The Portrait
Originally released in 1948. The Portrait is a fantasy/horror film. directed by Jiří Slavíček. At just 87 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Otomar Krejča, Luba Skořepová, and Vladimír Šmeral
Synopsis
People are afraid of the usurer Chazaj and are convinced that he is the bearer of evil. One day Chazaj pays a visit to the poor artist Simon Jordán and asks him to paint his portrait. Simon agrees but as he progresses with the work his mind conjures up terrible thoughts and in the end he commits suicide. The portrait looks lifelike and Chazaj is content with the results. After Chazaj's death the picture changes hands and brings misfortune to all who own it. The last victim is the young painter Roman who buys Chazaj's portrait in a bazaar. He finds a treasure in the frame and begins to live well off it. The comfortable life suits him so well that he rejects his original artistic aims and becomes a painter of fashionable kitsch.
Quick Facts
Release Date
January 9, 1948
78 years ago
Runtime
1h 27m
87 minutes total
User Rating
6.5/10
Good (2 votes)
Language
CS
Original language
Country
Czechoslovakia
Production
Director
Top Cast
Otomar Krejča
as Simon Jordán / Stepán Jordán
Luba Skořepová
as Martina Jordánová
Vladimír Šmeral
as Painter Roman
Ladislav Kulhánek
as Professor Mikulás
Karel Dostal
as Extortioner Chazaj
Rudolf Deyl
as Jáchym
Felix le Breux
as Marcel Bernard
Růžena Šlemrová
as Mrs. Viktorová
Ludmila Píchová
as Líza Viktorová
Emil Bolek
as Bussinesman Viktor
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- CS
Production Companies
- Československá filmová společnost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Portrait about?
People are afraid of the usurer Chazaj and are convinced that he is the bearer of evil. One day Chazaj pays a visit to the poor artist Simon Jordán and asks him to paint his portrait. Simon agrees...
Who directed The Portrait?
The Portrait was directed by Jiří Slavíček.
How long is The Portrait?
The Portrait has a runtime of 1 hours and 27 minutes (87 minutes total).
When was The Portrait released?
The Portrait was released on January 9, 1948 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in The Portrait?
The main cast of The Portrait includes Otomar Krejča, Luba Skořepová, Vladimír Šmeral, Ladislav Kulhánek, Karel Dostal.