Vinnetou: Skutečná historie nejúspěšnějšího filmu socialismu

Before 1989, the most popular film ever shown in Czech cinemas wasn’t an American blockbuster, but a European production that captivated audiences for an unprecedented run. Poklad na Stříbrném jezeře (The Treasure on Silver Lake) drew over 10 million viewers and held the record for continuous screenings for 19 weeks – a feat that remains unbroken.

A Bold Gamble in the Western Genre

Producer Horst Wendlandt took a significant risk by producing a large-scale adventure western based on the works of Karl May. Westerns were, at the time, almost exclusively an American domain, and the portrayal of Native Americans typically cast them as adversaries, not heroes.

Did You Know? The film utilized over 2,500 horses and 3,000 different props during production, including 450 arrows and 12,000 marks.

Poklad na Stříbrném jezeře premiered in Stuttgart’s Universum cinema to enthusiastic acclaim. Skeptics questioned whether a European film could compete with American box office hits like The Magnificent Seven. The film ultimately reached over sixty countries and enjoyed success worldwide.

Nineteen Weeks of Cinematic Frenzy

When Poklad na Stříbrném jezeře arrived in Czech cinemas in May 1964, it sparked a sensation. The film ran continuously for nineteen weeks, attracting an incredible 10,040,000 viewers. This record remained unchallenged, surpassing even the 9,057,000 who saw Winnetou a year later, and the 8,990,000 who saw Winnetou – Red Gentleman.

One individual recalls waiting two hours in line with friends, considering it a stroke of luck to even get a ticket, with some waiting all afternoon and still missing the last showing.

Stars on the Rise

Lex Barker starred as Old Shatterhand and Pierre Brice as Winnetou. However, the two actors weren’t yet the established draws they would become. Their popularity grew with subsequent films in the series.

Expert Insight: Wendlandt’s decision to challenge the dominance of Hollywood in the Western genre, and to present a more nuanced portrayal of Native American characters, proved to be a remarkably successful strategy, demonstrating the potential for European productions to achieve international acclaim.

Barker had some recognition from his role as Tarzan, but hadn’t achieved the Hollywood breakthrough he desired. Brice received the role just weeks before filming began, for a lower fee than other cast members. He initially lacked horse-riding skills, had limited dialogue, and questioned the project, agreeing only because of Barker’s involvement.

British-Czech actor Herbert Lom, playing the bandit Cornel Brinkley, was the true star of the cast, commanding a significantly higher salary than Brice. He was initially skeptical of the project and didn’t acknowledge his involvement for several decades, only viewing the film in 2004 at the Zlín Film Festival, where he was pleasantly surprised.

A Budding Partnership

Modern viewers might notice the limited interaction between Barker and Brice in the film, and a lack of the chemistry they would later display. This was because it was their first collaboration, and they barely knew each other.

Yugoslavian Landscapes Stand In for the American West

Filming primarily took place in Yugoslavia, specifically near Plitvice Lakes. The Western town of Tulsa was constructed along the coast. Butler’s farm was located in the Grobnik valley, and the cave concealing the treasure was created in an improvised studio within a fire station in Crikvenica.

Local residents from the village of Plitvička Jezera portrayed the Native American tribes. During the filming of the battle for Butler’s farm – one of the most challenging sequences – cameraman Ernst W. Kalinke was struck by a burning torch and required eight days of hospitalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Poklad na Stříbrném jezeře so successful?

The film attracted over 10 million viewers in Czech cinemas and ran for 19 weeks, a record that has not been broken. It was a bold attempt to create a European Western, challenging the dominance of Hollywood in the genre.

Who were the main stars of the film?

Lex Barker played Old Shatterhand and Pierre Brice played Winnetou, but Herbert Lom, as Cornel Brinkley, was considered the true star of the initial film.

Where was the film shot?

The majority of filming took place in Yugoslavia, specifically near Plitvice Lakes, with sets constructed in coastal areas and a fire station.

Considering the film’s enduring popularity and its unique production story, what elements do you think contribute to a film’s lasting impact on audiences?