Czech Film Center

Synopsis

Radio reporter Emil Vrbata and actress Hana are married. It’s the year 1938. Attractive Hana lands her first
big success in film, admirers flocking about her. Emil is jealous. The German occupation and the beginning
of the war turn their lives upside down. Hana is confronted with her Jewish heritage. From the high hopes
of a star at the start of their career, she falls to the bottom of society’s ladder. Emil, on the other hand, is
promoted at the radio station and becomes the voice of Reich propaganda, a celebrity. He seizes on this
chance to protect Hana and, at the same time, take control of her life. He refuses a divorce and, in the
interest of Hana’s safety, continues in their „racially mixed marriage.“ Emil’s pact with the devil, however,
levies its own tax. Emil’s self-respect cracks, his love for Hana changes into its own „Protectorate.“ Their
marriage twists into a state of indifference. And fate has laid a trap for Emil. One morning, running late to
work from the arms of a lover, he steals an abandoned bicycle on the street. Little does he know the radio
is already buzzing with startling news: „In Prague an attempt was made to assassinate Reich Deputy
Protector Reinhard Heydrich. One of the suspects escaped on a bicycle...“ Emil‘s unfortunate encounter
with the seemingly banal object of the bicycle propels him on a frantic journey for forgiveness in the eyes
of his wife, whom he realizes he has always loved...