The End of a Priest (1969)
A sharp Czechoslovak New Wave comedy in which a priest-impersonating verger stirs up a small village — and the wrath of its atheist teacher.
The End of a Priest - Movie Information
- Original Title: Farářův konec
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Evald Schorm
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: Czech
- Spoken Languages: Czech
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 10, 1969 (XC)
- Alternative Titles: The Parson's End (US)
- Production Companies: Filmové studio Barrandov
- Production Countries: Czechoslovakia
The End of a Priest - Plot
A verger, who likes to dress as a priest, is invited, by one of the villagers, to be the pastor at a vacant church. The atheist teacher resents the pastor, and tries to embarrass him in various ways, including being caught with the local girl, Majka.
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The End of a Priest - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Evald Schorm
Main Cast
- Vlastimil Brodský
- Jan Libíček
- Jana Brejchová
- Zdena Škvorecká
- Jaroslav Satoranský
- Vladimír Valenta
- Helena Růžičková
- Josefa Pechlátová
- Martin Růžek
- Gueye Cheick
Writers
- Josef Škvorecký
- Evald Schorm
The End of a Priest - FAQs
What is The End of a Priest about?
The End of a Priest follows a church verger who loves dressing as a priest and gets invited by villagers to serve as their pastor. His charade quickly draws the ire of the local atheist teacher, who schemes to expose him — leading to a sharp, satirical comedy about faith, hypocrisy, and small-town life.
Is The End of a Priest a political satire?
Absolutely. Directed by Evald Schorm during the Czechoslovak New Wave, the film uses its comic premise to skewer both religious institutions and Communist-era atheism. The clash between the fake priest and the zealous teacher mirrors the ideological tensions of 1960s Czechoslovakia in a brilliantly subversive way.
Who directed The End of a Priest?
The film was directed by Evald Schorm, one of the key figures of the Czechoslovak New Wave. Known for his thoughtful, morally probing films, Schorm brought a distinctive blend of dark humor and social critique to this project, working from a script co-written with novelist Josef Škvorecký.
Who are the main actors in The End of a Priest?
The cast is led by Vlastimil Brodský as the verger and Jan Libíček as the antagonistic teacher, with Jana Brejchová playing the local girl Majka. All three were prominent figures in Czech cinema, and their performances give the film much of its comic energy and emotional depth.
Is The End of a Priest based on a book?
Yes — the screenplay was co-written by Evald Schorm and Josef Škvorecký, the celebrated Czech-Canadian novelist. Škvorecký adapted the story from his own literary work, bringing his sharp wit and satirical eye to the script. The collaboration between the two is central to the film's distinctive voice.
What is the significance of the Czechoslovak New Wave?
The Czechoslovak New Wave (roughly 1963–1968) was a remarkable burst of cinematic creativity, producing films that used allegory and dark humor to critique Communist rule. The End of a Priest arrived at the tail end of this movement, just before the Soviet-led invasion of 1968 effectively ended the era.
What are some similar films to The End of a Priest?
If you enjoy this film, Martyrs of Love (1967) by Jan Němec is a natural companion piece from the same New Wave era. For broader Czech satire, Miloš Forman's early comedies share a similar spirit. Internationally, films blending religious imposture with social comedy offer comparable pleasures.
Where was The End of a Priest filmed?
The film was produced at the legendary Barrandov Studios in Prague, Czechoslovakia's premier film production facility. Much of the story unfolds in a rural village setting, which cinematographer Jaromír Šofr captures with a warm yet gently ironic eye that perfectly suits the film's satirical tone.
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