Guard 13

An attempt to build on the American school of classic detective stories in the noir style. It has a very good cast with the central duo of Dana Medřická and Jaroslav Marvan, as well as a decent script, but it is somewhat outdated and the actors in the supporting roles are not as good. Overall impression: 60%. (15/05/2009)

This Czech crime film based on the book by a local author has proved to be the ideal material for bridging the old and the new at a crucial time. The story of the attempted conversion of a girl from the periphery against the background of an investigation provided several interesting opportunities for Marvan in the lead role, to Nedbal as a caricature of his superior, which he later perfected in an excellent way in Kidnapped, to the classical playwright Ella Nollová, and to the budding Medřická. Unfortunately, in 1946 it was already necessary to replace supporting roles to a large extent with discoveries, often ones lacking brilliance (Marcela Sedláčková, even though she had a famous mother). Or by utterly hopeless episodic actors (Anna Garbielová). Regarding Medřická, I can understand the opportunity Frič gave her after her successful debut in Brom’s Sturdy as a Rock. Her casting in Guard 13 can be seen primarily as a replacement for the lost remake of Suzanne Marwille's famous silent film. (04/03/2009)

A decent noir movie - especially in the second half, it's one surprise after another (I like these stories in which everything seems to be solved, but it's in fact far from it). Thanks to the mostly believable acting performances and skillful direction by Frič, you will remember a lot from Guard 13, and Julius Kalaš did an above-standard job, because the music is downright great. (16/04/2017)

A slightly above average whodunit that badly wants to be psychologically sophisticated, but in the end, with all its drastic twists and turns, is as unbelievable as an angry Andrew Garfield. The actors are very good and convincing, the pace is pleasant, and the twists and turns themselves are surprising, but delivered rather poorly and blandly, which is mainly related to the emotional detachment of Marvans inspector Čadek, who serves as an informational intermediary between the fable and the storyline. The potential was certainly higher. (14/06/2017)

À la fin de ce film policier, j’ai réalisé que je l’avais déjà vu dans un passé lointain. C’est en fait le dénouement qui m’a conduit à cette réalisation. Le rôle de l’inspecteur Čadek convient à merveille à Jaroslav Marvan, sauf que j’ai l’impression que dans la deuxième moitié du film, on dérive progressivement vers le comique de situation, surtout quand il s’agit de savoir qui se trouve dans ce satané cercueil en zinc ! (26/08/2013)