Mandragora

A television production of a Renaissance comedy by N. Machiavelli. A sharp criticism of society, a sharp satire on the wickedness of the clergy and human stupidity that causes the breakdown of marriage. The old lawyer Calfacci, husband of the young and beautiful Lucrezia, is unable to father a child. Callimaco, in love with Lucrezia, convinces him to give his wife a decoction of mandrake. At the same time, he warns him that anyone who comes into physical contact with Lucrezia for the first time will die from the effects of the poison. Therefore, the first villain (whom Callimaco himself is) must be caught and sacrificed for a good cause. However, he must convince Lucrezia's mother and the virtuous Lucrezia, and thus bribe the confessor Timoteo. The monk approves this intention with his casuistic interpretation and blesses him.

Directed by Pavol Haspra, Mandragora leans on a strong ensemble — Milan Kňažko, Marián Labuda, Dušan Blaškovič — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1979.