The Plain Old Maid: A Hidden Gem of Czech Cinema

The 1959 Czech melodrama The Plain Old Maid (Ošklivá slečna) has been released on DVD to coincide with the 12th Noir Film Festival, offering a fresh look at one of the most compelling films from mid-century Czech cinema. This film, directed by Miroslav Hubáček, presents a love story that explores beauty, deception, and self-worth, elevated by the exceptional performances of Dana Medřická and Karel Höger.  In The Plain Old Maid, Dana Medřická portrays Hana Kalvodová, a middle-aged, bitter auditing accountant who arrives at a small regional publishing house to review its finances. Behind her plain appearance lies a woman struggling with deep insecurities and life’s disappointments. Unexpectedly, Hana's life begins to change when she forms a romantic connection with Jiří Štefl, the head editor played by Karel Höger. However, this budding romance faces a dark twist when it is revealed that Jiří is entangled in an embezzlement scandal.  The complex dynamics between the two characters form the emotional core of the film, transforming a simple melodrama into a gripping exploration of love, betrayal, and personal growth. The nuanced acting of both Medřická and Höger was widely praised by contemporary critics, with Medřická's performance described as an “acting concert that meets the highest standards.” The film’s sharp focus on human relationships and ethical dilemmas reflects the writing of Oldřich Daněk, who not only penned the script but also contributed to the direction.  The Plain Old Maid stands out as one of the most remarkable Czech films of the 1950s. Daněk’s screenplay masterfully delves into fundamental questions of human relationships, while the atmospheric cinematography and intense performances from the cast add depth to the story. With no weak points and a dense, emotionally charged atmosphere, the film has become a rediscovered classic, long deserving of its place in the canon of Czech cinema.  Now available on DVD, this restored version of The Plain Old Maid gives modern audiences the chance to experience this forgotten gem. The film offers a powerful narrative of love, deception, and the struggle for identity, wrapped in the haunting tones of Czech melodrama.