On Death Row

Ferenc Gergó met Béla Nagy in the army, who later appeared at his workplace, a rural communications technology factory, as a counterintelligence officer, and played a major role in Gergó being sent to death row in 1958. Here he recalls what happened. Gergó fell in love with Zsuzsa, the wife of his friend, chief engineer Wágner. However, before their conflict could unfold, Wágner was arrested on suspicion of espionage and died in prison. Zsuzsa rejected Gergó's advances for a while and raised her child alone. After rekindling their relationship, they get married. On their honeymoon, they learn of the outbreak of the revolution. On their way home, they take part in one of the revolutionaries' actions. Gergó becomes a member of the factory workers' council. He saves Nagy from being lynched. In November, the factory is surrounded by soldiers. Gergó is also arrested...

Directed by János Zsombolyai, On Death Row leans on a strong ensemble — Péter Malcsiner, Gábor Máté, Barbara Hegyi — 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 drama titles of 1990.