" lab! Three out of ten, mainly because Karel Höger and Josef Bek were on duty.
()