Ein ‚antislowakischer‘ Oscar-Film?

Zur Darstellung des Holocaust im tschechoslowakischen Film Obchod na korze

Abstract

During the clerical-fascist Slovak State, „Tóno“ Brtko, a docile and poor carpenter, is offered the possibility to ,aryanise‘ the small Main Street sewing accessories shop of Rozália Lautmannová. Torn between his good-natured principles and his greedy wife Evelyna, he finally agrees to take over the shop by making the deaf and senile lady believe he is her nephew arriving to help her out. Yet he then discovers that the business is bankrupt, and Ms. Lautmannová is only relying on donations from the Jewish community. While letting his wife believe he is making money from the shop, he gradually becomes a supporter of the old lady. More and more, a cordial relationship between the two evolves. When the Slovak authorities finally decide to deport the Jewish population of the small town, Tóno, in a deep conflict with himself and his values, finally opts for hiding Ms. Lautmannová – a decision which turns into tragedy. Obchod na korze won the ‚Oscar‘ for Best Foreign Language Film in 1966.