The Last Manuscript

This sarcastic drama is taken from the popular Hungarian novel by Tibor Dery. A terminally ill writer (Jozef Kroner) of national prominence watches as family and friends gather like vultures for his imminent demise. Relli (Alexander Bardini) smiles and pretends to be the writer's friend as he tries to get his hands on an unpublished manuscript. The opening scene is the highlight of the film. While the dead writer is being laid to rest in a national funeral, he emerges from the coffin and walks into his own grave while the mourners flee in terror.

Directed by Károly Makk, The Last Manuscript leans on a strong ensemble — Jozef Kroner, Aleksander Bardini, Eszter Nagy-Kálózy — 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 1987.