The Devil's Trap () is a 1962 Czechoslovak historical film directed by František Vláčil. It was inspired by Alfréd Technik's novel Mlýn na ponorné řece. It is considered the first part of a loose trilogy of historical films by Vláčil, the others being Marketa Lazarová and The Valley of the Bees.
The film's main theme is the conflict between religion and science. Religion is represented by a fanatical Jesuit priest, while science is represented by an old miller and his son. Vláčil wanted the film to depict the 17th century as authentically as possible.
Plot The film is set in the early 17th century. The Regent of Valeč dislikes Spálený, the local miller, whom local people greatly respect. Spálený knows the local lands well, but his family is suspected of witchcraft due to an incident that occurred generations before. When Swedish soldiers arrive and plunder the land, they also burn the mill, but Spálený and his family miraculously survive. Probus, a fanatical priest, is invited to investigate Spálený. Probus unsuccessfully tries to turn the local people against Spálený. Probus and the Regent then attempt to capture Spálený, but he disappears into a cave complex under the mill. Probus and the Regent try to find him, but they cause a landslide. Only Spálený's son Jan and his girlfriend Martina survive.
Cast Vítězslav Vejražka as Spálený Miroslav Macháček as Probus Vít Olmer as Jan Čestmír Řanda as a Regent Karla Chadimová as Martina Vlastimil Hašek as Gamekeeper Filip
Reception Accolades Date of ceremony Event Award Result 1962 Locarno Festival Special recognition by film press 1965 Artistic competition at 20th anniversary of Liberation of Czechoslovakia Main award for feature-length film
References
External links