How to Drown Dr. Mracek, the Lawyer

The 1970s. Czechoslovak water sprites (vodníci) are tormented not only by the housing crisis caused by the construction of new, overly dry socialist apartments, but above all by a shrinking population. In short, there may not be another generation of water sprites.

The unparalleled duo of Václav Vorlíček and Miloš Macourek once again looks at an idealized present through the lens of fairy-tale characters. Despite the lightness and playfulness of the theme—also evident in the humorous storyline involving West German youths who are supposed to revive the dwindling population of Czech water sprites—the film touches on a subject typical of Czechoslovak cinema of the 1970s. The “disenchantment” of reality was then a particular aspect of the normalization process that society was undergoing. Yet the political context does not diminish the film’s entertainment value, in which humorous storylines intertwine with inventive special effects.

Petr Vlček

Václav Vorlíček (1930–2019) – film director and screenwriter renowned for his distinctive blend of fantasy, humor, and imaginative storytelling. His films are marked by inventive plots, playful confrontations between the real and the imaginary, and a deep fascination with magic, science fiction, and eccentric scientific experiments. He began his career at Barrandov Studios as an assistant set designer. He later studied directing at FAMU (1951–1956) and returned to Barrandov as an assistant director. In the early 1960s, he started directing independently, focusing mainly on children’s films and comedies. Many of his works went on to achieve cult status, and in the Czech Republic he is often affectionately referred to as the king of fairy tales and comedy.

section partner