31 Grad im Schatten

A curious and likeable film that is an effective blend of Czech and British filmmaking of the early to mid sixties. Script is by David Mercer but from a Czech story and whilst much of the film has a European look there are interior scenes much more akin to British dramas of the time and then there are all these English faces amongst the Czechoslovak. Ann Todd and the lovely Anne Heywood are most effective as is a seemingly out of place Donald Wolfit and less so the overrated James Booth, who at least manages not to disgrace himself here. It is a rather downbeat tale set mostly in and around a grocery store but there is substantial local colour with marvellous Prague street scenes in the city and beside the river and the dialogue convincing enough to draw the viewer in. The main characters are surprisingly well drawn considering the modest running time and although the downward spiral seems inevitable from the start it is never quite clear what might happen as we witness the developing and changing situation. Well worth a look and as the film was apparently cut differently for British and Czech release will merit second viewing of the Czech language version.