The Cry (1964)
A tender and quietly radical Czech New Wave debut tracing one man's day of memory, love, and social awakening as his child enters the world.
The Cry - Movie Information
- Original Title: Křik
- Release Year: 1964
- Directed by: Jaromil Jireš
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: Czech
- Spoken Languages: Czech
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 14, 1964 (XC)
- Alternative Titles: The Cry (UK), Pierwszy krzyk (PL)
- Production Companies: Filmové studio Barrandov
- Production Countries: Czechoslovakia
The Cry - Plot
While a woman is in the hospital preparing to deliver her child, her husband has all day to reflect upon his wife and their relationship. As he tends to his job as a television repairman, Slavek fondly remembers how he first met Ivana and the days they spent getting to know one another. Slavek also grows increasingly aware of the environment that surrounds him and questions the society his new child will be entering.
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The Cry - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jaromil Jireš
Main Cast
- Eva Límanová
- Josef Abrhám
- Eva Kopecká
- Jiří Kvapil
- Jiří Jánoška
- Josef Kábrt
- Ivan Růžička
- Helena Fingerlandová
- Štěpánka Cittová
- Richard Záhorský
Writers
- Ludvík Aškenazy
- Jaromil Jireš
The Cry - FAQs
Where can I watch The Cry (1964)?
The Cry (1964) is a rare Czech New Wave title with limited mainstream streaming availability. Your best option is to check JustWatch for up-to-date regional streaming, rental, and purchase options, as availability varies by country and platform over time.
What is The Cry (1964) about?
The Cry follows Slávek, a television repairman whose wife Ivana is in the hospital giving birth. Over the course of a single day, he revisits memories of their courtship and reflects on the kind of world his newborn child is about to enter, blending personal tenderness with social observation.
Who directed The Cry (1964)?
The Cry was directed by Jaromil Jireš, a key figure of the Czech New Wave. It served as his feature debut and established the lyrical, introspective style he would later develop further in celebrated works such as Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970).
Who are the main actors in The Cry?
The film stars Eva Límanová as Ivana and Josef Abrhám as Slávek, the young couple at the heart of the story. The supporting cast includes Eva Kopecká, Jiří Kvapil, Jiří Jánoška, Josef Kábrt, Ivan Růžička, Helena Fingerlandová, Štěpánka Cittová, and Richard Záhorský.
Is The Cry part of the Czech New Wave movement?
Yes. The Cry is considered an early and representative work of the Czech New Wave, a cinematic movement of the 1960s that used personal storytelling, documentary-influenced visuals, and subtle social critique to push against the constraints of state-approved filmmaking in Czechoslovakia.
When was The Cry released?
The Cry was released on February 14, 1964, in Czechoslovakia. It was produced by Filmové studio Barrandov, the state-run studio that served as the production home for most major Czech and Slovak films of the era.
How long is The Cry (1964)?
The Cry has a runtime of 80 minutes, making it a compact and focused character study. Its brevity suits the film's single-day narrative structure, which unfolds in real time alongside the protagonist's wandering reflections and memories.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Cry?
The screenplay was written by Ludvík Aškenazy and director Jaromil Jireš. Aškenazy was a prominent Czech author and journalist whose literary sensibility helped shape the film's introspective, humanist tone. Jaroslav Kučera served as cinematographer, with music composed by Jan Klusák.
More About The Cry
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