about the movie
Brief plot outline.
May 1327
Two young messengers, Břeněk and Matyáš, sent by King John of Luxembourg, are heading to Znojmo. They bring news about the movements of King John, who is going to visit his royal city of Znojmo, where he intends to properly celebrate his successful statesmanship in Wrocław. But he also has another important meeting planned here with the Austrian dukes. (So much historical fact and the background of our story. Royal entrances were always among the most watched events of the time, in terms of pomp, size of the procession, etc. Therefore, great care was taken to make them turn out well and always show, in a good light, the greatness of the monarch).
But to the story.
Night overtakes our messengers on their way. They stop at a traveling pub where they intend to spend the night. During dinner, they enjoy the music of minnesengros and the art of jugglers. The party of the Austrian ambassador Konrád of Rízenburg, who is also heading to Znojmo at the invitation of the king, is also accommodated here. The young messengers listen to the song, in which Minesengr sings about the most beautiful Znojmo virgin in the whole wide area. Austrians will also be interested in the song. Both are trying to find out more information about the said maiden. Everything ends up in such a way that a dispute arises, in which the overpowering Austrians win. So jugglers, musicians and our messengers prefer to flee to the gates of Znojmo that same evening.
Their effort to reach the burgomaster late at night with an important message fails. But before morning comes, the young nobleman's interest in the most beautiful maiden from Znojmo will lead to the burgomaster's daughter Mariana and her maid Běta. And from there to the shuttle, which the two girls inadvertently take care of. Young gentlemen are somewhat attracted to girls and, as is obvious, it is also the other way around. In the cabin, however, they will find a completely different company. Thieves, light women, beggars, simply all scum, which is promptly collected, because it is known that King John is coming, who will suffer both for fun pastimes in tournaments and feasts, and also for pastimes punishing the gallows.
Meanwhile, at the Znojmo town hall, the burgomaster and aldermen are impatiently waiting for any messenger from the king. And one messenger after another is sent to meet the king. However, the connection is mysteriously interrupted on both sides.
Somewhere on the way to Znojmo, there is King Jan with his retinue. He is also somewhat nervous that he is not receiving any current news from the city of Znojmo. It is not worthy of his majesty that the royal entrance should not be properly prepared. As the beggar monk says in the story: "That would be a shame only in Flanders."
However, no one pays attention to the two messengers in the cabin. Both know that action is needed. And here begins our own story full of adventures, love vicissitudes, humorous situations and songs. Taking place where? Well, in the medieval royal city of Znojmo.